Ask A Chef: Top Spooky Halloween Treats

The delightful Miami cupcake shop, Tiny Delights, was started by mother-and-daughter team Milly and Karina. Though they always loved to bake at home for years, running a bakery came as a surprise when the opportunity just happened to present itself. They love to work together and they take pride in providing customers with delicious and freshly baked desserts from a daily changing menu as well as custom creations. Trying new recipes is a passion for the duo and they love the challenge and excitement of coming up with off-menu creations for customers. They consider their baking to be done with love!

Milly and Karina
12847 S.W. 42 St.
Miami, FL 33175
(305) 200-3460
http://www.tinydelightscupcakes.com/

"Halloween is by far our favorite holiday at Tiny Delights. A day that basically glorifies sugar? That's right up our alley! In light of Halloween's quick approach, we want to share some simple recipes to make at home to get in the spirit. They are variations of from-scratch recipes that we make at the shop, simplified for easy at-home baking." - Milly+ Karina

Pumpkin Cake

• 2.5 Cups Sugar
• 3/4 Cup Butter
• 3 Large Eggs
• 16 Ounces Pumpkin Puree (canned is okay)
• 1 Cup Buttermilk (homemade or store bought)
• 2 1/4 Cups All Purpose Flour
• 1/2 Tsp Baking Soda
• 1 Tsp Baking Powder
• 1 Tsp Cinnamon
• 3/4 Tsp Salt
• 1/2 Tsp Ground Ginger

Directions:

1. Cream butter and sugar together until no lumps are visible.
2. Add eggs, one egg at a time, and mix until incorporated.
3. Add pumpkin puree and mix until incorporated.
4. Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with buttermilk.

This recipe can be used for several items, two of our favorite being mini pumpkin Bundt cakes and cupcakes in a jar.

For Bundt cakes, use mini Bundt pans, spray well and scoop in batter. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Decorations can be made from fondant or gum paste which can be purchased at any local cake supply or Michael's.

For cupcakes in a jar, bake a thin layer of pumpkin cake in a 9x13 pan for 10-15 minutes. Once cooled, use a round cutter to cut three circles from the cake. Assemble inside a mason jar, alternating with buttercream. Adorn with the ribbon of your choice (preferably a spooky-themed ribbon!).

Related: Top Spots For Hot Drinks In Miami

Halloween Cupcakes (Classic Vanilla Cupcake Base Recipe)

• 1 Cup White Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Butter
• 2 Eggs
• 2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 3/4 Tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 Cup Milk

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, cream the sugar and butter together.
2. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
3. Combine flour and baking powder. Add to the creamed mixture and mix well.
4. Finally stir in the milk until the batter is smooth.
5. Pour or spoon batter into cupcake liners.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
7. Wait until cool to frost.

For a different kind of fun project, there's always the classic cupcake. Our basic vanilla cake recipe is a great base to experiment with. Add extracts to change the flavor until you achieve something unique and suited to your taste. To decorate the cupcakes, use colored buttercream for swirl. For a spider topping, use melted black candy melts and a piping bag. Pipe shape onto parchment paper and allow them to dry before transferring them to the cupcakes.

Related: Top Ice Cream Sundaes In South Florida

Chanoa Chen is a Fashion Merchandiser, Freelance Writer and Blogger. Chanoa has contributed stories to top firms including QVC Insider Germany and regularly contributes to CBS Local Miami and Examiner.com. She may be reached via: bokilovellc@gmail.com.