Make It Monday – Giant Cupcake Cake & Homemade Buttercream Icing
Make it Monday: Crafting a Giant Cupcake Cake with Homemade Buttercream Icing
On a previous Monday, I introduced you to the delightful art of making a smash cake chair. This week, we’re taking it up a notch. We’re about to embark on a culinary adventure, crafting a giant cupcake cake complete with homemade buttercream icing – a smash cake my son absolutely loved!
Choosing Your Cake Mix
Start by grabbing two boxes of your favorite cake mix. We opted for chocolate, as its dark hue provides an excellent contrast against a white backdrop. Carefully follow the instructions on the box to prepare the mix. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with flavors and add-ins.
Preparing Your Giant Cupcake Pan
Pour your freshly-made mix into a giant cupcake pan (I got mine from Amazon). Make sure to grease or flour the pan before pouring to ensure your cake comes out smoothly. The baking time for such a thick cake can be tricky to figure out. It took us about 55 minutes for our cake to bake through completely.
Trimming Your Cake
Once you’ve baked your cake, let it cool before cutting. You’ll find that the cake is larger than needed, so you’ll need to trim it to the appropriate size. If the two halves don’t fit together perfectly, don’t hesitate to trim more.
Creating the Homemade Buttercream Icing
Now, let’s get to the icing on the cake (literally). You’ll need:
- 1 cup softened salted butter
- 1 cup vegetable shortening
- 2 lbs confectionery sugar
- icing coloring (optional)
Begin by blending the softened butter and shortening until they’re nice and creamy. Then, slowly incorporate the powdered sugar into the mix. Once all the sugar has been added, you can add in the hot water and the vanilla. Mix everything on medium-high speed until it’s light and fluffy. If you want colored icing, now’s the time to add your coloring. We went for a “Batman” yellow to delight our little superhero.
Decorating Your Giant Cupcake Cake
Once your icing is ready, it’s time to get decorating. Apply a generous amount of icing to the center of the cake to hold the two pieces together. You can also use a piping bag for a more detailed decoration. Don’t worry if your icing skills aren’t perfect – it’s the taste that counts!
The buttercream icing can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you refrigerate it, let it sit at room temperature for two hours before rewhipping it for ten minutes to bring it back to life.
Enjoying Your Homemade Cake
Finally, it’s time to set up your little one to enjoy their homemade cake. It’s a delightful treat that’s sure to bring a smile to their face. After all, nothing quite compares to the joy of devouring a giant cupcake cake with homemade buttercream icing!
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| — | — |
| Cake Mix | 2 boxes of preferred flavor (chocolate recommended for contrast) |
| Baking Tool | Giant Cupcake Pan |
| Baking Time | Approximately 55 minutes |
| Icing Ingredients | 1 cup softened salted butter, 1 cup vegetable shortening, 2 lbs confectionery sugar, icing coloring (optional) |
| Icing Preparation | Mix butter and shortening till creamy, add powdered sugar slowly, add hot water and vanilla, mix for 10 minutes, add coloring till desired shade is achieved |
| Icing Storage | Room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks |
| Decoration Tools | Icing piping bag |
Unlocking the Secrets of the Perfect Cake Mix
When it comes to creating the giant cupcake cake, the choice of cake mix is crucial. The flavor, texture, and color of your cake mix can significantly influence the final product. Chocolate cake mix is a popular choice for its rich flavor and contrasting color. However, feel free to explore other options such as vanilla, red velvet, or even funfetti. The key is to follow the instructions on the box meticulously. This ensures the right consistency and texture of your cake. Additionally, if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can experiment with different add-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or even fruit pieces to add an extra element of surprise to your cake.
Mastering the Art of Cake Trimming
Once your cake is baked and cooled, trimming it to the right size is essential. This is where your creativity and precision come into play. The goal here is to ensure that the two halves of your giant cupcake fit together seamlessly. This might require a bit of patience and a steady hand, but the end result is definitely worth it. Remember, it’s not just about the aesthetics; trimming also helps ensure that every bite of your cake has the right balance of cake and icing. So, don’t shy away from trimming more if required.
The Magic of Homemade Buttercream Icing
Making homemade buttercream icing is a game-changer. The rich, creamy texture and the sweet, buttery taste is something that store-bought icing can’t match. The process is relatively straightforward, starting with blending softened butter and shortening until creamy. The addition of powdered sugar gives the icing its sweetness, while the hot water and vanilla add flavor. The key here is to mix everything at medium-high speed until it’s light and fluffy. This process aerates the icing, giving it a light, creamy texture that perfectly complements the dense cake. If you want to add a pop of color to your cake, feel free to add some icing coloring at this stage.
Unleashing Your Creativity with Cake Decoration
Decorating your giant cupcake cake is arguably the most fun part of the process. This is where you get to let your creativity run wild. A generous amount of icing in the center of the cake holds the two pieces together, while a piping bag can help you create intricate designs and patterns. Remember, the goal here is not perfection, but fun. So, don’t stress if your icing skills aren’t up to par. The most important thing is the taste, and with your homemade buttercream icing, you’re sure to hit the mark.
Storing and Enjoying Your Homemade Cake
Once your cake is decorated, it’s time to enjoy it. However, if you’re not planning on eating it right away, it’s essential to know how to store it properly. The buttercream icing can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you refrigerate it, remember to let it sit at room temperature for two hours before rewhipping it for ten minutes to bring it back to life. This ensures that your icing retains its creamy texture and delicious taste. Finally, nothing beats the joy of watching your little one enjoy the giant cupcake cake you’ve lovingly prepared. So, sit back and soak in the delight.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of icing?
Yes, you can use any type of icing you prefer. However, this recipe uses buttercream for its creamy texture and rich flavor.
Can I add flavors to the buttercream icing?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors like almond, lemon, or even peppermint. Just make sure to add it gradually and taste as you go.
What if I don’t have a giant cupcake pan?
If you don’t have a giant cupcake pan, you can use two standard cake pans instead. The process remains the same; just ensure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cake mix can I use for the giant cupcake cake?
You can use any type of cake mix you prefer. In our tutorial, we used chocolate cake mix, but you can experiment with different flavors according to your taste.
Do I need a special pan to bake a giant cupcake cake?
Yes, you will need a giant cupcake pan to bake your cake. You can easily find one online, such as on Amazon.
How long does it take to bake a giant cupcake cake?
The baking time may vary depending on the oven and the thickness of your cake. In our case, it took about 55 minutes to bake it completely.
How do I make homemade buttercream icing?
To make homemade buttercream icing, you need 1 cup of softened salted butter, 1 cup of vegetable shortening, and 2 lbs of confectionery sugar. Blend the butter and shortening until creamy, slowly incorporate the powdered sugar, and then add hot water and vanilla. Mix everything on medium-high speed until it’s light and fluffy. You can also add coloring if desired.
How long can I store the buttercream icing?
The buttercream icing can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you refrigerate it, let it sit at room temperature for two hours before rewhipping it for ten minutes to bring it back to life.
How do I decorate the giant cupcake cake?
Apply a generous amount of icing to the center of the cake to hold the two pieces together. You can also use a piping bag for a more detailed decoration. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and have fun with it!
How do I serve the giant cupcake cake?
You can serve the giant cupcake cake as is, or you can add some extra decorations or toppings according to your preference. Just make sure to let your little one enjoy their homemade cake and see the joy on their face!
