The Ultimate Holiday Frosting Gift Guide: Featuring Cupcake Wars Winner Heather Saffer & Vanilla Buttercream Recipe
Today, our kitchen, usually a delightful chaos of flour and sugar, is buzzing with an extra special kind of excitement. We are absolutely thrilled to host a truly inspiring guest who is joining us as part of her highly anticipated Frosting Gift Guide Blog Tour.
Please extend a warm welcome to the incredibly talented Heather Saffer, affectionately known as “Cupcakes,” to our virtual kitchen! Heather is not just a lover of all things frosting; she’s a true connoisseur, an avid cupcake enthusiast, and a celebrated figure in the baking world. You might recognize her as the triumphant winner of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars in 2011, and she’s also the brilliant author behind the innovative cookbook, The Dollop Book of Frosting.
Heather’s book is an absolute treasure trove, brimming with an extraordinary collection of creative and utterly delicious frosting recipes. What makes it truly stand out is its imaginative scope, featuring everything from classic sweet delights to surprisingly delightful savory concoctions. Every single recipe in The Dollop Book of Frosting is a testament to her culinary genius, but a few have captivated my imagination and taste buds more than others. The robust gingersnap stout frosting offers a unique twist, the maple bacon frosting is a sweet and savory revelation, the strawberry champagne frosting brings an elegant sparkle, and the brownie batter frosting is pure, unadulterated indulgence. It’s a book that truly redefines the boundaries of what frosting can be.
The moment I first opened The Dollop Book of Frosting, I was completely enchanted. It immediately sparked a desire to whip up every single recipe and, of course, follow the age-old baker’s tradition of licking the beaters clean. The sheer variety and inventive spirit within its pages are truly inspiring. And today, we are incredibly fortunate because Heather is here to generously share one of her irresistibly creamy and perfectly formulated frosting recipes with all of us, directly from her highly anticipated Frosting Gift Guide Blog Tour. Get ready to be inspired and indulge your sweet tooth!
Now, without further ado, let’s hand over the reins to the frosting queen herself, Heather Saffer:
A Special Message from Heather Saffer: Happy Holidays, Messy Bakers!
Happy Holidays to all you wonderfully messy bakers out there! It’s an absolute joy to be here today, joining you from Jennie’s fantastic blog, as a delightful stop on my 2013 Holiday Blog Tour! I’m Heather Saffer, and I’m beyond excited to guest post and share some sweet inspiration with you today.
For those who might not know me, I had the incredible honor of winning Food Network’s Cupcake Wars – an experience that was as thrilling as it was messy! And I’ve channeled that passion for all things sweet into my cookbook, which just hit the shelves, entirely dedicated to the magic of frosting! Yes, you heard that right, The Dollop Book of Frosting isn’t just about topping cupcakes. It’s a comprehensive guide to incorporating frosting in countless creative ways – from swirling it into decadent pies to piling it generously atop warm, fluffy pancakes. It might sound a little crazy, but trust me, it’s oh-so-sweet and utterly delicious!
The Messy Baker Connection: A Match Made in the Kitchen
When I first stumbled upon Jennie’s blog, I instantly knew that I had to include her in my Holiday Blog Tour. There was simply no taking “no” for an answer! Her self-proclaimed title, “the messy baker,” immediately resonated with me. It spoke to an authentic, no-holds-barred approach to baking that I deeply admire. But it wasn’t just the catchy name; it was her captivating photos, her innovative recipes, and her engaging writing style that truly sealed the deal. Jennie is a creative force of nature in the kitchen, and her passion shines through every post.
And the truth is, I’m known to be pretty darn messy in the kitchen myself. It’s a badge of honor for any true baker, isn’t it? The best creations often come from a little flour on the nose and sugar dusted everywhere. Here’s a little photographic evidence to prove my point:
Just a friendly reminder from one messy baker to another: when you’re adding, say, 25 pounds of powdered sugar to a massive 30-quart mixer, always double-check that the speed setting is on low. You’ll thank me for that tip someday when your kitchen isn’t enveloped in a sweet, sugary cloud! It’s these little mishaps that often become our fondest baking memories.
DIY Frosting Decorating Kit: The Perfect Holiday Gift
Anyhow, today I’m absolutely thrilled to share with you a super fun and incredibly thoughtful frosting gift idea – perfect for the upcoming holiday season! Do you have a frosting lover in your life? Of course, you do! We all know someone who can’t resist a dollop (or ten) of creamy, dreamy frosting. So, I’m going to show you a truly clever and delightfully simple way to give them the ultimate gift of frosting this holiday season: by creating your very own personalized Frosting Decorating Kit!
This DIY kit is more than just a gift; it’s an experience, a canvas for creativity, and a testament to your thoughtfulness. It’s perfect for friends, family, teachers, or anyone who appreciates a sweet gesture.
What You Need for Your Frosting Decorating Kit:
Crafting this amazing gift is surprisingly simple. All you need are a few key components:
- **A Batch of My Perfectly Fluffy Vanilla Buttercream:** This is the heart of your kit. My Vanilla Buttercream recipe, straight from *The Dollop Book of Frosting*, is renowned for its light, airy texture and rich, classic flavor. It’s the perfect blank canvas for any creative decorator.
- **An Assortment of Your Friend’s Favorite Candies as Mix-ins:** This is where the personalization truly shines! Think about what your gift recipient loves. Do they crave chocolate? Are they a fan of fruity flavors? Do they enjoy a satisfying crunch? The possibilities are endless, and selecting their favorites shows how much you care.
- **A Few FDV’s (Frosting Delivery Vehicles):** These are the delightful edible vessels designed to transport that delicious frosting straight to their taste buds. From classic cookies to fresh fruit, FDVs are crucial for the full frosting experience.
Imagine the delight on their face as they unwrap this beautifully curated kit, ready to embark on their own frosting adventure. It’s a gift that encourages fun, creativity, and, of course, delicious indulgence. Happy Frosting, everyone!
Expand Your Holiday Frosting Inspiration
Need even more fabulous frosting gift ideas for everyone on your holiday list? Don’t stop here! Be sure to follow the rest of my Holiday Blog Tour for daily doses of sweet inspiration and unique gifting concepts. And for a comprehensive look at the best presents for frosting enthusiasts, check out my dedicated Gift Guide For Frosting Lovers on my website. You’ll find everything from essential tools to clever presentation ideas that will elevate your holiday baking and gifting to the next level.
Win Your Own Copy of The Dollop Book of Frosting!
Now for an exciting announcement! One lucky reader of One Sweet Mess is going to win their very own copy of Heather’s incredible The Dollop Book of Frosting. Trust me when I say, this is a book you absolutely want to get your hands on. It’s not just a cookbook; it’s a source of endless inspiration, offering unique recipes that will transform your baking repertoire and ignite your creative spirit in the kitchen. Learning from a Cupcake Wars winner is an opportunity not to be missed!
The giveaway is for one physical copy of *The Dollop Book of Frosting*. This exciting opportunity is open exclusively to U.S. residents and will run from December 3, 2013, through December 10, 2013. Don’t miss your chance to bring home this fantastic resource for all things frosting!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (For the most vibrant flavor, I highly recommend using a high-quality extract like J.R. Watkins’ pure vanilla extract.)
- 3 cups 10x powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt (This tiny touch of salt perfectly balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.)
- Begin by placing the softened unsalted butter into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until the butter is light, creamy, and visibly soft, usually about 3 minutes. This initial creaming step is crucial for achieving a fluffy texture.
- Add the pure vanilla extract to the creamed butter and continue mixing for approximately 1 minute, allowing the vanilla to fully incorporate and infuse the butter with its aromatic essence.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing slowly after each addition until fully incorporated. Once all the sugar has been added, increase the speed to medium-high and continue mixing.
- Finally, add the salt to the mixture. Continue beating the frosting for about 5 minutes on medium-high speed. During this time, the frosting will transform, becoming wonderfully light, airy, and fluffy. Make sure to stop occasionally and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula. This ensures all ingredients are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed, preventing any grainy texture or unmixed pockets.
- **Frosting Mix-in Suggestions:** The beauty of this vanilla buttercream is its versatility! For a personalized gift kit, consider including small bags or jars of your friend’s favorite add-ins: classic M&M’s, tangy Nerds, refreshing Andes Creme de Menthe chips, mini chocolate chips, festive crushed candy canes, crunchy crushed Oreo’s, delightful Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, savory crushed pretzels, buttery toffee bits, crisp Kit Kats, or literally anything else your heart (or their heart) desires! The possibilities are endless.
- **FDV (Frosting Delivery Vehicle) Suggestions:** To complete the ultimate frosting gift experience, include a variety of edible vehicles. Think beyond the cupcake! Consider unfrosted cupcakes, sturdy pretzel sticks, rich brownies, crisp graham crackers, refreshing apple slices, delightful cookie sticks, classic vanilla wafers, crunchy biscotti, adorable mini pies, spicy gingersnaps, or perfectly cut-out cookies. With this many options, the sky truly is the limit for how to enjoy this delicious frosting!
- **Assembling Your Kit:** To create the most creative and visually appealing frosting gift anyone has ever seen, scoop the freshly made Vanilla Buttercream into charming Ball jars. Neatly chop up the chosen candies and package them in pretty baggies tied with festive ribbon. Arrange the FDV’s alongside the frosting and mix-ins. For an extra touch, consider attaching a small spatula and a fun, sectioned dish for dipping. This thoughtful presentation elevates your homemade gift to an unforgettable experience!