A Southern Grace: have fun.

April 29, 2013

have fun.

Yum

I'm way behind on what's popular in music these days--the station we play at work is all 60s classics, all the time.


I completely missed the emergence of the band fun. (don't forget the period!) but heard a few of their songs the other day and was quite taken with the stirring and feelgood sound. The name is great too--simple, straightforward, and succinct.

When it comes to things associated with fun (no period!), confetti must be included. Just think of places where confetti is used--parties and celebrations and rollicking good times in general. Along the same lines, colorful sprinkles on cookies or cakes or cupcakes are bound to bring a smile to your face as well. Not only are you getting a treat, but there's confetti all over it! I defy anyone to resist being happy when confetti is involved.


This is just a batch of almond-flavored white cupcakes with a handful of candy sprinkles tossed in. The cake is unbelievably tender, so much so that you're inevitably going to wind up with crumbs all over you, but it's a small price to pay. Make a mess, have fun!

Fun.fetti Cupcakes
(Adapted from Annie's Eats)
Makes about 2 dozen cupcakes
Ingredients:
  • 1 cup milk, divided
  • 6 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2-3/4 cups cake flour, sifted
  • 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup multi-colored sprinkles
  • Vanilla buttercream frosting
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line cupcake pans with paper liners.
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup milk, egg whites, and extracts; whisk to blend.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the sifted cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix briefly on low speed to combine, about 30 seconds.
Add in the butter and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles wet sand, about 30 seconds.
Mix in the remaining 3/4 cup milk, then increase the speed to medium and beat for about 2 minutes more.
With the mixture on low speed, add the egg white mixture in three additions, mixing for about 20 seconds after each addition. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
Gently fold in the sprinkles with a spatula.
Divide the batter between the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds of the way full.
Bake, rotating the pans halfway through, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 18 minutes. Let cool in the pan briefly, then transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before frosting.
To get the frosting to look like that, I lined my pastry bag with streaks of different colors, sort of like what was done here, but with frosting instead of meringue.

23 comments:

Lisa-Marie said...

So, funfetti is hundreds and thousands?

These look delicious, also I LOVE almond. and I am thinking I could do cherry flavoured icing!

Half Baked said...

I would definitely be having fun while eating one of these!

Marjie said...

Love the striped icing to match the funfetti cupcakes. Who wouldn't love them?

vanillasugarblog said...

3 years ago, I think, Nick over a Macheesmo made a funfetti something or other and I had no idea what that was.
So, talk about behind the times....

Mimi said...

Funfetti is still a favorite with my twenty something kids.
Mimi

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

What fun cupcakes! Wonderful.

Cheers,

Rosa

Katerina said...

They make my day even by looking at them let alone eating them!

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...

There's a band called Fun? How old do I feel at the moment? :P But I'm not too old for these delightful cupcakes!

Caroline Taylor said...

Aren't these just so pretty!

Joanne said...

The only pop culture I seem to get is from the workout playlists at the gym...and FUN. is definitely featured. Heavily. And I love it. I'd love it more if they served these cupcakes at class...but what can you do.

Nic said...

Those are the cutest cupcakes I've seen in ages, I love the way you piped the frosting.

Juliana said...

So cute Grace, and I love the almond flavor in these cupcakes...they are sure a great way to welcome Spring...
Have a lovely week :)

Dianne @ Sweet Journey Home said...

I had to laugh when I read the name of the band Fun. for I actually knew what you were talking about! Pretty good for a 67 year old grandmother whose 15 year old grandson just loaded my iPad with a few of his favorite songs from his favorite band - Fun.! The cupcakes look awesome and are making me hungry! P.S. The 60's music will always be my favorite though...

Pam said...

They look so pretty, festive, and tasty!

Angie's Recipes said...

What a pretty looking cupcake!

Beth said...

I like fun. a lot (don't forget that period)! These cupcakes look awesome too.

I Wilkerson said...

These are seriously cute. I may have to try them for my daughter's upcoming birthday...

Carolyn Jung said...

Looks like a perfect cupcake for New Year's Eve festivities, too! ;)

Blond Duck said...

I think I'd eat the bowl of icing and sprinkles!

Jeff @ Cheeseburger said...

These looks pretty and fun.

Lynda said...

These are so festive and pretty Grace, and yes, so fun! Who can resist white cupcakes decorated in these wonderful colors......always a favorite with kids too.

Unknown said...

I love funfetti!!! It was my favorite cake growing up, hands down. And that frosting job is fabulous, complements the cupcake perfectly! So adorable! :)

dessert girl said...

Funfetti cake was my favorite cake as a kid! I'm always looking for nonboxed versions! This one looks great!