Sunday, February 7, 2010

SMS - Red Velvet Cupcakes


Red velvet cupcakes are the foundation of many of the chic cupcakes shops springing up around the country. One of these shops was the reason my coworkers requested red velvet cupcakes. The shop cupcakes were dry, the frosting overly sweet and stiff, and they wanted the real thing.

Lucky for me this week's Sweet Melissa Sundays pick is red velvet cake, hosted by Rosy of Rosy Lips and Lavendar. I chose to make cupcakes, even though I was a bit intimidated that people would be comparing them to professional cupcakes. I know I've mentioned many times that my piping and decorating skills are primitive, but these cupcakes were exhibit A.

These were a snap to make, and in spite of the three sticks of butter and 12 ounces of cream cheese, the frosting was light and fluffy. And they were a hit at work. Raves all around.

Thanks, Rosy, for a great pick! If you'd like the recipe, stop by Rosy's as she'll have it posted.

20 comments:

Nina said...

I agree, everyone now loves cupcakes, but sometimes the cupcakes in the shops are so dry and not so good.

Your piping is horrible. Piping always takes practice, you should have seen my first time. haha.

Unknown said...

Hey Leslie, I made cupcakes too! I only made 1/3 of the recipe and still got 12 cupcakes. The reviews will have to wait until tonight when I serve them at my Super Bowl gathering, but I'm glad they were a hit with your coworkers. I don't think I've had a cupcake from a shop in over 10 years and it sounds like maybe I'm not missing much :)

pipedi said...

I think your cupcakes are darling :)

Stephanie said...

They look great! The frosting does look really nice and fluffy! I opted to use buttercream instead, but after seeing everyone's delicious looking cream cheese frostings, I may have to make this cake again with its classic frosting pairing!

Susan said...

Leslie, your piping skills are just fine. :) I made a different icing for mine but agree that these are a hit! Looks like most everyone made cupcakes. :)

Hanaâ said...

Glad these were a hit with the coworkers. And your piping isn't too bad; at least you tried :o) And you know what they say... practice makes perfect.

Julie said...

Your cupcakes look great. At least you did piping!!! Me, I am still frosting the old fashioned way.

Flourchild said...

Yep I agree with you easy to make and good. Im glad you liked the recipe. YOur cupcakes look splendid!

Delicious Dishings said...

They look fabulous! I'm actually going to make some red velvet cake for Valentine's Day!

Cherine said...

I love your cupcakes :)

Rosy said...

I tried the proper piping method for a while but I've found that cakes look just wonderful with a good layer slathered on the top with a spatula. I'm going to post some next week actually...

Although I think your icing looks lovely! Glad you liked the recipe and thank you so much for baking with me this week x

k.a.r.e.n said...

Great looking cupcakes and you got some great piping skills!

Anonymous said...

I've never had a 'cupcake shop' cupcake and I'm glad! That just means that I get to make 'em my way :)

I like your piping job. iiii have no skills when it comes to piping frosting on cuppies. No skill at all.

Melissa said...

I think your cupcakes look great! Who cares anyway as long as they taste good!!! :o)

Jaime said...

not sure what you're talking about b/c yours look so much better than mine!

Velva said...

Your red velvet cake cupcakes look really good. I think your piping skills are more than primitive and no doubt those cupcakes are moist and delicious.

Thanks for sharing.

margot said...

Leslie, I didn't even photograph the cupcakes I piped because they looked so bad; yours look nice. Glad they were a hit with the co-workers!

Shandy said...

Your cupcakes were a rave at work and I can totally see why! I am glad, even though you may have felt a little intimidated, you went ahead and baked them because your cupcakes are adorable! =)

Chats the Comfy Cook said...

I think your cupcakes look just fine. You might want to share them with Have the Cake.

http://havethecake.blogspot.com/.

We are baking Red Velvet cake or cupcakes, this month.

Keri said...

Hi Leslie, what things of beauty are these babies. You're killin me. What your kitchen must smell like... ,mmmmmmm .. Thanks for poppin in at Samwich365, loved seeing your comment. Gotta go, I see a curried chicken salad recipe that must be read! Keri (a.k.a. Sam)