Left-Over Cupcake Batter

Freeze! Don't throw it away!

I can’t tell you how many times I have made a full bowl of batter just to make 6 little cupcakes! I finally decided that I would try freezing my left-over batter in a glass pyrex container. I didn’t know if it would work or not, but it was better than wasting all the left-overs. The next time I needed to make cupcakes, I took the batter out, let it thaw ahead of time, and made my cupcakes as usual. I anxiously tasted the cupcakes after they had cooled, and to my wonderful surprise, they were fabulous, and still so fresh!! An added perk? When baked,  the thawed batter formed the most beautiful cupcake peaks!

I have saved myself so much time and money with this simple trick. So here are a few pointers for saving your batter:

1. I have tried saving in both plastic and glass Tupperware. I wasn’t happy with the way the plastic Tupperware preserved my batter. I now use soley glass Tupperware with a very secure lid.
2. Frozen batter only lasts for 7-10 days in the freezer. Any longer and it doesn’t rise or taste good at all. The sooner you can use it, the better.
3. Make sure all of the air is released from the Tupperware. The more air you have, the more ice crystals will form. No one like frostbitten cupcake batter!
4. Don’t use the microwave to thaw your batter. Give your batter a few hours to thaw before you are going to bake.
5. Make sure you label your batter with the flavor and the date – that way you don’t forget what it is, or when you first made it.

I hope this trick saves you as much time and money as it has saved me! Have a sweet day!

Xoxo, Jill

Sprinkles, Aprons and Minis

Happy Friday everyone!

I don’t know about you – but I am so glad the weekend is here! Today’s post is a mix-up of a few different things (all cupcake related though..of course!)

Every wonder how professional cupcake bakers get the perfect amount of sprinkles around the edge of their frosted cupcake? Me too, until I just tried it and realized it’s not hard at all!

Once you’re cupcake is frosted, pick out the type of sprinkles you want to use. Pour 1.5 Tablespoons of sprinkles into the palm of your left hand. Holding the cupcake in your right hand, dip the edge of the cupcake’s frosting in the sprinkles – rotate the cupcake’s edge in the sprinkles until you have made a complete circle. Fill in any spots that aren’t covered and VOILA – a very professional looking sprinkle job!!

Whats better than sprinkles?!!?

But what about looking the part?? Every cupcake baker needs an apron! My new sponsor Apron Queen  has just what you are looking for! Her shop is filled with the most adorable aprons and gloves!

Here are some of my favorites:

Cupcake Apron for Cupcake Baking!

"Diva Dish Gloves" by Apron Queen

Everyone looks cute in Pink Polka Dots!

 Stop by and check out her shop – if you don’t see a pattern you like, she will be happy to create a custom design just for you! I’m still trying to decide which apron I want to buy!

 

Feel like cupcakes but don’t feel like making them yourself? Good news…Today’s Special on Stay Calm Cupcake Shop is a 6 pack of Mini Cupcakes for only $3.00!! Head on over and order yours while supplies last.

Stay Sweet!

Xoxo, Jill

Sweet New Sponsors!

Happy Tuesday everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the long weekend. It was so nice having yesterday off!

Today I would like to introduce you to some fabulous new sponsors! Each of my new blog sponsors has a creative, affordable, and entirely unique Etsy shop. I just know you’ll love their products as much as I do.

First we have “Cupcake Fashion: Tasty Style”. An Etsy boutique specializing in a large variety of unique and adorable cupcake liners! These liners range in price from $2.40 – $4.50 and are perfect for almost any cupcake occasion you can think of. My personal favorite is the pink leopard print liners!   Check out the great selection and order some liners for your Valentines cupcakes!

 

Heart Sprinkles by Baking Supplies Galore

 

Next is “Baking Supplies Galore”. This fun shop is perfect for all cupcake lovers! From Pink Pig shaped sprinkles to Dinosaur Candy Sprinkles  this shop has everything a cupcake needs! Even better, “Baking Supplies Galore” is offering  Stay Calm Cupcake readers 15% OFF any purchase! Just use code staycalm15 to get your special pricing! Hurry while the offer lasts!

Koala Bear Lollipop from Suckers by Steph

Last but not least, we have “Suckers by Steph”. This shop offers a wonderful selection of homemade lollipops perfect a quick pick-me-up or a special valentine’s treats. Her chocolate lollipops come in all shapes and sizes. From personalized pops, to “I love you koala bears”, this shop has a treat for everyone! I have to say that I love the lip shaped lollipops the most!

A big “Thank-You” and a warm welcome to all 3 of my new sponsors. I know my readers will love your products as much as I do.

Don’t for get to stop by Stay Calm Cupcake Shop for all of your Valentine’s treats and snacks! Use code SWEET2011 for 13% off your ENTIRE purchase!

Stay Sweet

Xoxo,

Jill

From Simple to Sweet!

Hello readers,

Classic Vanilla

Today I want to share with  you a little secret. The secret to fabulous cupcakes  is decorating! Making a good cupcake isn’t that difficult, but its the decorating that gives each of your cupcakes that extra something special.

From Simple to "Sweet"!

These simple vanilla cupcakes are topped with my signature cream-cheese frosting and topped with edible sugar decorations that say “sweet”. I found these on sale at Joann’s Fabrics – they were only $2 for a pack of 12!!

Another great place to find decroation inspiration is at your local Marshalls or TJMaxx – their home goods sections always have the most adorable sprinkles at crazy affordable prices.

Yummy Chocolate Variety!

I recently made a batch of chocolate fudge cupcakes. My dilema was how to create a “variety box” with only one flavor cake. I decided to use 3 different icings, and 3 different types of decorations. One simple cupcake, turned into 3 great variations! I used cream cheese frosting and left it white, vanilla frosting and dyed it a beautiful blue, and topped the rest with my irresitable chocolate mousse. YUM! The best part about this, is you are bound to please everyone with a variety of cupcakes, and they didn’t even take long! It’s amazing what a couple of sprinkles will do for your cupcake!

Overall, be creative with your cupcakes. My golden rule is to use sprinkles sparingly (too many sprinkles can look a little tacky) and always decorate for the event. Don’t be afraid to try new things! If worst comes to worst, you don’t like it and you try again. It’s just icing 🙂 Nothing is permanent. Have fun and send me some pictures of your cupcake decorating skills!!

 

Til next time, stay sweet. xoxo