Brownie Cupcakes with Butter Cream Frosting

Because I don't bake. Like at all. I even manage to screw up boxed brownies. I went out on a limb for mother's day and decided to challenge myself to make cupcakes from scratch- but I wanted them to be special.  We went to see my fiance's grandmother and mother for the day and I needed a travel well dessert plus wanted to make it delicious of course. 

 

As I said, I don't bake- I think it's the importance of measuring exactly and following the recipe to a T to make it work that I can't grasp- like when I cook anything it's always eyeballing stuff or throwing in a handful of that. With that being said this is not my recipe but found this really easy to follow recipe with easy ingredients.

 

Turtle Brownie Cupcakes

I followed the cupcake recipe and searched her blog for the butter cream frosting as well. But just made it plain.

Buttercream Frosting (enough to frost 12 cupcakes nicely)

1 stick of unsalted butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups confectioners sugar

 

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric mixer slowly at first to incorporate all ingredients. Then, increase speed to high to get light and fluffy. Beat for 3 - 5 minutes.

These cupcakes were super rich, but oh so delicious. Like I wish I could eat two but they are so filling- talk about leaving room for dessert!

So I made the cupcakes, topped with frosting and instead of what her topping was exactly I switched it up a bit to make it a tad less messy for me. I made caramel candied nuts.

Caramel Candied Nut Topper

Ingredients

• 1 cup of nuts of your choice, chopped
• 1 cup of white sugar
• splash of water, pinch of salt

Before you start the caramel have the nuts chopped and ready to go, along with a piece of parchment paper or silicon baking mat.  I chose walnuts and almonds (because I had them on hand).

In a small sauce pot add 1 cup of white sugar and about tablespoon or two of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.  It will start to boil and become thick.  It will start to turn a golden color. When this happens shut off the heat, add a pinch of salt and swirl the caramel a couple times.  Mix in the nuts and stir until all covered with caramel.  Then pour out onto your paper or mat and spread to an even layer to cool.  When cooled completely break off small bits and top your cupcakes!
 

(For some more detailed caramel making pics check out my previous post Caramel Nut Popcorn)

 

 

Now I can't wait to bake more! Our friends are having a baby and just told us last night! We are super happy for them.  In July they find out the sex of the baby and want to do the surprise gender cake for the big reveal! And asked ME to make it. So excited! Congrats you guys xoxoxo