Hello hello!
Today's post is a little easy trick and recipe. We'll use a basic vanilla cake mix and add some zaazaazoom to make it into delectable tropical cupcakes!
I use super basic super cheap mixes when Im running short on time and just want to hurl things at a bowl without too much worry. These types of recipes are also great starting points for anyone thats a beginner or not quite so confident in the kitchen.
I use Coles homebrand vanilla buttercake packet mix. Its 99 cents. You can't beat that!
Yes, yes that IS a Christmas tray. I should probably invest in some non christmasy ones!
You will need:
1 small lemon - Zest and juice
1 small orange - Zest and juice
1 vanilla cake mix + the ingredients it says to add.
Icing:
yellow and red food colourings
1/2 tsp coconut essence
2 TBS coconut
40g butter or margarine
100g icing sugar
Mix the packet mix as per the directions. Grate the rind off of both the lemon and orange, and then squeeze the juice from each into the batter. Stir well. Spoon into patty cases (Mine come from Shiploads, $1.90 a pack)
Bake as per instructions on the pack, which is usually about 25-30 minutes on 180c. You'll know they are done when a skewer comes out clean.
Let cool completely before icing.
In a bowl put the margarine and icing sugar. Beat with a blender. Add 3-4 drops of yellow food colouring, 2 drops of red food colouring, the coconut essence. Beat it a little more, if it is too thick add a slight amount of water, 1/2 tsp at a time, too thin, some more icing sugar, 1tbs at a time. I aim for an almost butterlike consistency.
Spread the icing on top of the cupcake and sprinkle with a little coconut.
Thats it! You just turned a boring 99cent cakemix into a tasty tropical mouthsplosion! Yum!
The flavours you can make with a packet mix are endless, try some other combinations!
