Bubblegum Cupcakes

 
 Is it weird that my 4 year old told me today that he wanted to be an organ donor?

(Then he continued the conversation by saying,  "Like maybe they could use my face.")  
I'd really like to know who he knows that doesn't have a face, but that's a topic for another day.

This is the same kid who was discussing politics with his teacher last week.

I'm pretty certain we could do a little freaky-friday switcheroo and no one would notice.  Probably they'd be all, "Wow.  You know about politics and medical terms?  When did you get so smart? You're so refined now!" And I, in a 4 year old body, would just eat bubblegum cupcakes all day and throw my socks on the floor and tromp mud through the house.

Obviously we would never switch back.


The idea for these cupcakes has been in the back of my brain for awhile and I'm pretty pleased with how they turned out.  The frosting tastes just like the pink bubblegum ice cream from Baskin Robbins, which is a wonderful thing. 

Bubblegum Cupcakes

-Betty Crocker or Pillsbury White cake mix, and ingredients on back of box
-1/2 tsp LorAnn Bubblegum candy flavoring  (Hobby Lobby carries this in their baking section)
-Red or pink food coloring (optional)

Mix cake mix according to instructions on the box.  Before pouring in to cupcake liners, add 1/2 tsp of bubblegum candy flavoring and mix in well.  (Measure over the sink or with a dropper so your candy flavoring doesn't spill everywhere and overwhelm your cake!)

Add a drop of red or pink food coloring if desired.

Pour batter into 24 cupcake liners and bake according to package instructions.  Cool completely.

Bubblegum Frosting

Adapted from Marshmallow Buttercream by Baked Bree

-1 cup butter, softened

-1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow creme

-2 cups powdered sugar

-1/4 tsp LorAnn Bubblegum candy flavoring

-Wilton Rose food coloring paste  (a drop of red will work as well)

Cream the butter until light and fluffy.  Add marshmallow cream and whip for 2 minutes.

Add powdered sugar and beat for 2 minutes longer.

Add Bubblegum flavoring (measure over the sink or with a dropper so your candy flavoring doesn't spill everywhere and overwhelm your frosting!).

Add pink food coloring. (If using the paste, use a toothpick to dab a small amount into frosting.  Mix.  Add more until desired color is reached.)


Pipe frosting onto cupcakes and garnish with gumballs, mini Chiclets, or sprinkles.