Bring On The Cake!

Today's post should pretty much cover it all when it comes to cakey goodness.  A great Vegan cake recipe, cupcake favors and cupcake decorations!

First up, this fun printable Cupcake Party collection created by Zboooh Design Studio. I love the gingham pattern used in this set and thought it would look adorable displayed on my daughter's play kitchen. I love using my kids favorite toys as props and this worked out perfectly.

The tags in this collection reminded me of old time jelly jar labels, which got me inspired...Cupcake In A Jar! I love sending home favors and this one is just so fun. Who wouldn't want to go home with a cupcake or two to enjoy later. I used a pint size mason jar, which fits two cupcakes with plenty of frosting. Take off the cupcake wrappers, place one cupcake in the bottom, pipe on some frosting, add some sprinkles and repeat each step a second time. Print out the label, cut and adhere to the front of the mason jar, SUPER EASY! I spruced it up a bit by adding a cupcake topper printable to the lid along with some gingham ribbon in three different colors along with a cupcake pick for decoration.

You can read more about this collection over at MG Party Impressions, where I have posted all of the details. This collection will also be available in my Etsy shop on January 10, 2011, customized, printed and assembled just for you!!

Now for the best chocolate cake recipe I have ever made...tasted...ok...drooling over here! My Mom made this cake for me growing up and I never realized the whole time that is was Vegan...which has been a nice little bonus for all of my friends with food allergies or of course who are Vegan. This cake is super easy to make, dense and moist.

Quick Chocolate Cake
Combine in large bowl

• 3 C flour
• 2 C sugar
• 6 tbls cocoa (either milk chocolate or dark, both are delicious)
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt

Add

• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 tbls vinegar
• 2/3 C + 1 tbls vegetable oil
• 2 C + 1 tbls warm water

Beat well and pour into greased 9"x 13" pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

For my son's birthday yesterday I used this recipe to make his 5 layer cake (2 batches). Here you can only see 4 of the layers. OH and of course I ruined the Vegan-ness of this cake by adding buttercream frosting.
The recipe for buttercream is the most amazing I have made which came from Brandi of Tweedle Dee Designs. I could literally eat a bowl of this frosting with a spoon. I would most likely feel like crap after, but yes it is that good!

Buttercream Frosting
Beat together

• 1 C butter
• 3 C powdered sugar
• 2 Tbls Heavy Cream
• 1 tsp vanilla 

I added about 1- 2 Tbls Hershey Syrup to get the brown I wanted for this cake, plus it added a hint of chocolatey goodness to the recipe. SO GOOD!!

Alright, hope you have been inspired to think out side of the box with your favors, displays and a new recipe...I am off to eat some cake! WHAT...its lunch time...

Hugs,
Pam

Tomorrow...Tyler's Owl Party, here's another sneak peak...