When I was younger and starting my family, my friends were also having babies and they knew they could could count on me for one thing…and it wasn’t just a cocktail! I used to sew a lot; I made my own clothes, my kids clothes, Halloween costumes, gifts…you name it and I was probably making it!. So when I was pregnant with my first child, I made most of the accessories for her room including her baby bumpers, a quilt, pillows, a cover for her changing table and a second quilt I used as a wall hanging. My friends loved them so much they made no secret of wanting a quilt of their own.
So in keeping with that tradition, when I was invited to join in this Virtual Baby Shower for Rachel with RachelCooks.com, hosted by Brandy and Brandi (no, seriously that is not a typo!)I decided it had to be a quilt; a cupcake quilt! I’ve gotten to know Rachel over the past year; first helping her once with a guest post, assisting her professionally with her website later in the year and now feeling such empathy that she has endured way beyond morning sickness with this pregnancy…that baby boy will be welcome in more ways than one! So this quilt is from the heart and I’m hoping it brings a smile to her face.
The cake portion is a decadent and amazing cake from my friend Lana with the Lana’s Cooking website; she a full blown Southerner and I simply one that will forever hold the South dear in my heart…that’s were both of my babies were born. All of the cupcakes are the same cake base and frosting but have just been decorated to create a patchwork; some with coconut, some with grated dark chocolate and some with my favorite…sugared cranberries. Lana prepares this as a cake and I ended up doing both. Though it was fun decorating those little quilt pieces I have to admit; I was over it after a dozen and the cake is equally lovely too. If I can keep from digging into it, my blogging group might get a bite next Saturday. If. Big IF!
I really had not planned a cake as well but I’ll tell you…I love the way the cake looks too. The sugared cranberries that I made to decorate both the cupcakes and the cake are so pretty; it’s a bonus that they are so fun to eat. It’s like a little touch of softened cranberry that explodes when you bite into that crispy sugared shell. Very easy to make too but if there is one thing that requires constant looking after this is it. Still; 3 minutes of cooking, c’mon you can do that! I also tried VERY hard for someone so used to girly girl stuff to keep this more suited to a boy in all ways but guess what happens when cranberries get mixed with sugar…ahem, pink. So I went with it on the cupcakes…I smushed some of those berries and mixed them up with sparkling sugar and for future reference have a great way to colorize sugar naturally.
I loved having both cupcakes and a cake and this cake is pretty enough that it might happen again for the Christmas holiday; it’s no secret I LOVE cranberries and these sweet little crunchy ones? Absolutely addictive. You’ll see.
White chocolate cake with coconuts, toasted pecans; covered with a white chocolate frosting and either shaved chocolate, coconut or sugared cranberries? I know you want some!
Congratulations Rachel…I know you are so excited about your new addition and I hope this virtual event and my cupcake ‘quilt’ gives you more than a virtual feeling of the love that surrounds you. XOXO
An Uninvited Guest!
Sooo, I guess my ‘little one’ wanted to come to the party? I heard my dog Abbie behind me in the family room and realized she was eating something; of late she has pulled graham crackers out of the cupboard and managed to snag an apple from the table so when she hurriedly finished her ‘score’ I had a sneaking suspicion and I was right. She can not typically get things off of the table; that girl was determined! This quick snap with my phone proves she must like coconut?
A delicious, decadent, comfort food cake rich with butter and full of white chocolate, pecans, and coconut.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup combination granulated and sanding sugar
- 8 oz. white chocolate
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs, separated
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup coconut
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1/2 lb butter, room temperature
- 1 lb powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 4-6 Tbsp half and half or whipping cream
- 8 oz white chocolate
Preparation
- Combine sugar and water in a small pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add cranberries and cook on medium low heat until some of the cranberry skins just start to pop and water starts to turn pink; 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Drain cranberries in a colander over a bowl. Place sanding sugar on a cookie sheet and gently put the cranberries on the sugar and roll them until coated. Let them stand in a single layer at room temperature until dry, about 1 hour.
- NOTE: Do not refrigerate; putting them in the refrigerator may ruin the hard shell of the sugar. Use immediately.
- Have all ingredients at room temperature. Grease and flour a tube or bundt pan. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
- Melt 8 ounces of the white chocolate in the top of a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over simmering water stirring until chocolate has completely melted.
- In a large mixer bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Add the egg yolks one at a time beating until each is incorporated before adding the next. Slowly beat the melted chocolate into the creamed mixture.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together. With mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk to the chocolate batter mixture. Stir in the pecans, coconut, and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes or until a tester inserted halfway between sides of pan comes out clean. Begin checking the cake at the 1 hour, 10 minute mark. Cooking time will vary depending on your oven. (Since I split up my batter; I baked the cupcakes for approximately 18-20 minutes and the cake for about 40-45 minutes as the volume was considerably less than a pan with all of the dough)
- Remove cake from the oven and place on a cooling rack. After about 15 minutes, carefully run a knife around the edge of the cake to loosen it from the pan. Allow the cake to completely cool in the pan.
- Cream butter and alternately add sugar and cream.
- Mix to correct consistency.
- Melt chocolate and let it cool down but not completely cool.
- Pour into frosting and beat for five or six minutes. Put the frosting in the fridge for a few minutes if the warmed chocolate affects the consistency.
- Frost the cake and/or cupcakes and leave plain or decorate with your favorite toppings.
- If using the cranberries; build a stage using aluminum foil if necessary inside the inner circle of the cake. Mound the sugared cranberries on top of the foil.
Notes
Recipe adapted from The Southern Junior League Cookbook
I hope you’ll visit the blogs of friends sharing this event with me; I’m certain there will be FABULOUS food!
Savory:
- Jamie from Thrifty Veggie Mama ~ Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage Pesto Crostini
- Kathryn from London Bakes ~ Mini Onion and Feta Pizzas
- Kita from Pass the Sushi ~ Sweet Potato Soup with Maple Cream
- Krista from Budget Gourmet Mom ~ Baby Blue Cheese Burgers
- Mackenzie from Susie Freaking Homemaker ~ Cucumber Sandwiches
- Marnely from Cooking with Books ~ Curried Salmon Phyllo Cups
- Shelby from Diabetic Foodie ~ Cranberry Citrus Meatballs
- Susan from 30A Eats ~ Southern Cheese Straws
- Sarah from Sarah’s Cucina Bella – Apple Asiago Prosciutto Bites
- Shelia Johnson Eat2Gether – Chicken Salad
Sweet:
- Amanda from Fake Ginger ~ Snickerdoodle Scones
- Barbara from Creative-Culinary ~ White Chocolate ‘Quilt’ Cupcakes
- Brandi from Bran Appetit ~ Bourbon Toffee Popcorn
- Brandy from Nutmeg Nanny ~ S’mores Popcorn
- Carrian from Oh Sweet Basil ~ Mini Blackberry Pies
- Carrie from Bakeaholic Mama ~ Caramel Popcorn Pretzel Bars
- Cassie from Bake Your Day ~ Caramel Cashew Popcorn Bars
- Deborah from Taste and Tell ~ Blue Layered Jello
- Donna from Cookistry ~ Walnut Streusel Coffee Cake
- Erin from The Spiffy Cookie ~ Sweet Potato Pie Dip with Pie Crust Dippers
- Heather from Farmgirl Gourmet ~ Dark Chocolate Cashew Brittle Cookies
- Jennifer from Mother Thyme ~ Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
- Jessie from Bread & Butter ~ Primal Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
- Liz from The Lemon Bowl ~ Chewy Molasses Cookie Bars
- Milisa from Miss in the Kitchen ~ White Chocolate Biscoff Muddy Buddies
- Tara from Chip Chip Hooray ~ Itty Bitty Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
- Steph from Bite by Bite – Baby Blueberry Pies
Made me Nostalgic so look what I found! I had forgotten about making the little stuffed elephant!
Talk about memories; my daughter Emily will be 33 on December 3rd…the patchwork quilt I made her is threadbare and I couldn’t even find it; I’m hoping now that means she has it…but still, I’m just happy I have these two pieces. Digging them out for a photo had me thankful they were always just for display; they’re in pristine shape; hoping to grace a Grandbaby’s wall one day. (No, no…not now, neither of my girls are married yet and I’m old fashioned that way!)























{ 60 comments… read them below or add one }
Would you believe it if I told you I just had a dream about sugar coated cranberries? Now you just made it worse. I guess I’ll have to make some or they will continue to haunt me.
Rhonda Most Recent Post: Lucky enough
It was meant to be! They are so good…now I want some more. So pretty too; just a win win all the way around.
How sweet is the quilt and elephant. Still in amazing condition after all these years. You are so talented, Barb. Now onto these cakes-wow! Gorgeous and I am with Abbie-smart girl. I would sneak off with as many as I could!great addition for Rachel’s virtual shower:)
Lora @cakeduchess Most Recent Post: Vanilla Bundt Cake with Caramel Glaze– #BundtaMonth
Thanks Lora, and my daughter did have the actual quilt I made for her that she used and that inspired those cupcakes. Almost cried when she left me a comment; I sort of thought it had been lost along the way.
What a sweet idea – a patchwork quilt of cake! Sounds just delicious and those sugared cranberries look fabulous!
JJ @ 84thand3rd Most Recent Post: Vegetarian Pumpkin Spelt Lasagne – #FBS4Sandy
Thanks so much…and the cranberries? They are so dang good. I love the hardened shell that sort of explodes with a softened cranberry.
You’ll be glad to know the baby blanket has been safely guarded in my linen closet. I love that quilt! Cupcakes are adorable… too bad you didn’t save me one!!
Am I dreaming. Is this my daughter who has actually commented on my blog. I’m now going to run around the kitchen shouting, ‘Whoo Hoo’ for the next hour! Thanks for stopping by sweetie and more than that, thanks for assuring me ‘the blankie’ was not lost. I shed a tear the other night at the thought of it. Whew.
These are so stinking cute my dear!!
Mackenzie {SusieFreakingHomemaker} Most Recent Post: Virtual Baby Shower: Rachel Cooks
Thanks MacKenzie…sort of what my friends said too. And they didn’t taste half bad either!
Oh my gosh, I’m so impressed with your sewing abilities! I’ve always been pretty mediocre in the sewing department. I can do buttons and simple things but nothing past that sadly.
Sylvie Shirazi (@gourmandeinthek) Most Recent Post: Raw Kale, Cabbage and Carrot Chopped Salad with Maple Sesame Vinaigrette
I told someone else Sylvie that I will forever be grateful we took home ec in high school. They taught me how to make an a-line skirt and I never stopped sewing. Wore a cape out tonight actually that I made that I love; black velveteen. I’m so tall; sewing has really almost been a necessity if I want something long enough! Never too late?? :)
I love both these cupcakes and the gorgeous cake – those sugared cranberries are beautiful! Such a great contribution to the party.
Kathryn Most Recent Post: mini onion and feta pizzas & a virtual baby shower!
Barb, you never cease to amaze me. You are SO talented! I can barely sew a button, let alone make quilts, bumpers and stuffed animals. Wow! Your quilt cupcakes are adorable and look so delicious. Obviously they must be since even Abbie couldn’t resist them the moment your back was turned ;) These are just lovely. And those cranberries are such a gorgeous addition. I will have to give those a try.
Kate | Food Babbles Most Recent Post: Pumpkin Ice Cream
Aren’t you clever in so many ways! I love that quilt and the elephant and those cupcakes are magical.
I did laugh at the missing cupcake. I took out a pork belly the other day to warm it up a bit before going into the oven. I went to the living room and came back just a it was walking out the door in the jaws of our little cavoodle. “DROP IT” and he very gently put it down on the floor and slinked away.
Thankfully pork washes or he’d have been a scolded dog. Who knew he could jump that high? lol
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef Most Recent Post: Bread Pudding
Oooh. I think its both adorable and horrible that Abbie stole a bite to eat. I would be furious at my own dog, but can’t help but find it cute from others.
Kita Most Recent Post: Creamy Sweet Potato Soup with Maple Cream
Talk about yummilicious and adorable treats… those sugared cranberries are a MUST MAKE!
Great job on that beautiful quilt, Barb <3
Becca from It’s Yummilicious Most Recent Post: Slow Roasted French Onion Soup
This is so sweet, Barb! I love the decoration and I’m drooling over the cranberries!
These are too fun!!!
Oh Barb, these little cakes look just amazing. And fancy finding square cupcake pans – I’ve never seen them here.
I’ll be giving the cake recipe a try soon – I was just thinking about cake last night for some reason. (Although, to be fair, I do frequently think about cake.)
Amanda Most Recent Post: Dulce de Leche Ice Cream with Salted Maple Pecans
Everything looks amazing!!! Those sugared cranberries are perfect for the holidays. Also, how funny is it that the puppy stole one of the cupcakes. I always have to look out for my cat when it comes to ice and chocolate. He is always trying to eat it! Thank you for being a part of this event!!!
Nutmeg Nanny Most Recent Post: S’mores Popcorn {Rachel Cooks Virtual Baby Shower}
Adorable! Saving this recipe for the next baby shower I attend. Love the cranberries.
diabeticFoodie Most Recent Post: Cranberry Citrus Meatballs (Slow Cooker) for #RachelPops
Sending loads of good wishes Rachel’s way! Barb – this looks fabulous :) I love the idea of sugaring cranberries!
Aly ~ Cooking In Stilettos Most Recent Post: Fab Friday – Bloomingdales Friends and Family Edition
Absolutely beautiful cupcakes! Love the sugared cranberries.
Jamie @ Thrifty Veggie Mama Most Recent Post: Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage Pesto Crostini
These are fabulous! The white chocolate with the sugared cranberries is such a great combo.
Sort of perfect even Jennifer…and I love those cranberries. I could make them just for me to munch on all day. I am a certifiable cranberryaholic. :)
Great recipe concept Barb.
Heather | Farmgirl Gourmet Most Recent Post: Dark Chocolate Cashew Brittle Cookies & a Virtual Baby Shower
Thanks Heather…they were fun (and a whole lot easier than actually making a quilt!).
What adorable cupcakes!
Thanks Laura…they were fun to make and my friends who came to share them with me enjoyed them as much as the dog I think. :)
Thanks for participating in this, Barb! Your thoughtfulness, kind words and sweet post mean so much to me! I know how busy you are, thank you for making time for this. I’m feeling very loved and wishing I could eat all these amazing things you have all come up with!
Rachel Cooks Most Recent Post: Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Well, you know we all wish we could feed you…or post baby, give you a doggone cocktail. You deserve one after this pregnancy…let’s presume it’s because he is going to be the best, sweetest little baby, right?
Wowza! So gorgeous. What a great baby shower idea!!
Sheila Most Recent Post: Chicken Salad
I thought it was fun but I even had someone call me today wanting help with a pattern. I can not deny, I only had 12 spaces but I did use Excel to help me with mine. Yep…pathetic huh?
So cute, Barb, and perfect for a shower. The little elephant is adorable, too ;-)
Donna Most Recent Post: Walnut Streusel Coffee Cake for a Virtual Baby Shower
Thanks Donna; I knew I had the wall hanging but the little elephant was a surprise and a delightful one. I’ve saved a few special things…it certainly was one.
What a sweet idea to share a virtual baby shower with your friend! I think I’d have to sample every flavor of your cupcake quilt and then finish it off with a slice of cake. Everything looks great!
Holly Most Recent Post: Sweet Potato and Pear Soup
A woman after my own heart…shh…I might have done just that. Abbie was happy to help.
What a great idea! And I love that you were so crafty – I wish I was!!
Deborah Most Recent Post: Baby Blue Layered Jello {A Virtual Baby Shower}
My friends do call me Martha. :)
Truth is I have always credited Home Ec in high school for being the start to so many things I still love today. I learned how to make a stupid A-Line skirt and the rest is history…also learned to cook and guess I’ve never stopped. I think those are skills that are no longer considered important to teach but I think just the opposite. I’m sort of tired of mending my grown girls stuff because they don’t have a clue how to operate a sewing machine!
I’m loving the patchwork here! This is a culinary work of art. :)
Tara @ Chip Chip Hooray Most Recent Post: Itty Bitty Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies & a {Virtual} Baby Shower!
Aww thanks Tara…I used to love decorating my girls cakes but now, heck, they would probably prefer a cocktail. Sigh…they grow up.
Oooohhhh lala! Love these!
Thanks Carrian; only wish I could have actually shared them with the group. Because they are so good, yes but maybe I need to stop eating cake for every meal? :)
I’ve had sugared cranberries on the brain lately — though I have never had them. Very tempted to make them now since you make them sound so easy. The cupcakes and cake look so delicious.
Sarah W. Caron Most Recent Post: Apple Asiago Prosciutto Bites
They are so easy Caron. Most recipes would have you macerate them overnight in the fridge sitting in the sugar water which is a bit safer…but I live for danger! (Or I forgot and had to punt once and it worked…yay!)
These look phenomenal!!!
claire @ the realistic nutritionist Most Recent Post: Low-fat Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes
Thanks so much Claire…I used to make a lot of decorated cakes and cupcakes when my girls were little but it’s been a long time so I was pretty happy I didn’t have a disaster result from my little idea. :)
I’m so pleased that you tried the white chocolate cake, Barb! It’s definitely a Never Enough Thyme favorite and you’ve made it even better with the addition of buttercream frosting and those lovely candied cranberries. Best wishes and congratulations to Rachel!
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme Most Recent Post: White Chocolate Cake – Food Bloggers Support For Sandy #FBS4Sandy
I knew I would love it and I did…the white chocolate, the pecans and the coconut…how could I not. I have to admit, the cranberries do not hurt it in the least; I wouldn’t do that to such a fabulous cake! Thanks for sharing your recipe.
So pretty! And such a great way to offer choices!
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective Most Recent Post: Turtle Pumpkin Ice Cream Cake
Thank you Sommer…wonder if my pup was considering choices when she snagged one off of the table? :)
I love the way that cake looks too! Perfect for the holidays. What a cute idea to make the quilted cupcakes and what a sweet sentiment for Rachel at the end of your post.
Paula Most Recent Post: Comfort Food – Bloggers Supporting Victims of Hurricane Sandy #FBS4Sandy
Thank you Paula…as much as I loved making the cranberries for garnish and cocktails…I have never done anything like that before. You know it will not be the last time, right? :)
Just gorgeous Barb! I love the idea of the quilt and the sugared cranberries just look magical on the top–now I know why you love the square cupcake pan so much!!! And all the best wishes for a happy and healthy baby for Rachel!
Thanks Wendy…this time of year I got nuts about cranberries and these are certainly a favorite. I could snack on a whole bag of them fixed this way!
These turned out beautifully Barb. Now all the sudden I’m hungry for cuc sandwiches and cranberries! Congratulations Rachel!!!
Karen Harris Most Recent Post: Support for Sandy Blogger Event: Chicken Enchilada Macaroni and Cheese
I wanted those cucumber sandwiches SO bad…maybe because I had cake for breakfast?
Now I want these for breakfast! I love Lana, and I bet this is one of the best cakes ever!
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen Most Recent Post: White Chocolate Biscoff Muddy Buddies
You are so right…I knew it would be fabulous and it was..well, is. I keep taking more bites of that one I was going to save…I knew that would happen!