Cupcake Time

Cupcakes are irresistible. They're just little cakes! Genius. This video shows an amazing technique that combines two different mixes (brownie and strawberry cake) at once. Notice that she took consideration of timings of each of the mixes. Not to mention the beautiful decoration!

Video Source: Shabnam Amini

First, we need to make the brownie mix, and then the strawberry cake.

This is an interpretation on how I would make these cupcakes. 

Making the Brownie

As I mentioned earlier in my blog, I will try to include as many accessible items as possible. To save some time and money, I will be using the regular pre-made brownie mix that can be bought for at least $3.99 at your local grocery store.

Ingredients:

Most of these will be written on the mixing box that contains the packet. 

• Brownie Mix Packet
• 2 Eggs
• 1/3 cup of oil
• 1/4 cup of water
• Spray Canola Oil (You can also just use regular canola oil and dab into a cloth or a towel)

Supplies:

(All of these can be easily found in your local grocery store)

• Oven
• Cupcake tray
• Cupcake cups/wrappers 

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat the oven to the preferred temperature indicated on the mixing box.
2. Mix all of the ingredients into a bowl and beat until clumps are not visible.
3. Place the wrappers into the cupcake tray and spray oil very lightly. This is just so the cake doesn't stick to the wrapper. If you don't have the spray can, just dab the oil into a clean towel and lightly swipe inside the wrappers. 
4. Remember, we only want half of the cupcake to be a brownie. Keep in mind that baking makes the cake rise, so fill in the brownie batter a little less than half in each wrapper.
5. Put the tray in the oven for about 8-10 minutes and remove the tray from the oven.
6. Notice that the brownie isn't completely done. This is because you will add cake mix on top of it, and bake it more.
7. Keep the oven on as a pre-heat for the next layer of the cupcake.

Making the Strawberry Cake

Again, I'm using just a grocery-store bought strawberry cake mix that would be at least $3.99 at your local grocery store. Also, you don't have to make the cake strawberry. You can always use the same instructions and replace the cake mix with another flavor.

Ingredients:

Most of these will be written on the box that contains the cake mix.

• Strawberry (or any other cake mix you prefer) cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup cooking oil
• 11/4 cup of water

Instructions:

1. Mix all of the ingredients into a bowl and beat until clumps are not visible.
2. Fill in the cake mix a little below the top of each wrapper. If you notice that the cake mix is mixing inside the b
3. Place the tray into the oven for about 20 minutes.
4. Perform the toothpick test to check if the cupcakes are ready.
5. When ready, carefully remove the tray from oven and set aside.

The Toothpick Test

This is only to check if your baked goods are ready or not. All you have to do is poke in a toothpick inside your cake. If it turns out clear, it's done. If not, leave it in there for a little while longer. This trick works for everything that is baked. Very handy.

Serving and Decorating

Here's the fun part. Go all out. You can always buy cupcake frosting from your local grocery store. Pick a flavor of your choice that would best support the flavors of your cupcake. I used vanilla frosting and the taste turned out marvelous. Then again, I have an affinity for vanilla frosting.

Tip: If you want the frosting to be cold, before baking, remove the frosting from the container and put it into a bowl, and place it in the fridge. This will cool the frosting. Placing the frosting into the container makes it more flexible and gives it room to cool.

Technique

Applying the frosting can be extremely messy and frustrating, so here are some tips to get it on good. 

1. Use a wide, flat knife.
2. Start from bottom to top.
3. Swipe the knife into the frosting cups and apply in a slashing motion all around the cupcake.
4. Spread out evenly to preferable texture.

Extras

• In the video I linked above, Shabnam has used a Reese's Piece with frosting on it as a topping. If you want, go for it.
• Sprinkles can always be found at your local grocery stores.
• Have fun with it. Try sprinkling berries, chopped up fruits, candies, chocolate chips, or anything of your choice.
• Give your cupcakes a theme for a specific occasion. 

I hope this recipe turns out successfully for you! Cupcakes are a great way to bring people together and enjoy a delicious treat. They're also much more convenient. These double flavored cupcakes can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Have fun!

Please feel free to leave any comments, questions, or suggestions.