2.09.2010

Happy Valentine's Day cupcake

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!


My Valentine's Day gift to you is this adorable cupcake. Not a cupcake at all, but a meringue confection masquerading as a cupcake. Delish! Totally impractical, hideously fattening and difficult to resist. 



Pink Meringue Cupcakes with Raspberry Curd
Martha Stewart Living Magazine, February 2010




Ingredients:
cooking spray like Pam
6 large egg whites, room temperature
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups sugar
Gel-paste food coloring (I used food coloring I already had)
2 cups crème fraiche
1 container (6 ounces) fresh raspberries
Raspberry curd (recipe follows)



Method:

Preheat oven to 225°. Line every other cup of 2 non-stick muffin tins with baking cups. Just before filling with the meringue, spray the muffin liners with Pam.
Beat the whites, vinegar, vanilla and salt in a mixer on medium speed until frothy. Add 1-3/4 cups sugar one tablespoon at a time, beating for 1 minute after each addition, making certain the sugar dissolves. Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. Mix in 6 drops of food coloring.
Spray your muffin cups now.
Tranfer the mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a plain coupler (no tip) and pipe into the prepared muffin liners, filling to about 2 inches above the rims, ending with a peak in the center.
Bake, rotating half way through, for 3 to 3 hours and 20 minutes. Cupcakes should be dry on the outside and when you stick a toothpick in horizontally at the base of the top, it should come out with moist but cooked crumbs on it.

Transfer to a cooling rack. Let cool completely. Beat the creme fraiche and the remaining 1/4 cup sugar on high speed until soft peaks form. Carefully slice the tops of the cupcake off using a serrated knife. Top each cupcake with 2 tablespoons of raspberry curd (recipe follows), a few raspberries and 2 tablespoons of creme fraiche. Replace tops and serve.
Makes 1 dozen.


Raspberry Curd


Ingredients:

1 container (6 ounces) fresh raspberries
1-1/4 cups sugar
4 large egg yolks
1 stick unsalted butter
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Pinch of salt


Method:

Stir all ingredients together well in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir until slightly thick, about 8-10 minutes.
Strain, refrigerate until cold and thick.

81 comments:

  1. How cute is that! It totally had me fooled. That raspberry curd has got me drooling. Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Now that is what I call a cupcake! Wow, it looks fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  3. That is a seriously over-the-top cupcake!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lovely and totally festive, perfect for valentine's day!

    ReplyDelete
  5. yay pink! meringue.. cupcakes.. mmm.
    that picture just made me smile. hehe.
    havent used meringue on a cupcake before.
    i'd probably torch it!

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a divine cupcake! It looks absolutely gorgeous and I want to gobble it up!

    Love and hugs,
    Karyn

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ah fabulous! Didn't I see this in the Martha Stewart Living magazine? You did such a good job on recreating it.
    Happy Valentines
    *kisses* HH

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks, everyone!

    Muffins: That's what's fun about this- the entire cupcake is meringue.

    And yes, HH, that's exactly where I got this recipe. But mine is pitiful compared to theirs. (Perhaps why they pay food designers?)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love it because it's pink.

    ReplyDelete
  10. That raspberry curd sounds delicious. I love this! It is too adorable, kind of like a meringued raspberry shortcake.

    ReplyDelete
  11. How could anyone resist these cupcakes after reading your description:)? I love it, and thank you for the gift!

    ReplyDelete
  12. The raspberries have my mouth watering. This is the perfect cupcake. I wish you a wonderful Valentine's Day.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love it, thank you, Barbara! That is one beautifully delicious cupcake.

    ReplyDelete
  14. If this is what "impractical" looks like, I'll take it any day. Happy early Valentine's Day to you, Barbara!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh, what a perfect little light treat! I love the idea of meringue cupcake and so delicious with raspberry curd!

    ReplyDelete
  16. You are such a girlie girl..Don't ever change!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Absolutely gorgeous and perfect for this coming Valentne's day. yay...

    ReplyDelete
  18. Duck: Me too!

    Joanne: The raspberry curd is divine over ice cream.

    Francesca: I know, so many calories! Don't say I didn't warn you.

    Bridget: It is perfect. Melt in your mouth.

    Susan: It was great fun to make.

    Lucie: I agree- I like impractical sometimes too!

    Natasha: It was delish.

    BD: I can be, from time to time. And yes, it's definitely a girlie treat...all that pink sweetness! But I'll share!

    Kristy: I thought yay too!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Oh HELL YEAH delicious looking! I am so attempting these! (notice I use the word "attempt". This is because I suck at cooking.)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Yum! I don't usually like meringue, but this is so very tempting...

    ReplyDelete
  21. wow this is amazing and beautiful I am sure you are a great mom lol

    ReplyDelete
  22. "Totally impractical, hideously fattening and difficult to resist."

    i graciously accept your gift, barbara. it looks incredible! :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi Barbara,

    This looks scrumptious and I would like to gobble it all up.
    The perfect treat for Valentines Day and thanks for sharing the recipe.
    Have a happy Valentines Day

    Hugs
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  24. and happy v-day to you as well! a perfect treat for a day of romance!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Happy Valentine's Day to you too :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Cute pink meringue!!! Yes, I need plenty of it.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Yummyummmyyummyy. I was waiting for someone to bake something like this one day. I'm such a carboholic that a don't know if a meringue cupcake could soothe my inherent carb needs, but if it's this pretty, it would. or I can just have two. :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Was blown away when I saw it on Martha Stewart Magazine as well - thought - well, I hope someone makes it and blogs about it - and here you come to the rescue!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Ha ha , it sounds like it has EVERYTHING going for it - and meringue is pretty fat free right? Have a great Valentine's day!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Phoenix: The story about my making these would make a blog post all on it's own.

    Chan: I know...all that sugar!

    Rebecca: I hope I am!

    Grace: I made them for fun...and a brief sugar high!

    Carolyn: You too!

    Teresa: I love that pink, don't you?

    Karine: Thanks!

    Ellie: It was fun to try.

    Vickys: Are there some carbs in the creme fraiche?

    Trissa: Their picture was soooo beautiful and smooth. Mine was not.
    Photoshop? Or sheer talent?

    Sophie: Thank you!

    Shaz: Leave it to you to find the good side! You're right! No fat.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Barbara,
    What a cutie! This is such a terrific idea, a meringue cupcake. I'm having a "Why didn't I think of that moment?"
    Raspberry curd......yum.... I'm already dreaming up a million things to do with that!
    Happy Valentine's Day Sistah!
    Pam

    ReplyDelete
  32. Your cupcake is lovely and very appropriate for Valentine's Day!
    Whether or not I make the entire cupcake, I'm completely fascinated by the idea of raspberry curd. I will definitely by making it.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Wonderful!
    Thanks so much for my meringue cupcake, I will be over in about twenty minutes to pick it up. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  34. Happy valentine's day to you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. That is the MOST decadent cupcake I have ever seen!

    I'm almost too embarrassed to ask you to vote for my team's cake which is in last place right now!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Pam and Tiffany: I'm with you! The cupcake is cute but the combo of creme fraiche and raspberry curd is divine!

    Natashya: Sorry, all gone! ;)

    Erica: Thank you and same to you!

    Katherine: Of course I voted for your cake. What a wonderful cause!

    ReplyDelete
  37. I've never been to the Carribean, but I would love it.

    ReplyDelete
  38. What a quintessential dessert for Valentine's Day! Just lovely! MMM!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Beautiful color! Perfect for VDay. But I think I can have a cupcake any day!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Duck: All the Pond would love it in the warm weather!

    Aimee: It's pink and sweet- just right for Valentine's Day!

    msmeanie: Oh yeah, a cupcake a day would be nice.

    ReplyDelete
  41. What a wonderful valentine treat!

    ReplyDelete
  42. This is a dessert I would love. I've never seen raspberry curd before. It sounds amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  43. These look like pieces of delicious art!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Barbara :
    Happy V day to you too. Sweet cupcake !

    ReplyDelete
  45. That is one perfect Valentine's cupcake! Looks totally and fantastically delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  46. I love raspberries and that looks delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  47. great festive post! and yummy cupcakes!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Figtree: It was delicious!

    Barbara: I can think of lots of ways to use that raspberry curd.

    Kathleen: Thanks!

    Maya: The combination was really good.

    Dishesdone: It was!

    Tammy: I do too, anytime of the year!

    Simply Life: Never can resist such a lovely holiday!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Impractical, fattening, irresistible--the three mainstays of a delicious (and yours is gorgeous, too!) dessert.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I love anything pink and with fresh raspberries and only egg whites in your cupcake makes it "not so bad" right?

    ReplyDelete
  51. I think you'll like Clementine Jane more tommorow...

    ReplyDelete
  52. Unconfidential: I agree, when I see that I figure I'm going to love the dessert!

    Taste: Right. No fat in the cupcake!

    Duck: I am relieved! I guess you can tell I've had a really BAD experience with the press.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Love.....this.......but you know that already. I'm a meringue babe....anyday!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Absolutely gobsmackingly divine Barbara! I love how you've filled it with such lusciousness! :D

    ReplyDelete
  55. All of my favorites wrapped up in one little treasure!

    Gotta have it, and Happy Valentines Day to you!!

    Diane

    ReplyDelete
  56. Barbara, this is the most unique 'cupcake' I have seen. I crave anything with raspberries in it, especially with creme fraiche. I should really give this a try...I'm off to sleep now where I will surely be dreaming of this lovely treat.
    Happy Valentine's Day
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  57. happy valentine's day! i could eat a plateful of these cupcakes.

    ReplyDelete
  58. It is so easy to catch up with your blog.

    Everything is a melody. Berries and meringue AND cake??

    Barbara... dreamy.

    ReplyDelete
  59. OzOz: Well maybe, if I knew who you were.

    Lorraine: Very yummy, but very sugary!

    2 Stews: So glad you liked it!

    Bunny: The raspberry curd and creme fraiche together were perfect.

    My Spatula: I gave most of them away or I would have!

    Clarity: So pleased you are back!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Hahaha! You evil, delicious temptress, you! You KNOW I will have to try this cupcake, though it's much too pretty to eat. Happy Valentine's Day to you!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Do not appear to be too hard to concoct but sure don't look like it. They look stunning as if you were standing on your weary feet for hours, slaving & toiling. My kind of recipe. Thank you as always Barbara and a happy Valentines Day weekend to you my dear xx

    ** thank you SO much for your well appreciated advise re: our plight to move or not to move. It meant a lot.

    ReplyDelete
  62. What fabulous cupcakes! They look so irresistible!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    ReplyDelete
  63. Every other gift I receive will pale in comparison to that cupcake. It's gorgeous and I'll wager it tastes as good as it looks. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary

    ReplyDelete
  64. Bella: Thanks and again I mention the pleasure your work brings to all of us.

    Deb: No, not difficult to make but difficult to put together.

    Rosa: Thanks!

    Mary: Yes, it was delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Stunning is the word that comes to mind. The curd you use in your cupcakes sounds absolutely wonderful and it is gorgeous to look at. I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day.

    ReplyDelete
  66. An absolutely delightful gorgeous array of feasts and here u have the perfect dessert for vaentines....

    Oh yeah...LOVE IS IN THE AIR,SO IS ROMANCE...WISH YA LOADS OF IT @ 365....

    ReplyDelete
  67. Barbara -- just a quick little note here to say thank you for your kinds words over at the ole porkster. very nice of you to take a moment out of your busy day in your (wonderfully aromatic) cozy kitchen... -Jg.

    ReplyDelete
  68. oh wow...i wish they made scratch and sniff computers...or maybe scratch and taste would be better. yum!

    ReplyDelete
  69. That is one perfect cupcake, er, meringue!!!! Did you really say raspberry curd?? How great is that... fab recipe

    ReplyDelete
  70. Mary: Thanks!

    Vanilla Strawberry: So glad you visited and I wish you a Happy Valentine's Day too!

    JG: I enjoy your blog so very much and appreciate a comment on a particularly pink post.

    Brian: Oddly enough, no fragrance, but it sure tasted great!

    Deana: Have to agree...I would have been happy just to have the raspberry curd recipe!

    ReplyDelete
  71. Fabulous recipes-will be sharing your site w/a family member who like to cook!
    C-CS

    ReplyDelete
  72. Hi,
    What a gorgeous treat, my mouth is watering already.
    Thanks for visiting Normandy today,guests are always welcome and there's usually cake involved!!
    ~Maggie~

    ReplyDelete
  73. Christian Soldier: Thanks! I appreciate your kind words.

    Maggie: Well, if there's cake involved, I'll come more often! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  74. awesome love this i got the coconut preserves in saint martin lol

    Happy Valentines

    ReplyDelete
  75. Now THAT is a cupcake.

    --Terrace Crawford
    www.terracecrawford.com
    www.twitter.com/terracecrawford

    ReplyDelete
  76. Oh, Barbara! I'm bouncing in my seat excited! Your cupcake looks fabulous but it's that curd I'm truly thrilled about. I've wanted to make a raspberry curd for forever! Thanks!
    ~ingrid

    ReplyDelete
  77. WOW!!! This is one of the most creative things I have seen in a long time.

    Well done!!

    Blessings-
    Amanda

    ReplyDelete
  78. I can't resist something as nice and delicious as this. Simply delightful :-)

    Sawadee from Bangkok,
    Kris

    ReplyDelete
  79. This cupcake is most definite one of the loveliest I've ever seen! Looks D E L I C I O U S
    Off to read some of your earlier posts....

    Happy Thoughts!
    Saskia

    ReplyDelete
  80. Now THAT's a cupcake! Gorgeous, gorgeous!

    --Stephanie
    www.stephaniesavorsthemoment.com

    ReplyDelete
  81. Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment today. Nice site you here.

    ReplyDelete

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails