Let me first just say that you’re going to have to forgive me for the many imperfections in my buttercream roses.
I’m going to go ahead and claim that it makes them more realistic, because how often do you see a live rose with perfectly smooth edges?
Just work with me.
And if I’ve had trouble forming sentences lately, it’s because I’m going on a few measly hours of sleep. Night after night.
I thought that I was tired before our sweet babe arrived.
And, you know, I think I’d be fine if it was only the baby that woke me up in the night. But our toddler has been waking for nightly bathroom breaks and my husband is a sleep walker/sleep talker.
Apparently lack of sleep makes his sleep walking/talking habits worse.
I’ll wake up and find him with a book open in bed, in the dark. I’ll wake up and find him searching for the baby in our bed (we are not co-sleeping).
The good thing is he’s pretty obedient when he’s sleeping walking, and he’ll never remember if I use a less-than-pleasant tone when directing him back to bed.
A simple, “put the book away and go to sleep!” is usually enough.
But first — super moist, fudgy chocolate cupcakes!
I found this recipe on Glorious Treats but it’s originally from Hershey.
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Pin this recipe to your favorite boardFudgy Chocolate Cupcakes with Two-Tone Roses
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour I used whole wheat
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk I used 1%
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Frosting:
- 1 1/2 cups butter room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 5 cups powdered icing sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- gel icing color as desired see pictured below
Instructions
- Line two muffin pans with paper liners (for 24 cupcakes) and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt with a whisk.
- Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla and whisk well, until completely combined.
- Add boiling water and whisk slowly until smooth — the batter will be thin.
- Pour batter into muffin cups, about โ full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes (I baked mined exactly 18 minutes and they were perfect).
- Remove from oven and set aside to cool before frosting.
- FrostingIn the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter until smooth.
- Add vanilla and one cup powdered sugar. Beat on low until combined. Continue adding sugar, one cup at a time, and beating on low until combined.
- When all sugar has been added, beat on medium-high for 2-4 minutes, until smooth and fluffy, adding milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Do not refrigerate before piping as it will stiffen as it’s cooled.
Nutrition Information
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Tag @thereciperebel or hashtag #thereciperebel โโจI love to see what you’re making!
Tag @thereciperebelTWO-TONE ROSES
- You want your frosting to be nice and thick — if you take a large scoop on your spatula, it shouldn’t droop or sag at all if you life it straight up or turn it over.
- You will need: cupcakes and frosting, a long skewer, additional gel icing color, large piping bag, a petal tip (I used a Wilton 125), scissors to cut the end off if using a disposable bag.
- Place the petal tip in your piping bag, and line the narrow end up with one of the seams of the piping bag.
- Dip your skewer into the icing color.
- Using your skewer, create a line of icing color along the seam aligned with the narrow end of the petal tip. The narrow end of the tip will be the tops of your petals, so this is where you want your line of color.
- Carefully fill your piping bag with frosting, trying not to smear your line of icing color. If you do, don’t worry. They don’t have to be perfect. My line looks pretty thick, but it won’t be that thick when you’re piping.
- Pipe a small circle in the center of your cupcake, with the narrow end facing straight up. Make it as tight as possible — this will be your bud.
- Create petals around your bud by making small half circles of frosting, with the narrow end pointing straight up and the wide end against the base of your bud. *It’s important never to complete one full circle. Start the next petal in the middle of the one before, so they overlap and look somewhat natural.
- As you continue making petals, slowly angle the narrow end of your petal tip out, so that your tip ends up horizontal by the time you reach the edge of your cupcake.
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet says
I think you did an absolutely gorgeous job!
Ashley says
Thanks Nancy!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Ashley, you poor thing! I remember those days of no sleep. . with the baby and the toddler. . hang in there sister!! But hello, the fact that you made these freaking gorgeous tow tone roses cupcakes .. I am in awe of these beautiful, stunning cupcakes!!! I am so the piping beginner so love the tutorial!!! Happy Friday! and hope you get some R & R this weekend!! ๐
Ashley says
Thanks Alice! We’ve gotten a few good sleeps lately, so we’re doing okay! Hope you have a good weekend ๐
Allie | Baking a Moment says
These are beautiful, and very impressive! And girl, I feel your pain on the lack of sleep. I didn’t have an uninterrupted full night’s sleep for over 7 years. If it wasn’t one of the kids crying or climbing into bed with me, it was the dog panting or the husband snoring. Hang in there, my friend!
Ashley says
Haha, thanks for the encouragement Allie! We’ve had maybe one or two “uninterrupted” nights of sleep already, but I find those are the nights I’m awake at 5:00am dreaming up recipes!
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Gosh I have no idea how you have the energy to post these days, I didn’t post anything for the first 6 months of Kai’s lift, and I only have 1! These are so cute, and I had no idea it was so simple to make the two-toned petals. I will have to try it!
Ashley says
Thanks Denise! I’m honestly not sure either. I think I’m a food blog addict — I just can’t stop!
Melanie | Melanie Makes says
What gorgeous cupcakes! They’re almost too pretty to eat… ALMOST!
Ashley says
Thanks Melanie!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
Wow! This is so cool! These cupcakes look moist and decadent and the frosting is stunning. I totally love the step by step pics, too ๐
Ashley says
Thanks Medha!
Amanda says
You are amazing!!! These cupcakes look gorgeous and delicious!!!
Ashley says
Thanks Amanda! YOU are amazing ๐
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
These cupcakes are gorgeous, Ashley! I love the two tone buttercream and the roses look perfect! So so pretty for a bridal shower and Valentine’s Day ๐
Ashley says
Thanks Kelly!
Beth says
Ashley, you do not need to apologize!! These cupcakes gorgeous and I’m jealous, I need to learn this technique!
Ashley says
Haha, thanks for the affirmation Beth!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes) says
These are sooo gorgeous. You are so talented girlfriend.
Ashley says
Thanks Jocelyn!
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says
I love working with the two tone-effect. And your realistic roses look lovely! I had the opposite problem with my daughter. She has always slept fine, it is me who for some reason cannot sleep! It will get better ๐
Ashley says
That’s no good! I’m not usually a good sleeper, but when pure exhaustion hits I manage just fine. Thankfully things are looking up! We’ve gotten a few 7-8 hour nights!
Shinee says
They’re adorable, and imperfection is beautiful!
Wow, your husband is sleep-walker? That’s crazy and scary at the same time. Good that he is at least obedient! ๐
Ashley says
Lol. Yes, he actually takes direction really well in his sleep!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
OH MY GOSH – These are GORGEOUS!!! Looking at them, I feel they are almost too pretty to eat – almost! Am sorry – but I just cannot find any imperfections!!!
Thanks for the tutorial!
Ashley says
Haha, thanks Shashi!
Sheena @ Hot Eats and Cool Reads says
Your buttercream roses are beautiful! Such talent! I bet these cupcakes taste fabulous!
Ashley says
Haha, I do my best Sheena! Definitely not perfect ๐
marcie@flavorthemoments says
These are SO beautiful, Ashley! I love the rose frosting — it looks so elegant. I’m in love with these cupcakes!
Ashley says
Thanks so much Marcie!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
Wow, these are gorgeous! They are perfect and so fun for Valentine’s Day or any other spring event. A bouquet of fresh flowers and a few of these cupcakes sounds like the perfect treat!
Ashley says
Thanks Ashley! I would definitely go for that ๐
Joanie @ ZagLeft says
The roses are absolutely beautiful and thank you for the tutorial. This is something I’ve always wanted to try.
Ashley says
Thanks Joanie! You’re welcome ๐
Heather | girlichef says
Oh my gosh, these are so pretty! And I think they look perfect, I love the little imperfections. I don’t know if I’d have the patience to make the roses myself, but pinned just in case…
Ashley says
It does take a bit of time! Thanks Heather ๐
Marye says
These are so pretty! I totally want to do a spring tea with these!
Ashley says
Thanks Marye!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
These are gorgeous, Ashley! Absolutely love the roses. And I definitely need to check out your tutorial because I can’t even frost with regular frosting! ๐
Ashley says
Haha, thanks Gayle! I’m sure you’re not that bad!