Do you like a Fireball candy? I have to admit I like the little bit of “heat” in those cinnamon hearts. You know, those little red hearts that seem to be around for Valentine’s Day. Well, why not tell your honey that he or she is a hunka hunka burnin’ love by making a cupcake that packs some heat? The Baking Robot thinks it is a wonderful way to, ahem, spice things up!
Atomic Fireball Cupcakes
makes 12
1/2 cup water
10 atomic fireballs, unwrapped
1-1/2 cup flour
1-1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1. In a small bowl, combine water and atomic fireballs. Let soak for at least a half hour. Water will have turned bright red. Remove the fireballs and discard.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin tin with baking cups.
3. In another small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
4. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time. Add half of the flour mixture, followed by the fireball mixture. Now stir in the remaining flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Fill baking cups 2/3 of the way full. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cinnamon Candy Buttercream
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp imitation cinnamon
1-2 drops of red food gel
1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar. Add imitation cinnamon. Stir in red food gel until desired color is reached.*
*If the buttercream is too dry, normally I would suggest adding a tablespoon of milk, one at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. However, I have found that milk counteracts with the imitation cinnamon, so you might add a tablespoon or two of water instead just to be safe.
