Surprise! Today is a day filled with delightful celebration and friendship, a joyous occasion that we’ve been eagerly preparing for. This isn’t just any ordinary day; it’s a special moment dedicated to one of our beloved food blogging friends. Rest assured, this heartfelt gathering is no April Fool’s joke, but a genuine expression of affection and excitement.
Get ready to unleash your inner party planner! Whether you’re practicing your most intricate toilet-paper-wedding-dress-making skills, carefully saving those shiny present bows, or simply reaching for a celebratory glass of champagne, there’s a good reason to join the festivities. Today, we’re throwing an unforgettable {virtual} Bridal Shower for our dear friend Julie, the talented author behind the renowned blog Table for Two!
Julie, a vibrant personality who truly inspires with her culinary creations and zest for life, is embarking on an exciting new chapter. In just a few weeks, she’ll be tying the knot, and we couldn’t be more thrilled for her! To honor her upcoming nuptials and shower her with love, a group of her fellow food blogger friends has come together to host this delightful virtual celebration. We’re toasting the soon-to-be Mrs. Jason Wampler with an array of sweet and savory treats, each made with a generous sprinkle of well wishes and friendship.
Julie is widely known in the food blogging world as the undisputed “take-out-fake-out” queen. Her ingenious recipes transform beloved restaurant dishes into healthier, homemade versions, making them accessible and enjoyable for home cooks. If you haven’t yet tried her remarkable version of Mongolian Beef, you’re truly missing out – it’s beyond delicious and a testament to her culinary prowess. Given her expertise in that realm, I felt it best to let her retain her well-deserved “take-out-fake-out” crown. Instead, I decided to whip up something wonderfully sweet and vibrant to celebrate her special day.
My culinary contribution needed to be not just sweet, but also distinctly purple-y. Why purple, you ask? Well, part of the magic of my friendship with Julie lies in our delightful shared passions. Beyond our mutual love for food, we both adore Chipotle, covet Kate Spade handbags, appreciate the comfort of yoga pants, and absolutely *love* the color purple! What more could one possibly ask for in a friendship? These quirky commonalities are the threads that weave our bond, making our connection truly special and full of fun.
So, to pay homage to our favorite color of “royalty” and friendship, I decided to bake a batch of classic vanilla cupcakes adorned with a lavish swirl of purple buttercream frosting. You simply cannot go wrong with a classic vanilla cupcake. It’s one of those tried-and-true culinary delights that brings a smile to everyone’s face, a comforting staple in any foodie’s life. Its timeless appeal and perfectly balanced flavor make it an ideal base for any celebration.
The purple buttercream, however, was where the real excitement began! I was so incredibly thrilled to create this vibrant purple frosting that I actually started doing cartwheels in the kitchen. (A word of caution, if you decide to try kitchen cartwheels, you’ll likely only manage one before realizing the limited space and potential for disaster. Trust me on that!) My enthusiasm wasn’t just for the stunning color; I also fell head over heels for all the delightful decorations I could add. This isn’t just any party; it’s a full-fledged purple party, y’all, bursting with joy and deliciousness!
Crafting these cupcakes was more than just following a recipe; it was an act of love and friendship. Each step, from creaming the butter and sugar to carefully adding the flour and milk, was filled with thoughts of Julie and the wonderful journey she’s about to embark on. The aroma of baking vanilla filled my kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly matched the celebratory mood. And then came the frosting – turning a simple buttercream into a vibrant, regal purple felt like adding a special touch of magic, perfectly reflecting our shared affection for the color.
Happy {virtual} Bridal Shower, Julie! We hope this array of treats, lovingly prepared by your friends, brings a huge smile to your face. May your special day be filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments, and may the years ahead with Jason be brimming with endless happiness. xoxo
The spirit of community among food bloggers is truly remarkable. When one of us celebrates a major life event, the others rally together to show support and love. This virtual bridal shower is a beautiful testament to the friendships forged through shared passions and digital connections. Each blogger brought their unique culinary talent to the table, creating a diverse spread of virtual delights for Julie:
Megan {Country Cleaver} –> PNW Smoked Salmon Crostini
Rachel {Rachel Cooks} –> Easy Cappuccino Mousse Cups
Cassie {Bake Your Day} –> Confetti Popcorn
Erin {Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts} –> Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake
Tara {Chip Chip Hooray} –> Butterscotch Biscoff Chunk Blondies
Rachel {Baked By Rachel} –> Chocolate Eclairs with White Chocolate Drizzle
Ali {Gimme Some Oven} –> Chicken Enchilada Cups
Kathryn {London Bakes} –> Spring Onion and Parmesan Mini Quiche
Carla {Carla’s Confections } –> Blueberry Bliss Cocktail
Claire (The Realistic Nutritionist} –> Chicken Salad Crostinis
Each of these incredible recipes contributes to a magnificent feast, a virtual potluck of love and deliciousness. This collection truly showcases the diverse talents within our food blogging community, offering everything from savory bites perfect for a cocktail party to decadent desserts that will satisfy any sweet tooth. We invite you to explore these fantastic blogs and discover even more inspiring recipes from these talented women.
{Oh, aaaand . . .this is where we tell you that if a cop shows up at your work and tries to ticket you for being “too hot”, we take no responsibility. You’re simply radiating too much fabulousness, especially after enjoying these scrumptious treats!}
Classic Vanilla Cupcakes with Purple Buttercream Frosting
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Ingredients:
For the light and fluffy vanilla cupcakes:
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, also at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup whole milk, at room temperature
12 cupcake liners
For the vibrant purple buttercream frosting:
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar), sifted to remove lumps
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
6 to 7 drops purple gel food coloring (gel colors yield more vibrant results)
Directions:
For the perfectly baked vanilla cupcakes:
Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your batter is ready.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and visibly pale, typically taking about 3 to 5 minutes. This step incorporates air, which is crucial for a tender cupcake crumb. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Ensure each egg is completely mixed in before adding the next. Stir in the pure vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and emulsified.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning throughout the dry ingredients.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three alternating additions, starting and ending with the dry. In between each third of dry ingredients, pour in a portion of the whole milk. Mix on low speed just until everything is well combined and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cupcakes.
Take a standard 12-cup muffin tin and line each well with cupcake liners. Using an ice cream scoop for even portions, scoop the batter into each liner, filling them about two-thirds to three-quarters of the way full. This allows room for them to rise without overflowing.
Bake for approximately 18 to 20 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. The tops should be lightly golden and spring back when gently touched. Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
For the luscious purple buttercream frosting:
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened unsalted butter on medium speed for about 2 minutes until it becomes smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, about half a cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined, then increasing to medium-high speed. Continue until all the sugar is incorporated and the frosting is light and fluffy. This process can take 5-7 minutes, resulting in a wonderfully airy texture.
Stir in the pure vanilla extract. Then, add the purple gel food coloring, starting with a few drops and adding more gradually until you achieve your desired shade of vibrant purple. Mix well until the color is evenly distributed throughout the buttercream. The gel coloring provides a richer, deeper hue than liquid food coloring.
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the glorious purple buttercream frosting generously onto each one. Get creative with your piping techniques, or simply spread it with an offset spatula for a classic look. Add sprinkles or other decorations if desired, to make them truly festive for Julie’s special day!
Cupcake recipe adapted from Cooks.com
Buttercream frosting recipe inspired by Brown Eyed Baker
All images and text ©Lauren Grier for The Curious Plate