May 10, 2010

Pink Champagne Cupcakes

Remember the whole wheat imposter flour of 2010? The deal breaker was the champagne cupcakes I attempted to make. I slaved over them for a coworkers birthday and wound up with muffin-like dense "cupcakes" that went directly into the garbage. This Sunday was not only Mother's Day, but also a girl at work's last day. I was ready to give it another shot and boy am I glad I did.

The good news? They only use about 3/4 of a bottle of champagne which leaves plenty of champagne for the baker to enjoy


Pink Champagne Cupcakes with Pink Champagne Frosting
2/3 cup butter, at room temp
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup champagne *You can use pink champagne if so inclined. I chose not to because it's flippin' expensive. Instead I toss in some pink food coloring. For these I used wilton's rose petal*
6 large egg whites, at room temperature *stay tuned for more information on egg whites*

Preheat oven to 350 F. Insert liners into a medium cupcake pan.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes
In a separate bowl, sift together all dry ingredients.
Blend all the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, alternating with champagne
*This batter is extremely thick, but don't worry*
In a large clean bowl, beat the egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold one-third of the whites into the batter until blended, then add the rest and fold until well-blended *I just used the stir function on my mixer because my arm almost fell off attempting to fold it with a spatula.*
Fill the cupcake liners three-quarters of the way full. Bake 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean

Brush cooled cupcakes with champagne
Champagne Frosting

3/4 cup vegetable shortening
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temp
3 tablespoons champagne
4 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

In a large bowl beat the shortening and butter until creamy.
Add the champagne. Slowly add confectioners' sugar and beat until smooth. If necessary, add additional champagne to achieve desired spreading consistency.

*WARNING!!!* These cupcakes are meant to be eaten fresh. They do not taste the same the day after, which most likely has to do with the champagne.  Consider yourself warned.
Tutorial on making those pretty roses to come....

This post is linked up to the linky parties I participate in. Be sure to check them out for some great ideas!

32 comments:

Sarah @ The Pumpkin Patch said...

Lauren these are absolutely beautiful! I love to bake and have just gotten into cake decorating. I hope someday I can make something as beautiful as these!!

Thanks for linking up to my Messy Monday party. I can't wait to see what you have to share next week!!!

bodaat said...

woah! your icing skills are killer! those roses are gorgeous!

Unknown said...

Holey moley. Those look incredible!!!

Susan said...

Beautiful cupcakes...can't wait to see your tutorial!

Allison said...

Beautiful work! I thought it was a real rose from the thumbnail on Tip Junkie!

Anonymous said...

I thought this was a real rose from the thumbnail. Beautiful work!

Laura E. Sanchez said...

how cute are this cupcakes!, and I have to tell you they look so tasty, I will try to see if for the holy grace I can make them, :)

Thoughts of a Career Woman

April J Harris said...

What beautiful cupcakes - and made with one of my favourite things - champagne!! Not sure if I'd be able to make those gorgeous roses though - you are very talented!!

Meredith said...

WOW! Those look fantastic!

Amanda said...

Oh my goodness!!! Those are stinkin' gorgeous!! I can hardly slap on icing right and look what you did with it! Amazing.

FLOWERSHOPGURL said...

Hello, I have been trying to find this exact recipe. I can't wait to give it a try. They look so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Hugz,
Kim

Unknown said...

Thanks for linking such a wonderful recipe to Tuesday Tastes! They are so pretty! I think you might have forgotten to link back, make sure you do if you have a chance so you aren't disqualified from the People's Choice Award:)

Jennifer {Studio JRU} said...

They are SO pretty! What a great shot! :)

Wendy said...

Those pretty roses on top are to die for. I will be checking back to read your tutorial!

Christy said...

Wow! Your cupcakes are so beautiful! Swinging over from tip junkie. ;o)

Unknown said...

So pretty!

Contact: said...

cupcake porn! gorgeous!

Chasing Dreams Photography said...

These are gorgeous and look yummy!!!

Santa's Gift Shoppe and Ideas said...

Hi..I’m Barb….I am from tip junkie..
I am your newest follower. I hope you will get a chance to visit my blog @ santasgiftshoppe.blogspot.com
& get inspired by something for your family/home. I hope you will follow me as well. Nice to meet ya new friend!!!

Bird said...

That simply epitomises everything dainty and feminine!

Can't wait to see how you make the roses!

Coming from Crazy Daisy and voting for you!! :)

Unknown said...

I cannot tell you how much I love these! My aunt in Montana loves a champagne cake from a bakery in Great Falls, I would love to make these for her sometime! I am so glad you linked to Tuesday Tastes! I just put the People's Choice Award poll up on my sidebar, when you have a chance, come vote!

Happy Day,
Jasey @ Crazy Daisy
www.crazyjayzplace.blogspot.com

Kaysi said...

Wow those are gorgeous!! Too pretty to eat :)

Renée said...

So luscious and lovely! Will follow and look forward to the rose tutorial...thanks!

Debbi Does Dinner Healthy said...

This is beautiful! Glad you posted that warning about them not tasting the same the next day. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful cupcakes!

Julianna said...

I love those beautiful roses! I'd love for you to link up for Flower Week @ Singing Three Little Birds. http://singingthreelittlebirds.blogspot.com/2010/05/flower-week-linky-party.html

Unknown said...

Lauren, I just announced that you are the Tuesday Tastes People's Choice Award winner! Head over and grab an award button! Use it however you like - in an announcing post, on your sidebar, displayed on your winning Pink Champagne Cupcake post! These are so beautiful! Thanks again for linking up! Hope to see you again at Tuesday Tastes! Congrats!

Happy Day,
Jasey @ Crazy Daisy
www.crazyjayzplace.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Ooops! I meant to give you a link!

http://crazyjayzplace.blogspot.com/2010/05/tuesday-tastes-peoples-choice-award-7.html

Congrats!
~Jasey

michelle@somedaycrafts said...

Oh my goodness!! They look yummy!! Thanks for linking up!!!!

Julianna said...

I am featuring you today for Flower Week!

urbanprincess said...

Oh my gosh! These are so beautiful. Almost to pretty to eat. I'm going to make some for my daughter's baby shower. I'm sure mine won't be quite so pretty.

Shabby chic Sandy said...

This recipe sounds awesome-I'm your newest follower!