Out Of This World Cajeta Filled Cupcakes Recipes

PINATA CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Bake 24 cupcakes according to the box instructions. Let cool completely.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add 1 cup of the shredded coconut. Turn the mixer on low, add 8 drops of yellow food coloring and mix until the coconut is a uniform bright yellow. Transfer to a bowl. Add another cup of the coconut to the bowl and turn the mixer on low. Add 6 drops of yellow food coloring and 4 drops of red food coloring and mix until the coconut is a uniform reddish orange (add a few more drops of each if the color is not vibrate enough). Transfer the coconut to a separate bowl. Wash and dry out the standing mixer bowl and add the remaining 1 cup coconut. Turn the mixer on low and add 6 to 8 drops of blue food coloring. Mix until the coconut is a uniform bright blue. Transfer to a third bowl.
• In a medium bowl, mix together the chocolate candies, fruit candies and nonpareils. Set aside.
• Using a 1/2-inch round cutter, cut out a well in each cupcake (reserve the cut-out top pieces of each cupcake). Use a small spoon to scoop out the wells, being careful not to go all the way through the bottom of the cupcakes. Fill each cupcake well about two-thirds full with the mixed candy, about a heaping tablespoon. Cover the holes with the reserved cut-out tops.
• Frost the cupcakes with the vanilla frosting. Press some of the blue coconut onto the outer third of the top of each cupcake to form a stripe, then press some of the yellow coconut in the center third and finally the orange coconut in the final third. You should have 3 equal stripes on the top of each cupcake.

CHURRO CUPCAKES

Steps:

• For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
• In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, sour cream, vanilla and eggs until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Turn the speed to low and add the dry ingredients. Blend until well combined, about 25 seconds.
• Pour 2 1/2 to 3 tablespoons of batter into each cupcake liner. Bake the cupcakes until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Let cool.
• For the buttercream: Using an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, vanilla and cinnamon until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed, about 2 minutes. With the machine running on low, add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, alternating with the milk, and mix until combined. Fit a pastry bag with a star tip and fill with the buttercream.
• For the tortilla crisps: Mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon on a large plate. Set aside.
• In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, add enough oil to come halfway up the sides of the pan. Heat over medium-high heat until a deep-frying thermometer inserted in the oil registers 350 degrees F. (If you do not have a thermometer, test the oil with a piece of tortilla, which should sizzle when it touches the oil and should brown in 2 to 3 minutes.)
• Meanwhile, using a cookie cutter, cut the tortillas into different shapes and/or letters. Fry the tortilla pieces until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the crisps to paper towels to drain. While still warm, transfer to the cinnamon-sugar mixture and turn to coat.
• To assemble the cupcakes: Pipe a swirl of buttercream on each cupcake and top with a tortilla crisp.

STRAWBERRY AND MASCARPONE FILLED CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Special equipment: 1 muffin tin
• Make the cupcakes according to package instructions. Lightly grease the muffin tin and fill the batter almost to the rim of each muffin cup. Bake according to package directions and let cool.
• In a food processor combine the mascarpone cheese, strawberries, 1/4 cup sugar, and lemon juice. Process the mixture until smooth. Transfer the strawberry mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a small tip. Push the tip gently into the bottom of a cupcake and squeeze in the strawberry mixture until the cupcake plumps. Continue with the remaining cupcakes.
• In a small saucepan bring the 1/2 cup sugar, water, and vanilla extract to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer until the sugar is dissolved. In a medium bowl combine the vanilla syrup with the confectioner's sugar. Stir until smooth. Working quickly, use a rubber spatula spread the icing on the top of the cupcakes. If the icing begins to firm up, place in the microwave for a few seconds to warm up again.