This time of year seems to have a lot of birthdays. One very important one that I missed and felt oh so terrible for because its one I never want to miss....and that is my very special nephew Matthew. Remember this photo? You just gotta love that crinkle in his nose and look in his eye while he's chowing down on that cupcake!
We have had so much going on here lately that I totally let his birthday slip by me. I actually remembered on the day but not early enough to have sent him a birthday gift. Oh what a bad Auntie I was this year. I have to make it up to him. I did call him (on his own cell phone) as soon as it hit me that it was his birthday. I think the insurance agent who had me on the phone thought I was having a heart attack when I heard him say today was 10/10. Matt was having dinner at Steak n Shake-seems to be one of his favorite places to eat! I am so sorry that I am late sending his gift, but I'm hoping he will forgive me and be a happy camper when he does receive it. Oh the guilt we feel when someone special to us is forgotten.
So, with my confession out of the way, let me tell you how hard it has been to remember anyone's birthday lately. Maybe its the fact that I myself turned another year older not so long ago? In any case, my brother, my cousin, my father-in-law, my nephew. My dad's birthday is coming up at the end of this month, along with my aunt's, and.that is just my family that all had birthdays within a few weeks of each other! My goodness, am I ever so glad I do not have to remember my children at this time of year also because I am already broke as it is!
We also have had several birthday celebrations at work - one of which I happened to make this pretty little cupcake for. Have you ever noticed that when you see something pretty that you have a hard time not taking several photos? Then trying to decide which ones to use can be a hardship too. 🙂
the cupcake recipe is my Nanny's Mayonnaise cupcakes that have become my signature cupcake! I just mixed it up with flavor and added almond instead of vanilla extract this time.
Printable Recipe
3 cups flour
6 heaping tablespoons Hershey's Cocoa Powder
3 teaspoons baking soda
¾ teaspoon salt
1-½ cups sugar
1-½ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 -½ cups water
For the frosting:
4 oz ⅓ less fat cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3-½ to 4 cups confectioners sugar (use what you need to make frosting the consistency you want it to be)
1 teaspoon almond extract
Directions:
Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Line two standard 12-cup muffin tins with paper cupcake liners.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, combine ½ cup water, mayonnaise,and vanilla . On medium speed with an electric mixer beat in half of the flour mixture just until combined. Alternate between the remaining flour mixture and 1 cup water until all ingredients are mixed.
Divide batter among cupcake liners filling about ⅔ full. Bake 18-22 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted in center of cupcake. Cool completely on wire rack.
While cupcakes are cooling you can make the frosting. With electric mixer on medium speed, mix butter, almond extract, and cream cheese until creamy and incorporated. Gradually add sugar, 1 cup at a time and blend on low speed. Frost cooled cupcakes. Refrigerate any leftovers.
Life Tastes Good says
I am having a fierce chocolate craving and I could really go for a few of these right now!! These cupcakes look and sound AH-MAZING!!!
Shelby says
Aunt Lolo, that is the great thing about this recipe - it doesn't use eggs 🙂
Aunt LoLo says
Help, help, help!! I want to try these tomorrow with my baking club...but your ingredients list doesn't say how many eggs to add. *sad face* Help? 😉
tigerfish says
It's Monday but I don't feel blue looking at a blue cupcake.
bellini says
There is certainly plenty to celebrate Shelby!!!!!!! Don't you also just love the Fairy Hobmother!
Torviewtoronto says
I haven't had cake with mayonnaise in it looks wonderful lovely decoration
Fahad Khan says
"..trying to decide which ones to use can be a hardship too." I so much agree with that!:-)
For one,a happy birthday to Matthew,your dad and aunt from all of us!:-) For two,love the pictures!The cupcakes look chocolaty and moist,and the white frosting on top adds to their appeal!You are one of the best bloggers,Shelby.
Jay says
wow...looks so cute n pretty little cakes..
first time here...love your space...
very interesting recipe collection with nice presentation..
Am your happy follower now..;)
do stop by mine sometime..
Tasty Appetite
Patsyk says
Haven't heard of the Fairy Hobmother before, but what a fun surprise!
I love a chocolate cupcake, and I'm sure that he has more than forgiven you by now... if I am late with a gift, I always figure I'm making their birthday celebration last a bit longer! 😉
honeyb says
Yummy fun looking cupcakes! The colors make me feel a little happy inside to not being seeing everything in orange and fall colors!
Pegasuslegend says
Very cool an interesting giveaway at that... I can tell you a comment works! I left one for Journey of an Italian cook and he found me too... But the amounts are different...... good luck to everyone! the cupcakes look great!