Oreo Cupcakes

Sometimes you just need a picture to inspire!

I love looking at beautiful cupcakes.  This is so simple yet fun.  This is also a post to let everyone know that I don't always make "EVERYTHING" from scratch.  It is kind of funny to find out what people think goes on in my kitchen sometimes!  

If you have never used Dream Whip, it is AWESOME.  I basically only use two kinds of frosting:  Cream Cheese, and Dream Whip.  I love how light and fluffy the Dream Whip Pudding frosting is.  Warning:  It does take a LONG time to beat, so make sure you follow directions as stated on box which is 4-6 minutes.  There are several different recipes on the box, so make sure you use the "Fluffy Frosting" recipe that calls for  instant pudding.  I also use this to make vanilla frosting or any kind you'd like.  You just vary the pudding flavor.

Betty Crocker Double Chocolate Muffin Mix

Dream Whip Fluffy Pudding Frosting using chocolate instant pudding 

(used ziploc bag--cutting corner tip--to dispense frosting)

Oreo garnish

(Cut Oreo's in 1/4ths using a serrated knife and zest or grate for oreo crumb dusting)

Carrot Cupcakes

I think cupcakes can look so amazing...and yet so often they don't taste as good as they look!  I like denser cupcakes with less frosting.  If you do too, then you'll ove these!  This is my carrot cake recipe cupcake style :-)

Makes 12 cupcakes
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. white sugar
1/2 c. light olive oil
1 1/2 c. carrots, grated
1 c. wheat flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 c. shredded coconut
1/4 c. pecans, chopped (optional)

-Preheat oven to 400. Combine all ingredients in bowl and mix until well blended. Line muffin tin.  Divide batter evenly.  Bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Remove from pan and cool on cooling rack.  Spread with Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe below).  Sprinkle with toasted shredded coconut.
-Note: In picture I piped the frosting using a pastry bag. You can also just spread frosting on with a knife.

Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz. cream cheese
2 TBS butter
1 1/4 c. pwd. sugar
milk if needed

-Cream ingredients together in a bowl. Add milk until you reach desired spreading consistency.