Princess Birthday Cake

My niece turning 3 called for only the best (and sweetest) of cakes.  She was also super excited to be a big sister.  This was a big moment for me because I remember being 3 and learning how to make a cake with my grandmother thus kicking off my love of baking and all things food.

Caidyn & I reaping the joy of making homemade butter cream icing.

My little princess had requested a princess themed cake so I decided to make a cake out of cupcakes that she would help me ice and prepare.  This is one time where I went for quick my using a box cake mix and following the directions on the box for making cupcakes.  Its the decorations and icing technique I'm focusing on for today.

My butter cream recipe is a simple combination of butter, powdered sugar, vanilla and milk.  Be extreamely careful when adding the milk; you can't take it away if the icing becomes too runny.  This recipe I can't take credit for and has been a tried and true one from an old Betty Crocker cookbook.  

What You Need:

1/2 cup softened butter

3 cups powdered sugar

1.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

About 2 teaspoons milk

Arrange cupcakes on a cake board in any arrangement.

The icing was done using an M1 Wilton tip with an icing bag.  Start by holding the icing tip about 2 inches above the cupcake in the center of the cupcake.  Squeeze until a star forms then begin circling in a counterclockwise rotation to create the pretty ruffles.

So helpful.....and covered in sugar and sprinkles!  Just makes her extra sweet!

Caidyn even popped on her apron to do the sprinkles and sugar pearls!  Such a big three year old.  She leaned over and whispered to me "I'm so glad you came to see me."  Sigh, heart melted.

Finished and ready for birthday girl.

Close up of the top of a cupcake.