I found out this afternoon that in a little over 2 weeks I will be competing in a local cupcake contest – The Great Cupcake Smackdown. Exciting, no!?
It’s 10 bakers/pastry chefs from around Atlanta and we’re charged with baking 2 different cupcakes – 1 common flavor (Red Velvet, of course) and one creative/Baker’s Choice. My Red Velvet is amazing, I know this, but this is ultra serious! I must win!
So now I need to come up with my flavor for the creative choice – something most people will like. Something different and delicious and beautiful. Man, this is going to be a hard decision!
So here’s what I need from you, darling blog readers. Please go to my website, read the flavor descriptions and see if any of these will do. Then leave a comment with your top 2-3 choices (If you have an idea you don’t see listed please suggest!). Remember I am going to WIN, so I’m looking for something that will appeal to the most people.
A couple flavors I haven’t listed on the website yet:
Key Lime – Vanilla key lime cake with a key lime filling, cream cheese frosting, topped with graham cracker crumbs
Strawberry Lemonade – strawberry and lemon cake swirled together, lemon filling, cream cheese frosting
Dulce de Leche – Vanilla cake, dulce de leche filling, cream cheese frosting, topped with chopped nuts
I am not a fan of cupcakes with a gelatinous filling. I usually eat around it. Just a thought when pleasing the masses.
P.S. I will be at the smackdown!
I totally agree.
I’d chose a flavor that has mass appeal too. So something like Key Lime is out as only certain palates like that.
In thinking of the masses, I would probably suggest either your Bavarian Cream or Chocolate Peanut Butter. Good luck in the contest!
Ohh yum, I wish I could be a judge for something like this!
Since the red velvet would already speak to my chocolateyish taste I would want something totally unique/different for the second. I loooove key lime but know some people just don’t like key lime. I would say juicy strawberry would be a hit with most everyone and a good counter to the red velvet.
Good luck!!
I think dulce de leche sounds PHENOM. What about something with a chocolate ganache frosting and a salted caramel filling? Or vice versa? omgiwantcupcakes NOW.
My first thought is the Better Than Sex.
I’m not a fan of filling either but the Better Than Sex cupcake sounds divine. You can’t go wrong with chocolate and caramel.
I think something vanilla based appeals to most people because a lot of people (myself included) don’t really care for chocolate cake. The Better Than Sex ones are an exception…surprised that I liked them so much because I really don’t like chocolate cake that much!
I vote for Cinnabon (the one my husband who thinks most everything is just OK said was DELICIOUS) or Dulce De Leche. I’ve can vouch for both being awesome.
Good luck in the contest. Will be there with Disco Diva and Babs!
Strawberry Lemonade sounds yummy and perfect for summer! How about a Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake?
Ooh yeah! There’s nothing like fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Any way to make a good-tasting whipped cream that holds up well? Or maybe an angel food cupcake with a fresh strawberry in the middle, and frosting on top?
I’ll be there to vote for my fave cupcake lady! I vote for the strawberry lemonade.
This is a smackdown! You have to be original and “out of the box”! If it’s a standard flavor, it may be good…but you probably won’t “smack” anyone down!
Good luck!
I agree with Disco diva – this is a smackdown. When have you ever gotten ahead by playing it safe? In any event, as a non-chocolate person, I would vote for the Better than Sex. Lots of good toppings, probably not in your normal bakery (at least not the ones I’ve been to…) and has a sassy name ; ). You could always try to up the ante and make a flavor-infused caramel for the filling… vanilla caramel? bourbon caramel? Try a bit of a twist, and then you could call it Even Better than Sex… or Better Than a Sex Marathon… or… something… hmm.
Strawberry Lemondade sounds yummy and summertimey
Cinnabon would be my next choice.
Good luck. I am sure you are gonna be great !
Thank you all for the feedback! I think I’ve decided on what I’ll be making – and I believe we have a winner!
Special thanks to 5 Starz for all the help!
I guess I’m too late, but I can resist:
Better Than Sex
Strawberry Lemonade
Lemon Bliss