Celebration Pink Lemonade Cupcakes

The following “Chew This!” column has been reprinted from “The Courier-Times”, Sunday, June 17th 2018 edition. By: Blaise Doubman

Blaise the Baker Celebrates!
Blaise Doubman

Well, here we go again and it is official! My second cookbook, “Blaise the Baker Celebrates” will be released on July 19th, 2018! In just a few short weeks. I am so excited about this and can not possibly put into words my thankfulness and gratitude that I get to do this all over again. This cookbook is all about celebrations and celebrating even the small things in life. Preorders start now. If you are interested in buying a copy, simply send $15 total, $12 for the cookbook and $3 shipping and handling, to Blaise Doubman / Box 47 / Kennard, IN 47351. You can also purchase through PayPal. When sending payment though PayPal, use the email address blaisejdx@gmail.com If you buy 4 or more copies, shipping and handling is free!

“Blaise the Baker Celebrates” is filled with 200 recipes! I have selected a few of my most popular blog recipes to include in the cookbook as well as some of my most popular “Chew This!” columns. However, lots of the recipes that you will find inside have never before been published anywhere before! I am so excited to share recipes such as Brownie Batter Cheesecake, Broccoli Mac and Cheese Bake, Southern Style Corn Casserole, Delicious Chicken, Chicken Noodle Soup, Creamy Tomato Soup, Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Treats, Brownie Thins, Slow Cooker Cola Roast, Slow Cooker Salsa Treat and Quick Chicken Stir Fry. My Quick Chicken Stir Fry was one of the most talked about recipes between my recipe testers. Some loved it, some hated it, some took their own liberties with it and added what they liked but everyone agreed that it was really something to talk about. They could not believe it! Not all of the recipes I developed though could be used, which leads me to the recipe I am sharing today. These cupcakes are the perfect thing for a celebration and I highly recommend you try them!

Celebration Pink Lemonade Cupcakes

These are a fabulous addition to any summer party! Make these ahead and place them in the refrigerator to chill for up to 2 days before serving. These are fabulous served chilled and even better slightly frozen. They can also be served at room temperature but I find people like them better served cold. I love the looks of the pink frosting with the rainbow sprinkles decorating the tops. Fun, festive and perfect for a celebration!

For the cupcakes…
1 box vanilla cake mix
¾ cup thawed pink lemonade concentrate
½ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup water
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt

For the frosting…
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons thawed pink lemonade concentrate
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
Few drops of pink food coloring
Rainbow sprinkles for decorating

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F.

Line 2 12-cup cupcake tins with paper cupcake wrappers.

In a large bowl beat together the vanilla cake mix, thawed pink lemonade concentrate, vegetable oil, water, large eggs, pure vanilla extract and salt. Beat until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth and glossy.

Divide the batter, evenly, between the prepared cupcake cavities. Place into preheated oven and bake for 22 minutes. Remove and allow to cool before frosting.

To make the frosting, combine the melted unsalted butter, thawed pink lemonade concentrate, pure vanilla extract and salt. Slowly beat in the confectioners’ sugar. Add in the pink food coloring. Just a couple of drops depending on the color of frosting you are wanting.

Frost the cupcakes generously and sprinkle the tops with rainbow sprinkles.

Ask and Answer: I have been getting a lot of messages from people curious as to if my first cookbook, “Blaise the Baker Dessert First” can still be purchased. Yes! Send $15 total to Blaise Doubman / Box 47 / Kennard, IN 47351. My cookbook is also available to purchase at Carousel Flowers and Gifts in Shirley, Indiana as well as The Book Nook, Glen Oaks Health Campus and Temptations in New Castle, Indiana. Also available at Warm Glow Candle Outlet in Centerville, Indiana. Thank you for the continued dedication and support, I really appreciate all of you.