Cupcake Wars

Ingredients

For Vanilla Cupcakes (makes 24):

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For Chocolate Cupcakes (makes 24):

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup strong black coffee (cooled)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Food coloring (various colors)

Decorating Supplies:

• Piping bags and various tips
• Sprinkles (various colors and types)
• Edible pearls and glitter
• Candy decorations (gummy bears, M&Ms, etc.)
• Chocolate chips and candy melts
• Fresh fruit
• Crushed cookies (Oreos, graham crackers)
• Mini chocolate bars
• Fondant (optional)

Instructions

Vanilla Cupcakes:

1. Preheat: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter: Beat butter until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
4. Alternate adding: Add flour mixture and milk alternately, beginning and ending with flour.
5. Fill and bake: Fill liners ⅔ full. Bake 18-20 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool completely: Let cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Chocolate Cupcakes:

1. Preheat: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs, buttermilk, coffee, oil, and vanilla.
4. Combine: Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix until just combined.
5. Fill and bake: Fill liners ⅔ full. Bake 18-20 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool completely: Cool before frosting.

Buttercream Frosting:

1. Beat butter: Beat butter until creamy and smooth.
2. Add sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time.
3. Add liquid: Add cream and vanilla. Beat on high for 3 minutes until fluffy.
4. Color: Divide into bowls and tint with food coloring as desired.

Competition Format

Option 1: Team Competition

1. Divide into teams of 2-4 people
2. Each team gets 6 cupcakes to decorate
3. Set a time limit (20-30 minutes)
4. Teams present their creations
5. Judge or vote on winners

Option 2: Individual Challenge

1. Everyone decorates 2-3 cupcakes
2. Use a mystery ingredient challenge
3. Present and explain your design
4. Group voting on favorites

Option 3: Theme-Based

1. Assign different themes to each team (seasons, holidays, scripture stories, etc.)
2. Teams must incorporate their theme into their designs
3. Present and explain how design relates to theme
4. Award prizes for creativity, presentation, and taste

Judging Categories

• Most Creative: Unique and original design
• Best Presentation: Most visually appealing overall
• Best Use of Color: Color coordination and design
• Most Delicious: Taste test winner
• Fan Favorite: Group vote for overall favorite
• Funniest: Most humorous or quirky design
• Best Theme Incorporation: If using themed challenges

Tips for Success

• Bake ahead: Make cupcakes 1-2 days ahead so they're ready to decorate
• Time-saver: Use boxed cake mix and canned frosting for easier prep
• Keep frosting soft: Cover frosting bowls with damp towel to prevent crusting
• Practice piping: Let teams practice piping techniques before competition starts
• Prep stations: Set up individual decorating stations with all supplies
• Music: Play upbeat music during the competition for energy

Decoration Ideas

Beginner-Friendly Designs:

• Rainbow swirl frosting
• Sprinkle explosion
• Simple flower designs
• Ombre frosting

Intermediate Designs:

• Rose swirls
• Two-tone piping
• Character faces
• Seasonal designs (snowflakes, pumpkins, etc.)

Advanced Designs:

• 3D fondant decorations
• Intricate piping patterns
• Multi-layered frosting techniques
• Sculpted cupcake toppers

Activity Ideas

• Have a panel of judges or do blind taste testing
• Create a "mystery box" challenge with surprise decorating items
• Time-based rounds like a real cooking competition show
• Take photos of all creations before the taste test
• Give out fun awards and prizes to winners
• Package leftover cupcakes to deliver to neighbors or friends