Cool Summer Cupcakes on a Budget

It's no secret that cupcakes are a current trend when it comes to dessert treats. But, the very first mention of cupcakes goes all the way back to 1796 in an American cookbook written by Amelia Simms. Today, cutesy cupcake cafes are popping up all over the country. However, you do not have to frequent your local, sometimes pricey, bake shop to savor these delicious mouthfuls. You can easily create cupcakes of all kinds in your very own kitchen.

S'mores  Cupcakes
This cupcake idea is a whimsical twist on traditional s'mores. To make easy s'mores cupcakes, simply purchase a chocolate boxed cake mix and bake according to the instructions. Ice each cupcake with chocolate frosting and then top with several mini marshmallows and a few Teddy Graham crackers.

Father's Day Golf Ball Cupcakes
Perfect for Father's Day or any summer celebration, these golf ball cupcakes are fun to create. Whip up a batch of yellow cupcakes in bright green baking cups. Next, spread the cupcakes with vanilla or cream cheese frosting. Now, poke the frosting a few dozen times, using a plastic straw for a golf ball design. Serve your cupcake on a platter covered with green Easter grass. Or you can also dye a bag of coconut green for a grassy look.

Fourth of July Cupcakes
This festive fireworks cupcake recipe is ideal for the Fourth of July. Once again bake up a batch of cupcakes and smear with white frosting. Using red and blue tubes of icing, draw several bulls-eye type circles onto each cupcake. Next, starting at the edge of each cupcake, drag a toothpick through the colored icing several times just to the middle of the circles. Soon you will have a fireworks image atop your Fourth of July cupcakes. Embellish with edible glitter sprinkles.

Click here for graduation cap cupcakes:

 http://mybudgetland.blogspot.com/2011/05/how-to-make-graduation-cap-cupcakes-on.html

Beach Themed Summer Cupcakes on a Budget

Warm, sunny days are right around the corner and so, of course, I'm already thinking about summer themed treats!  In fact, I'm hosting a summer kick-off barbecue at my home next month and I'll be baking a batch of beach themed cupcakes on a budget. 

Here's how:

• Purchase and prepare a boxed yellow cake mix, following the instructions for cupcakes.
• Dye a tub of vanilla frosting a pale yellow hue using food coloring.
• Frost the cupcakes and top with mini paper cocktail umbrellas, placed on an angle.
• Complete your beach themed cupcakes with a gummy bear sunbathing on a small piece of a fruit roll-up or build a tiny sand castle using three yellow Jujube candies.
• Display your beach themed cupcakes on a tray dusted with brown sugar, and add in a few real shells to resemble the seashore!

For more festive cupcake ideas click here:
http://mybudgetland.blogspot.com/2011/05/cool-cupcakes-on-budget.html


Click here for a unique spring/summer centerpiece idea: http://mybudgetland.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-to-make-birds-nest-centerpiece-on.html