Delicious White Cupcakes Topped with a Vanilla Bean and Cognac-Infused Cream Cheese Frosting
Got a Sweet Craving for American Cupcakes in France?
Living in the Champagne region of France and attending an MBA program with international pals has got me yearning for a taste of home - specifically American desserts. The simple, sweet delight of American treats is hard to come by in this land of intricate pastries. But fear not, my fellow dessert enthusiasts! I've concocted a recipe for boozy, vanilla bean cream cheese cupcakes that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
These babies are adorned with scrolls, ribbons, and wee graduation caps - perfect for celebrating the end of another semester! Alas, finding the elusive fondant in France has proven a challenge. So, I've taken the (somewhat reckless) route of inventing these Masterpieces de Cupcake sans fondant.
Difficulty: Medium (But trust me, it's worth it!)
Ingredients (¾)
- 3 cups flour (330g)
- 2tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (350°F). Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- In a larger bowl, cream softened unsalted butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by a dash of vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with ¼ cup of milk and milk yogurt until both are incorporated.
- Pour batter into cupcake pans (NOTE: These might be tricky to find in smaller towns, so check specialty stores). Bake for approximately 20 minutes, checking after 15 minutes with a toothpick or pasta straw. Avoid overbaking, as the cupcakes might lose their fluffiness.
Cream Cheese Frosting, Infused with Vanilla Bean and Cognac
- 1 stick butter
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped)
- 2 Tbsp cognac
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- Heavy cream
Instructions
- Blend butter and cream cheese together until combined. Add vanilla, cognac, and vanilla bean, then beat on medium speed until fluffy. Add heavy cream and continue to beat until the frosting becomes thick and fluffy.
- Fordecorative toppings, create scrolls from small strips of paper tied with ribbons, or try your hand at homemade graduation caps using edible paper (no fondant required!).
Voilà! You now possess the secrets to acquiring fantastic American cupcakes in France, sans fondant! Enjoy this delightful merging of cultures and celebrate your achievements in style.
Fondant Hunting in France
If your heart truly desires fondant for those decadent frostings, here are some options:
- ScrapCooking: They offer a 500g fondant blanc en poudre pour glaçage, ideal for glazing cupcakes. You can easily order it online, with free shipping in mainland France.
- Local Patisseries or Boulangeries: Drop by your local bakery or pastry shop and see if they carry or use fondant. They may even be able to point you in the direction of a reliable supplier.
- Large Supermarkets or Craft Stores: Many big supermarkets like Carrefour, Auchan, or specialty stores in larger cities often stock baking supplies, including fondant.
- Online Retailers: If you can't find what you're looking for locally, try online retailers like Amazon.fr or specialty baking supply sites.
In your search for fondant in France, consider options like ScrapCooking, a reliable online supplier that offers 500g fondant blanc en poudre pour glaçage. Alternatively, visit your local patisseries or boulangeries to inquire about fondant or ask for recommendations on where to find it. For a broader selection, check out large supermarkets or craft stores in bigger cities, or explore online retailers for baking supplies if necessary. With these resources, you'll have a better chance of finding what you need to complete your American cupcake masterpieces in France.
