1. Coffee
2. Donuts
I think this is how Dad’s favorites list would read. If you ask Grace, Josie, Ollie or Jonathan what they like best about Grandpa Farm, inevitably the word donut or sparkle donut will come up. Dad has a knack for picking out the best donut, sneaking it past a very observant mom, and enjoying a sugary treat with his grandkids. It is a family tradition.
Well, I came across this recipe one day and I finally got a chance to make it last week. A perfect pick me up, any time of the day!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter (1 stick) softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoons baking powder
pinch of salt
1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
1/8 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
(coffee frosting recipe, below)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prep a cupcake pan with liners.
Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Combine the coffee and milk, set aside.
Alternate the flour and the coffee mixture into the butter mixture, beating until combined.
Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake for about 15-20 minutes depending on your oven. Let cool on a wire rack.
The cakes become more coffee-vescent the longer they sit. These make a really nice cake as is. The coffee frosting is just a nice touch.
Coffee Frosting:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
3 cups confectioners’ sugar
2-1/2 Tablespoons coffee
1 Tablespoon milk (as needed)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
In the bowl of an electric mixer cream butter, carefully adding the sugar, coffee, and vanilla; mix until light and fluffy. Add a little of the milk at a time to get the right consistency. Turn the mixer up to high and beat well.
Quite obviously, if you have a donut maker OR a tiny sous chef to help sprinkle the donuts: top these with a donut to make coffee+donut cupcakes. Or just buy mini donuts from the store, they make a really cute presentation.
