When you are the baker in the family, it is not uncommon that you just might have to bake your own birthday cakes. I’m okay with that and since today I find myself turning a year older (how does that keep happening???), I thought I’d make some cupcakes that feature a few of my favorite things…
Which means chocolate and vanilla zebra striped cupcakes topped with hot pink & black sprinkles and Hello Kitty. You’d think I was turning 13, wouldn’t you? Closer to twice three times that, but we’ll just chalk it up to being young at heart and having little girls around.
I keep seeing zebra striped cakes and cupcakes and have wanted to try to make some, so this seemed like a good time to try it out. To keep it simple I used a white cake mix and a chocolate fudge cake mix. I did add a bit of black food coloring to my chocolate cake mix, just to pump up the darkness.
I think this is something that probably works out a bit better when made in cake form than in cupcake form. Check out this great post over at My Cake School on how to make a zebra striped cake. My cupcakes didn’t give me exactly the look that I was going for, but I think they pass muster. They manage to still be stripey versus just marbled. Speaking of marbled, a marbled cake mix would be an awesome way to do this (versus using two cake mixes).
I basically layered the white and chocolate cake batters…
After that I simply baked according to the directions on the box.
And in keeping it simple, I just added vanilla frosting, some sprinkles and some Hello Kitty sugar decorations (I’ve found these at grocery stores, party stores and craft stores for years, I think they are a pretty standard item – I mean it IS Hello Kitty!). I also topped a few with a pink heart.
And a look inside…
These were fun and easy and you could get pretty creative using different colors. Now it’s time for me to go enjoy a cupcake and cry about getting old! 😉 Have a great day!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
These are so freaking cute!! Awesome job!
Lauri says
I didn’t realize the zebra-striping was so easy to do. I can’t wait to try making these or a version of them. You could do these for baby showers too and they would be super cute! Plus, I mean, Hello…Hello Kitty on a cupcake, so fun!
Darci says
Happy Birthday!!! These cupcakes are so cute. I am gonna have to give them a try. I love that you did zebra and Hello Kitty for your birthday. Hope you have a fantabulous day!
Yesenia Gilfranco says
You could do black bean cupcake mix too for the black batter. 🙂
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Happy Bday!!! and both me and my 5 year old would love Hello Kitty cupcakes for our next bdays!
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel says
Happy Birthday! Who doesn’t love Hello Kitty? Or zebra print? Two of my fave things in a cupcake? Love it!
ThisBakerGirlBlogs says
Very cute!! 🙂
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
So cute! Love the Hello Kitty and the zebra is gorg. My daughter has a thing for zebras, these would be perfect for her. Happy Birthday!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
I can’t even tell you how much I love these. LOVE!!! ♥
shelly (cookies and cups) says
Happy Birthday!
andie says
Happy Birthday Sugar!
Mary says
Happy Birthday – we share the same birthdate!! The cupcakes look great!
Lisa {Sweet 2 Eat Baking} says
Happy birthday! And yes!! I agree. I’m finding that I have to bake my own birthday cake too. Although I prefer home baked, there’s just a little part of me that wishes my loved ones would have made the effort for me.
The hello kitty cupcakes are so darn cute. Loving the zebra style, I so have to try that. The frosting looks delicious too and I wish we got those hello kitty toppers here.
marla says
Happy belated + these are ADORABLE!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
These are so cute!! Happy Birthday! 🙂
Medeja says
I have never seen anything more cute than these!
Happy When Not Hungry says
What beautiful cupcakes! So cute!
Kim Bee says
Um, these are beyond adorable. I just fell in love with a cupcake.
PastryGirl says
Love love love them!!!
Vera Zecevic – Cupcakes Garden says
Absolutely adorable! If you agree I would like to showcase these cupcakes on my cupcake recipes & ideas blog.
Robin says
what measurements did you use for each layer?
Christi says
Robin, I just spooned them in by sight – to me that’s much more of an “art” than a “science” – whatever looks good for something like this works for me as it’s not going to change the basic structure/recipe. Well, that and it pains me to measure, I enjoy baking so much more when I just roll with it and fly by the seat of my pants. 🙂
[email protected] says
I ADORE anything animal print, so these are right up my alley! I had no idea that it was so simple to make this type of design in the cupcake….great to know!
Cake Storage Boxes says
Cupcake boxes are also great for long term storage. They will allow you to stack multiple boxes on top of each other without crushing the items below. They can also make stacking in a refrigerator or other storage cabinet easy, and can help you easily transfer them in a car or truck to their final destination. You can even get specialized wedding cake storage boxes that are designed for long term storage of wedding cakes.
When you are making cupcakes, don’t forget to protect your hard work with the proper boxes. You can purchase them from companies who specialize in selling wholesale bakery supplies, or you may be able to purchase them from a local bakery if you only need a small number of them. Call the bakeries in your area, and inquire if they would be interested in selling a small number of their boxes to you. You will also find a wide selection online.
Stanley Graves says
These are so cute!! Many Happy Birthday! Thanks