C is for Cookies.. and Cupcakes

Because I couldn't decide between the cookies and cream cupcakes and the snickerdoodle cupcakes, I decided to make both!

My sister's coworkers got to sample the snickerdoodle cupcakes (from Martha Stewart) which we both agreed tasted exactly like the cookie.  I stayed true to the recipe and stuck with the 7-minute frosting.  Nerve wrecking as I never worked with a cooked frosting before and I was unsure whether it would make it the next day.

My brother's coworkers got to sample the oreo cupcakes which was basically a white cake with chopped Oreo cookies (adapted from Cake Central) .  I frosted these two different ways as I so scared about the oreo whipped cream frosting (adapted from Annie's Eats) not being able to hold up.  The second frosting was an oreo buttercream frosting (adapted from All Recipes) which paled in comparison.  I loved the whipped cream frosting.  Taste like a scoop of ice cream.  I should've stuck to the whipped cream frosting as all the cupcakes were kept covered in the fridge overnight anyway.

The pile of dishes I had to wash every time I started a new recipe.  A pain to start and stop each time.  I need more mixing bowls for my Kitchenaid.

Poor Patches felt neglected.

Strawberry Chocolate Cake

With leftover cream cheese frosting and chocolate ganache in my fridge, I whipped up a strawberry cake (as it compliments both flavors) for an after dinner dessert with my family.  The last two times I made strawberry cake, it was so dense!  So, I gave it another try by adapting my new favorite white cake from scratch.  The flavor was perfect but still too dense for me.

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting Revisted

A friend, who always sees and hears about my baking but has yet to try any, was in town.  So, I decided to make him some cupcakes for once.  Any opportunity to bake is a good opportunity.  He likes cream cheese frosting so I decided with the classic duo of red velvet cupcakes and vanilla bean cream cheese frosting (adapted from BHG New Cook Book).  Found a  new recipe for my red velvet cupcakes (from Cake Central) as I wasn't 100% satisfied with the recipe I was already using.  I thought these came out a bit dry but they were exactly what I imagined a good red velvet cupcake to taste like!

Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting

 Peanut butter frosting (from All Recipes) has been on my long list of things to make for awhile now.   It was my brother's coworker's birthday today.  Decided to use this opportunity to check one off the list.  Also, I decided to switch up my go to recipe for chocolate cakes.  Since the last few times I made it, I thought it was too dry compared to all my new stand bys.  This new recipe for chocolate cakes (adapted from Hershey's) is definitely a keeper.  Very moist and fluffy.  Topped with mini peanut butter cups.