STICKY DATE AND NUTELLA CUPCAKES WITH MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING
February 5, 2010 in Uncategorized
Today is World Nutella Day 2010 so I baked up a storm last night and then beat up a storm this morning with the frosting. Since then I have been farming these little devils out to whoever will take them otherwise my diet will go south for sure…..they are absolutely sinfully decadently divine. A sort of cupcake version of a sticky toffee pud without a velvety smooth delicious topping instead of the sauce. When you bite into it you get a mouthful of the most delicious surprise - a soft centre bursting with sensational hazelnutty chocolate spread………YUM!!!! Nutella has always been a favourite of mine and a jar of it is not safe in this house. Especially if, like me, you like orange with your chocolate and you grate the zest of an orange into the jar……..Ooooooooooooooooooh!!!
So here is my entry into this years World Nutella Day. Do go visit the fabulous blogs Ms.Adventures in Italy and Bleeding Espresso to get an overload of Nutella love today…………
NUTELLA DATE CUPCAKES WITH MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING
(Adapted from CAKES to celebrate love and life by Callie Maritz & Mari-Louis Guy)
210g Self Raising Flour
135g Treacle Sugar (Muscovado)
125ml Milk
1 Jumbo Egg
Few Drops Pure Vanilla Extract
45g Butter at room temperature
Pinch of Salt
125g Dates – finely chopped
125ml Boiling Water
2.5ml Bicarbonate of Soda
1/2 Jar Nutella Spread with the zest of an orange (finely grated) mixed in
Preheat oven to 180deg Celcius
Line a large muffin pan with large muffin cups
Place the dates in a bowl and sprinkle on the bicarb of soda then add the boiling water. Allow to stand while
you make the batter
Using an electric mixer beat the butter till light and fluffy, add the egg and beat in.
Add the milk and vanilla and beat all together till well beaten
Sift in the flour & salt and add the brown sugar and beat in gently
Drain the dates then add them to the batter and fold in gently
Place small amounts of batter into each paper case
Place a large dollop of Nutella onto the batter in each case
Cover well with another amount of batter (each case must be about 2/3 full)
Place into preheated oven and bake about 20 minutes
Allow to cool on wire racks then decorate when cold
MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING
2 Jumbo Egg Whites – at room temperature
130g Treacle Sugar (Muscovado)
120g Butter – softened
1 Vanilla Bean – split and the seeds scraped out
Whisk egg whites and sugar together over a bowl of simmering water until sugar has dissolved
and the mixture is hot to the touch
Pour into the bowl of an electric mixer, add the vanilla seeds and beat on high speed for about 5 minutes
until thick and fluffy
Start beating in little bits of butter at a time, incorporating well after each addition until the frosting is beautifully smooth and fluffy
Place in an icing bag and pipe onto the cold cupcakes
Decorate as desired then take a coffee break and enjoy
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This has had to be a very quick post guys, I’m sorry. I haven’t even been able to edit it so please excuse any typos. I have been trying to get it done all afternoon but the wheels have come off a little bit here. My beautiful boy wont be able to come for his Pinky Friday Fun again as he is on his way to see a specialist at Constantiaberg with ?? Meningitis. My nerves. So I am sitting at home here with little monster Jay who is all over the place. I’d rather be with Ty and know what is going on but someone has to keep the home fires buring….and at least this little guy is keeping me occupied. He is just too gorgeous.
Please say a prayer for Tyler that it wont be meningitis but rather some other simple virus that is going round…..
Thanx and have a wonderful weekend
browniegirl xxx
PS DONT FORGET THE CAPE TOWN FOOD BLOGGERS CONFERENCE 2010…BOOK NOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING.
UPDATE: Tyler is home. Turns out not to be meningitis but a severe viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. The symptoms are the same as for meningitis. Once Jay fell asleep things quietened down and the little angel slept all night until 6am when he woke up all bright eyed and bushy tailed looking for his brother hehe. Thanx so much everyone for all the good wishes and support. Much appreciated.
pinkpolkadot said on February 5, 2010
Dear Brownie, I hope and pray that everything will be ok with Tyler? Please keep us updated?
The cupcakes are gorgeous!! I never knew that there was a world nutella day!
tandy.sinclair said on February 5, 2010
Holding positive thoughts for Ty
Try not too worry and let us know as soon as you do what it is xxx
half-pint said on February 5, 2010
Keeping Ty in my thoughts and prayers that it’s nothing serious. Please keep us posted.
Cupcakes look scrumptious! I wonder what Nutella and finely chopped chilli would be like?
Hugs
xx
grieving is not for sissies said on February 5, 2010
Sista, I hope that that cutie pie sleeps through. hugs. I will hear from you in the morning.
Xxxx
Zabwan said on February 6, 2010
i admire your ability to concentrate on typing a recipe with so much to worry about…i’m thinking of you – the cupcakes are amazing wow!!
LessOfMe said on February 6, 2010
Evil woman
canda1 said on February 6, 2010
Oh wow!!!! Look divine!!! Hope Tyler feels better soon!! xxxx
PaulNicholas said on February 6, 2010
Just send a couple of those cup cakes over, will you please. xxx
Beadz2Pleaz said on February 6, 2010
Right so here I am checking in as promised. HUH am I ever so sorry I never grabbed one of these when I had the opportunity…… Dam! They look awesome.
Do you take fans and not actual food bloggers at this conference;) ?
Great admiration for you baking these while you are watching your weight. I could not do that. xx
pinkpolkadot said on February 6, 2010
Any feedback on Ty, dear Brownie?
Moonz said on February 6, 2010
I’m so glad Ty is on the mend. What a fright I got.. I can imagine all of you. HUGS doll.. the choccies cookies look great
HUGS xxx
sideview said on February 6, 2010
they sound great – except for the dates
glad our young man is getting better
Colonialist said on February 6, 2010
I knew an Ella once who was a complete nut, but I haven’t come across Nutella at all – what have I missed?
So glad Tyler is (relatively!) okay. What a fright!
pinkpolkadot said on February 6, 2010
I am soooo glad and relieved, dear Brownie…sleep well!
santanajewels said on February 7, 2010
Im so happy to hear that Tyler is much better dear one… its terrible when they are sick .
as for the recipe .. WOW !!! thank you … I am going to try and make this during the week, when I do , I will let you know…
*huge hugs* have a super evening
xxxx
Moonz said on February 7, 2010
How’s Ty tonight? Hope he’s recovering from the infection in leaps and bounds.
HUGS xxx and loads of love
kasper said on February 8, 2010
This post should be read only with a full tummy!
Glad Tyler is back
rosegarden said on February 8, 2010
Oh dear! I’m on a two week, no sugar no refined carbs diet to try and balance my blood sugar levels.
This recipe really appeals to me!!
Have a week and a half to go…
Glad that Tyler is home.
sharonsmit said on February 8, 2010
Oh my gosh…. how decadant!!
Glad Tyler is home- hope he gets better soon! xxx
kerry.gibbs said on February 8, 2010
OMW this looks amazing – hope Tyler gets better soon. ps – hope you have a good meeting today
I-like-silly said on February 8, 2010
Dear Blogfriends!!!
Our Batty needs our prayers & thoughts, Baby Lizard has been admitted to Hospital & the Dr’s has decided to do a C section this afternoon!!!!
LYLO
Silly
sideview said on February 8, 2010
hows our boy doing?
santanajewels said on February 8, 2010
I love the new avatar dear one…. you look stunning !! How is little Tyler doing ?
*hugs* have a super evening
xxxxxxx
pinkpolkadot said on February 8, 2010
How is Tyler, Brownie?
hutton said on February 9, 2010
isabel said on February 9, 2010
Hi BG. Gosh I am so glad to hear Tyler is OK. Shame, you got a big scare…
Even to me, who does not have a sweet tooth, this looks divine!
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Thanx Nef, I just put an update on him on my blog. These cuppicakes were delish xxx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Hey hutton
)
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Still not well. An update on my blog, thanx so much Polks xx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Thank you Santana
) blog updated re Ty Hugs xxx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Not so great, I just did an update. Thanx sidey xxx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Thanx so much. Hope the little baby girl is doing well and Baby Liz as well xxx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
The meeting was good….I think. Thanx so much Kerry xxx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
They were rather. Thanx Sharon xx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
All the best for that week and a half Rose…you can have a glass and a half when its up??? Or NOT……hehe. I never ate them, just baked and had a wee taste tester. Thanx so much xxx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Hehe…thats true. Thanx Kasper xx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Hi Dinx, not doing so grand friend, I just did an update to my new post seeing as so many asked about him. Hugs and love to you xx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Hehe….NOOIT!! Thanx so much GH xxx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Look forward to hearing all about it Santana. Hugs to you too and thanx xxx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Hehe, do you know that I dont think anyone noticed my new personal avatar??? If they did they never said… xxx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Thanx Polks xxx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Ooooh you’re missing a lot Col hehe..thanx so much xx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Thanx Dinx my friend. Much appreciated xxx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
You’re so faithful in checking in. Thankyou Polkie, I really appreciate it xxx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Oooh you lost out. Sowweeeee
) I am sure that we would be able to save a seat for a fan or two….hehe. Thanx so much friend. Love you xxx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Did you get them?? I sent them days ago
) Nice to see you Rooikat. xxx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Thanx MT&T….updated on Ty xxx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
It was just in your mind iky hehe..thanx xxx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
With evil on my mind hehe…..hello LOM
) xxx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Thanx so much douglas, appreciated xxx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Thanx Cin, I now have an image of you looking all drooly
) I often visit White on Rice Couple. Its such a beautiful blog xxx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Thanx Zabs, xxx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Love you xxx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Oh my word, now you have me drooling..I am going to have to try that one out….thanx so much Halfy, I just put an update on my new post about Ty. Hugs xxx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Thanx Lyndatjie, updated on my new post xxx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Thanx so much T. Much appreciated xxx
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Thanx lovely Polks. Yes there is a World Nutella Day every year. In Feb xxx
Cooksister said on February 9, 2010
That looks totally decadent – but you can still convince yourself it’s healthy with the addition of the dates. or maybe that’s just my personal self-delusion
Glad to hear Tyler does not have meningitis…
Collywolly said on February 9, 2010
Of course you can…and the dark brown unrefined sugar…yes I like that…..not delusional at all hehe….now all I have to do is be like Ilva and use chickpea or quinoa flour and bobs your auntie or some such thing hehe…thanx for the visit Jeanne. Good to see you xxx
Collywolly said on February 10, 2010
Oh ja, you did notice that the old cow was gone didnt you douglas? HAHA…replaced by an older cow perhaps??
) xx
Collywolly said on February 10, 2010
Teehee….you are a bad boy! I am going to have to change this one now to a cuter one…hmmmmmmmmm *pondering*