Boy, am I wound up today and I’d give just about anything to escape to the world of Cupcakeland. The workfront is still in major turmoil and on the brink of a strike. As an educator, I can only wish that the “powers that be” would look at every issue through the lens of… “What’s best for kids?”. Sadly, it’s politics that has taken center stage and the kids seem to have been forgotten. What I can tell you is that if we do strike, and I am forced to make an unbelievably difficult decision, you can expect a cupcake rampage here. My Kitchen Aid will be working over-time in an effort to maintain my sanity. Stay tuned…
As far as cupcakes go, I look at every cupcake through the lens of… “Is it worthy of gaining entrance to Cupcakeland?” This month’s cupcake recipe for the Martha Stewart Cupcake Club is Jumbo Chocolate-Filled Cupcakes, selected by Jess at Cookbook Habit. At first glance at the recipe and picture, I had high hopes for these, but of course, the ultimate decision comes down to taste. Yes, presentation and overall appeal matter, but nothing surpasses taste.
Awhile back, I saw Martha’s Hostess-like valentine cupcakes on her site and thought they were adorable. I saw them again at Bakeat350 and loved them even more, so I glammed these up a bit by adding ganache and pink piping. Piping words and intricate details are a challenge for me. I’m left-handed and have terrible handwriting ~ so perfection, theses are not. I ordered the cupcake liners from BakeitPretty. Their selection is awesome, and they 
have polka dots galore and a fun selection of baking goodies.
The best part of Martha’s recipe is the cream filling, hands down. It brought me right back to those chocolate Hostess cupcake days ~ when life was bliss and strikes were something people got at the bowling alley.
Okay, here’s the not so great part… I didn’t love the chocolate cake. I didn’t even like it. There, I said it! Honestly, what am I doing wrong? I’m beginning to think Martha and I just have different taste when it comes to cake. Or maybe I am forever changed after discovering the world’s best chocolate cake a few weeks back. From now on, every chocolate cake will be compared to it. This cake was a bit crumbly and dry. I feel bad saying it, but this one hasn’t earned the key to Cupcakeland. But you know what would… the world’s best chocolate cake, Martha’s creamy marshmallow filling, and Bridget at Bakeat350′s recipe for chocolate ganache. Now that’s a cupcake I can’t wait to splurge on! You can check out everyone else’s cupcakes at our group on Flickr.
You may not have been too fussy on the cake but the entire package here looks really nice. I love your polka-dot ribbon running through the plate rim! Hang in there with work, all things are temporary and this will pass.
where did you get that adorable cake stand in the background? i love servers you can put ribbons on… soo cute!
Those are gorgeous cupcakes! I was also underwhelmed by the cake itself, but I think with a tastier recipe these could be big hits. I hope your next cupcake rampage is self-inspired, not work-inspired! Thanks for baking along with me.
Hi Jenny,
The plate is from Southern Living. I use it all the time ~ so versatile!
I’m glad it wasn’t just me. Love the concept, just not lovin’ the recipe!
Very cute! I thought about adding ganache to mine – it needed it. I didn’t like the cupcake but when I ate it w/ the cream I thought it tasted a lot like the Hostess cupcakes.
Yours are so pretty! I always have a shaky hand when piping writing, so I am super impressed. I also like the pink color. I enjoyed these cupcakes, but I made a bunch of changes.
Oh I so agree. I loved the filling but did not like the cake. I’m thinking these definatley need an adjustment. Thanks for all the links!
It’s not you, it is the recipes! Almost every one we’ve done has been so dry. But I am with you on the marshmallow filling, it was absolutely amazing.
Hey Kate! Your cupcakes are so sophisticated – I love the pink color you used for the writing on top along with the polka dot liners! The cake portion of this recipe was a disappointment for me too unfortunately – a bit dry and lacking in chocolate flavor. My husband was happy to eat them though so they weren’t a complete loss.
Sorry the cake ws disappointing. Hers can be a little dry. But combining 3 other recipes sounds like a plan.
Look cute. Wish my cake writing was 1/2 that good.
I’m so glad I found this. I was ready to hang up my baking utensils after this one. I’ve tried several now from her cupcake book and I was at the point of breaking things after this one today. The cupcakes were horrible. They poofed up, then flattened. Taking them out of the cupcake trays was a chore which resulted in the tops of almost each one coming off because it was sooo dry. I was worried it was me, but I see now people are saying the same thing about her recipes – DRY! The fillings/frostings have all been good though, I don’t understand it.