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How to Make CupcakesCupcakes are all the rage these days, Much has changed since those early day cupcakes Cupcakes are a great way to make dessert. They're already in individual portion sizes, they're easy to transport to events, they can be made in all sorts of flavors and decorated for any occassion. They can be served without cutting them, and even without a plate, if need be. They're not as messy or big and bulky as a cake, but you still get that same great, moist cake flavor! They're also quick and easy to make, whether you're doing it from scratch or you're using a boxed cake mix.
Cupcakes actually originated in the late 1700's. The name "cupcake" is believed to have come from two different things: First, they were baked in cups or ramikins (back before the muffin tin was invented) and second, they were made by measuring the ingredients out in cups, which was different than the usual weighing of ingredients that usually happened back then. (If you'd like to try out what might be the earliest known cupcake recipe? It's called the 1234 Cake or the Number Cake and is thought to be from the early 1800's.)
Below you'll find all the information you need on how to make cupcakes, some helpful tips to make your cupcake baking experience a great one, and some links to great recipes and cupcake ideas. Equipment Needed to Make Cupcakes: 1. Muffin tin (having two muffin tins is easier, but one works) 2. Cupcake papers (or something such as butter, margarine, non-stick spray, etc. to grease the muffin tins with so that the cupcakes don't stick). 3. Large mixing bowl 4. Measuring cups and spoons 5. Electric mixture (optional) 6. Large mixing spoon 7. Spatula 8. Wire cooling rack (not totally necessary, but handy to have) 9. Oven Helpful Tips for Successful Cupcake Making: 1. When making cupcakes, it's helpful to use ingredients that are room temperature. This helps keep the batter from becoming lumpy, or from the batter being over-stirred because you're trying to get the lumps out. 2. Make sure to either grease or place a cupcake paper in each muffin tin to help prevent sticking. 3. Preheat your oven to the temperature for your specific recipe. 4. Fill the muffin tins 2/3 with batter. Less will make your cupcakes flat, more will cause them to overflow, or keep the centers too gooey. 5. Don't over-mix the batter. It can make the cupcakes tough. 6. Don't over cook the cupcakes. Test them at the minimum time suggested on the recipe. To do this, insert a toothpick in center. If it comes out clean, it's done. If it comes out gooey, it still needs some cooking. 7. If there's more batter than you can cook in one pan, cover and refridgerate the batter while the first batch cooks. 8. If you need to re-use the same muffin tin, allow it to cool for 15 minutes before placing the new batch of batter in the tins. 9. Some people say it's easier to use an icecream scoop to fill the muffin tins. Other's say using a 1/3 cup measuring cup works well. 10. Wait until cupcakes are completely cool before frosting (or the frosting just might melt and slide off!) 11. Freshly frost cupcakes right before serving. 12. Cover unfrosted cupcakes to keep them from drying out. 13. If you want to freeze your cupcakes, don't decorate them first (candies and such don't freeze very well). Store them in an airtight container. They'll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw them either on the counter or in the refridgerator. Ingredients Needed to Make Cupcakes: Cupcakes come in dozens, if not hundreds of flavors and variations, so the ingredients you'll need depends on the recipe. Generally speaking, flour, water or milk, eggs, butter or oil, and some sort of levening (such as baking powder or baking soda), as well as salt and or other spices are needed. Here are some cupcake recipes to get you started, if you'd like to make cupcakes from scratch (don't let the 'from scratch' part intimidate you...it's easy to make cupcakes! Really!) Cupcake and Frosting Recipes:Peppermint Buttercream Frosting
Unique Cupcake Ideas:
Would you like to know more history about the cupcake?
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