One of my favorite Food Network shows was Semi-Homemade. I loved Sandra's shortcuts to make recipes quick and easy. Inspired by Sandra, I used a cake mix and added a few ingredients to make this delicious twist on king cake with King Cake Cupcakes!
Cake: Prepare your cake as directed (I like White Lily Pound Cake mix) and add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon of lemon extract. Mix 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 tablespoon cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a separate bowl. Line cupcakes with colorful cupcake liners and fill halfway with batter. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the sugar mixture over each cupcake. Top with additional batter so each cup is 2/3 full. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool cupcakes before frosting.
Frosting: Cream 8 oz softened cream cheese with 4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter. Mix in 1 pound of powdered sugar. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 1/8 teaspoon lemon extract. Mix well. Divide frosting in half. Using food coloring, color one half green and the other half purple and swirl together with a small spatula or knife.
Frost each cupcake and swirl the colors together. Top with a Mardi Gras cupcake topper (download designs here).
Laissez le bon temps rouler!
SHOP MARDI GRAS COLLECTION
Bargello Grass Green Dinner Napkins | Garden Gate Ochre Dinner Napkins | Garden Gate Ochre Table Runners | Garden Gate Ochre Placemats | Latticework Aubergine Dinner Napkins | Latticework Aubergine Cocktail Napkins | Latticework Aubergine Tablecloths