HomeMaker’s Challenge- New Recipe

The challenge this wee was to try a new recipe, and share it. I was lucky enough to be braving a new recipe for our double birthday party last weekend. A cake recipe!

I found this recipe on Paula Deen’s website for Old-Fashioned Cupcakes. There is also a recipe for icing, but I will share my own spin-off of the Wilton standby. I will say that I always make homemade icing, but have been too afraid to try the cake until this week.

The cupcakes~

1 3/4 cup cake flour (not self-rising)
1 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
2   sticks unsalted butter, cut into cubes
4   large eggs
1 cup whole milk (I used skim)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions~

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line cupcake pans with paper liners; set aside. 

Combine in a bowl both flours, sugar, baking powder and salt. Mix on low speed until combined for about 3 minutes. Add in cubed butter, mixing until just coated with flour. 

Add eggs 1 at a time until combined. Slowly add milk and vanilla to batter until completely mixed scraping down the bowl as you mix. 

Scoop batter into baking cups filling about 2/3 full. Bake until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 17 to 20 minutes. 

Sam’s Icing~

4 sticks of butter (use margarine and I disown you)

1 tsp. clear vanilla

1 tsp. pure almond extract

8 cups powdered sugar, sifted (it really makes a difference)

milk- I eyeball it, start with a tablespoon and feel (or taste ) for desired consistency. (I prefer thicker icing)

Cream softened butter and flavorings. Add powdered sugar gradually, until well mixed. Add milk to taste.

This will make enough icing to generously cover all of the cupcakes, and plenty to give the kids who want some on a spoon, and probably some after that. I use a very large 1M icing tip with the big Wilton bag, and I always say more icing is better than well, not enough icing!

The verdict?

I will never buy store bought cake mix again! This cake was simple, great tasting on its own, and perfect with my icing.

Trust me- 10’s of people agree!