"Starfish and Coffee" Cupcake

This month's Challenge was to create a cupcake based around a song title. I chose to create one around what I consider the theme song to my life: Prince's "Starfish and Coffee." The chorus rattles off a grocery list of things that don't seem to belong together in a child's lunch:


"Starfish and coffee,
Maple syrup and jam,
butterscotch clouds, a tangerine, and a side order of ham.
If you set your mind free, baby, maybe you'll understand
Starfish and coffee,
Maple syrup and jam."


My creation is an espresso cupcake, spiked with tangerine zest and topped with clouds of butterscotch buttercream frosting, almond Pocky, and a tangerine slice:

If you like the cupcake (or even just the photo), please head over to http://www.ironcupcakemilwaukee.com starting Friday, October 30th at 8 p.m. through Thursday, November 5 at 12 noon. 


Our Generous IronCupcake:Earth Prize Providers:

• The Demy™ by Key Ingredient
• Hello, Cupcake by Karen Tack & Alan Richardson
• Bella Cupcake Couture
• Cupcake Stackers by Gourmac
• The Cake Mix Doctor Returns! by Anne Byrne

To get in on the excitement next month, check out http://www.ironcupcakeearth,com

"Starfish and Coffee" cupcake

Italian espresso cupcake (makes 24 cupcakes)

-2 cups bleached all-purpose flour

-1 teaspoon baking soda

-1/4 tsp salt

-2 tbsp tangerine zest

-2 cups sugar

-1 cup mayonnaise

-2 eggs

-1 tsp vanilla extract

-2 tbsp instant espresso powder

-1 cup hot coffee

Blend all dry ingredients together and set aside. Blend egg and sugar until fluffy. Add mayonnaise and vanilla and mix well. Add half of the dry ingredients, mix to combine. Then add the brewed coffee, blend, and finish by mixing in the rest of the flour mixture. Bake for 12-15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Butterscotch Buttercream frosting

-1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening

-1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine softened

-4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (approximately 1 lb.)

-1 tsp vanilla extract

-2 tablespoons milk

-Almond Crush Pocky biscuits (optional)

-Tangerine slices (optional)

Blend all ingredients in a large mixer on high until combined and fluffy. Frost cupcakes, and top with pieces of almond Pocky and a tangerine slice, if desired.