Chocolate Cupcakes with Buttercream Icing

One of my favorite things to do is bake.  Everyone that knows me knows this about me.  I always bring the baked goods to any type of event.  However, when it comes to my kids' parties I always order a cake from a professional cake lady.  My daughter will be 5 (sigh) in a couple weeks.  I had this idea that I'd teach myself how to make a fantastic professional looking cupcake for her super fun birthday party.  She could really care less what the cupcakes look like.  I on the other hand do!  I have been watching different techniques on "how to frost a cupcake"on you tube.  The first one I watched was from a bakery in Seattle.  Mine didn't turn out nearly as pretty as the ones at the bakery.  Then I came across a video by Jenny Steffens.  She has a video on making the perfect cupcake and how to decorate them.  I followed her recipe for the cake but for the icing I found a recipe for Sprinkles Buttercream icing and it's really good so I used it!

I sifted the powered sugar so there wouldn't be any lumps.

I added some blue coloring but it looks green.

Not bad for my first try.  

This is the best one out of 24 though. :)  I think I should have cut a little more off the tip of the bag.

They are delicious!

Recipe for Sprinkles Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

1 cup butter, softened

3 1/2 cups powered sugar

1 tsp milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/8 tsp salt

1. In a bowl, combine butter, sugar and salt.  Beat until blended.

2. Add milk and vanilla and beat for an additional 3-5 minutes or until smooth and creamy.