Quick, Easy, Shortcrust Pastry Recipe


  INGREDIENTS 200g / 7 oz plain flour or all purpose flour (see tip below) Pinch of salt 110g / 4 oz butter, cubed or an equal mix of butter and lard 2-3 tbsp very cold water Directions for the Quick, Easy, Shortcrust Pastry Recipe 1. Place the flour, butter and salt into a large clean bowl. […]

Black-Bottom Cupcakes


INGREDIENTS Yield: 12 For the Filling: 8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg, at room temperature 2 oz. bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped For the Cupcakes: 1½ cups all-purpose flour 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 5 tablespoons naturally unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch-process) 1 teaspoon baking soda […]

Lemon-Limoncello Cupcakes


INGREDIENTS Yield: 32 For the cupcakes: 1½ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 2 ounces (½ stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature 1 cup granulated sugar 3 large eggs 2 tablespoons limoncello ½ cup buttermilk ¼ cup lemon juice Zest of one lemon For […]

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting


INGREDIENTS Yield: 32 For the Cupcakes: 4 cups cake flour (not self-rising), sifted 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 Tablespoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg ¼ teaspoon ground cloves 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature 2½ cups packed […]

Dark Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting


INGREDIENTS Yield: 12 For the Cupcakes: 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped ½ cup (1.5 ounces) Dutch-processed cocoa powder ¾ cup (3.75 ounces) all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking soda ¾ teaspoon baking powder 2 eggs ¾ cup (5.25 ounces) granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ […]

Mocha Cupcakes with Espresso Buttercream Frosting


INGREDIENTS Yield: 12 1-1/3 all-purpose flour 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup whole milk ½ cup strong brewed coffee 1½ teaspoons espresso powder 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature ½ cup granulated sugar ½ cup light brown […]

Pancake Cupcakes with Maple-Bacon Frosting


INGREDIENTS Yield: 12 For the Cupcakes: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoons granulated sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1½ cups whole milk 2 eggs 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted and cooled For the Frosting: 8 ounces (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature 2½ cups powdered sugar 3 tablespoons maple […]

Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting


INGREDIENTS Yield: 12 Vanilla Cupcakes: 1½ cups all-purpose flour 1 cup granulated sugar 1½ teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon table salt 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), room temperature ½ cup sour cream 1 large egg , room temperature 2 large egg yolks , room temperature 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract Vanilla Buttercream Frosting: 1 cup […]

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting


INGREDIENTS Yield: 12 For the Cupcakes: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature ¾ cup granulated sugar 1 egg 2½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 3 tablespoons red food coloring ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ½ cup buttermilk 1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon baking soda 1½ teaspoons distilled white vinegar […]

Banana Cupcakes with Vanilla Pastry Cream


INGREDIENTS Yield: 24 For the Banana Cupcakes: 2¾ cups all-purpose flour 1¼ teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature ¼ cup vegetable shortening, at room temperature 1¾ cups granulated sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 eggs 1½ cups mashed very ripe bananas (about […]