This year, for Pride, I wanted to bake something that not only tasted delicious but also visually represented the vibrant and inclusive spirit of the community. That’s how these rainbow Pride cupcakes with a Buff'ed twist came about.
These aren’t your average vanilla cupcakes. First, the vibrant rainbow layers are a feast for the eyes. Second, the subtle addition of coffee grounds provides a unique depth and warmth that perfectly complements the sweetness of the vanilla frosting. Baking these cupcakes is more than just following a recipe; it's about celebrating diversity and adding a little extra love to every single bite.
Why Coffee Grounds?
You might be wondering, "Coffee grounds in cupcakes? Really?" Trust the coffee guy on this one! A small amount of very finely ground Buff Boy coffee adds a subtle, almost caramel-like flavor that elevates the vanilla. It doesn't overpower the sweetness, but rather provides a gentle bitterness that balances everything out. Plus, the coffee aroma enhances the overall sensory experience, making these cupcakes even more irresistible.
Let's Get Baking!
Yields: 12 cupcakes
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Bake Time: 18-20 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon very finely ground coffee (espresso grind is ideal)
½ cup milk
Gel food coloring in red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple
For the Frosting:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3-4 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup milk or heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Rainbow sprinkles, for decoration (optional but highly recommended because everyone loves sprinkles!)
Instructions:
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and ground coffee.
Alternate Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Divide and Color: Divide the batter evenly into six small bowls. Add a few drops of gel food coloring to each bowl, using a different color for each (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple). Stir until the color is evenly distributed.
Layer the Colors: Spoon a small amount of each colored batter into the cupcake liners, starting with one color and then layering the others on top. Don't fill the liners more than 2/3 full. I like to use a toothpick to gently swirl the colors a little to create a marbled effect, but be careful not to overmix them.
Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting: While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk or heavy cream, until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Frost and Decorate: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the vanilla buttercream frosting. Decorate with rainbow sprinkles.
Tips and Tricks for Rainbow Success:
Gel Food Coloring is Key: Gel food coloring provides the most vibrant and concentrated color without adding excess liquid to the batter.
Cool Completely: Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting, or the frosting will melt.
Get Creative with Decorations: Feel free to get creative with your decorations. Use different types of sprinkles, edible glitter or even fondant to create your own unique Pride-themed cupcakes.
Try this recipe and share some colorful cupcakes with your friends and family, spreading a little bit of Pride with every bite. Happy baking, and Happy Pride!