1upcakes

My first experience with video games was our friends' across the street Nintendo 64.  In homage to the 1up mushrooms on Mario here are 1upcakes, inspired by this t-shirt.  Can you tell I like mini cupcakes?

I'm always looking for new versions of white cake because I think it can be a little boring.  This recipe has buttermilk, which gives it a more complex flavor than your average cake.

 However the batter was a little denser and so it didn't rise as much, which was unfortunate since i wanted to get a nice rounded top to look like a mushroom.  They were delicious though.

The cream cheese frosting was fabulous, rich and creamy.  I always have trouble getting this frosting smooth.  Make sure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature.  You can squash it through a strainer if you want it really smooth.

 White chocolate chips are perfect for making the spots on the mushrooms, plus there are lots leftover for munching.

1upcakes

CUPCAKES
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 cup well-shaken buttermilk
2 all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces, room temperature
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
green food coloring
white chocolate chips
1. For cupcakes: Beat together butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in buttermilk at low speed until just combined.
2. Add flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Beat on low until just combined.
3. Grease mini-cupcake tins, or use papers or cooking spray. Scoop 1 tbsp of batter into each tin.
4. Bake in a 350°F oven
5. For frosting: Beat cream cheese in mixer to soften. Gradually add butter and continue beating until smooth and well-blended.
6. Sift in confectioners' sugar and continue beating until smooth. Add vanilla and stir to combine.
7. Frost cooled cupcakes and decorate with white chocolate chips, flat side pointing out.

Frosting from Martha Stewart
Cake from Epicurious

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