Almond Cupcakes

Name: Almond Cupcakes
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 24 cupcakes
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups sifted cake flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder, plus; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup vanilla-flavored almond milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 1/3 cups sugar, divided; 8 large egg whites, room temperature; 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1/4 cup prepared almond paste, divided by teaspoonfuls and rolled into balls; 5 tablespoons water; 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1 1/3 cups sugar; 2 large egg whites, room temperature; 1 tablespoon light corn syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 1/2 cups almonds, sliced; 1 cup sugar; 2 cups water

Submitted by Chef mariajane

"Whether you are planning a wedding or a baby shower or want to make an impression at your next bridge occasion, these almond cupcakes are fablous. But be forewarned: the cupcakes, frosting and sugar-coated almonds are time consuming to make!! IN the recipe that's 1 Tablespoon PLUS 1 teaspoon baking powder!!"

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Ready In:: 15mins
Ingredients:: 21
Yields:: 24 cupcakes

ingredients

CUPCAKES
3 ¹⁄₂ cups sifted cake flour
1 tablespoon baking powder, plus
1 teaspoon baking powder
¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
1 cup vanilla-flavored almond milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¹⁄₂ teaspoon almond extract
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 ¹⁄₃ cups sugar, divided
8 large egg whites, room temperature
¹⁄₂ teaspoon cream of tartar
¹⁄₄ cup prepared almond paste, divided by teaspoonfuls and rolled into balls
FROSTING
5 tablespoons water
¹⁄₄ teaspoon cream of tartar
1 ¹⁄₃ cups sugar
2 large egg whites, room temperature
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
SUGAR-COATED ALMONDS
3 ¹⁄₂ cups almonds, sliced
1 cup sugar
2 cups water

directions

CUPCAKES:
Preheat oven to 375°F Place cupcakes liners in a cupcake or muffin pan.
On a sheet of parchment paper, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a small bowl or measuring glass, combine almond milk, vanilla and almond extract.
In the bowl of a standing mixer, beat butter until creamy. Add 1 cup of the sugar and beat on high speed until fluffy.
Add flour mixture in 3 parts, alternating with almond milk mixture and beating on low speed after each addition. Transfer mixture to a large bowl.
Wash the bowl of the standing mixer, drying well to ensure no moisture or grease remain.
Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in standing mixer until soft peaks form.
Gradually add remaining 1/3 cup sugar, beating on high speed until peaks are stiff, but not dry.
Use a rubber spatula to fold 1/4 of the egg whites into cake mixture in large bowl. Then fold in remaining egg white mixture until batter is well combined.
Fill each cupcake liner haflway with batter and bake for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and lightly place prepared almond paste (teaspoonfuls rolled up in balls) atop each cupcake, centered.
Top with batter so the liner is 2/3 to 3/4 full. Bake until tester comes out clean, 15-18 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes and move to wire rack to cool completely.
FROSTING:
In a large stainless steel bowl, whisk together all ingredients except vanilla extract.
Set bowl in a wide, deep skillet filled with about 1-inch of simmering water. Make sure water level is at least as high as the depth of the egg whites in the bowl.
Beat egg whites on low speed with a handheld mixer until mixture reaches 140F on an instant-read thermometer. Do not stop beating while the bowl is in the skillet or the egg whites may overcook. Beat on high speed for 5 minutes. Remove bowl from skillet and add vanilla extract. Beat on high for 2-3 minutes longer to cool. Use within a few hours. Serve any leftover frosting as a dip for fresh fruit.
SUGAR-COATED ALMONDS:
In an ungreased baking pan, roast almonds in a 375F oven for 20 minutes, turning and stirring halfway through baking time.
In a large pan bring sugar and water to a boil; add almonds and stir.
Sugar will chrystallize; keep stirring and then it will caramelize; remove from heat and spread almonds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
When cool and dry, break up and sprinkle on top of cupcakes. Store any extra almonds in an airtight container.
They are great for snacking, in popcorn, or as a topping for icecream.

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RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

Chef mariajane

I am a 56 year old Gramma that, for the first time in my life, has purchase myself a computer, and I didn't know what i was missing!! I have a husband tha I adore, and 4 grandchildren that of course surpass all others - lol - I am disabled, and am an at home person, so I have a lot of time on my hands, to play with my recipes, and I am enjoying every bit of it - My husband will eat anything that I cook, so I have carte blanche as far as that goes, so I have a great time trying out new recipes. Paula Deen has published some of my favorite cookbooks, her recipes are easy and quick to do. Her sweets are fantastics, especially her pound cakes, Yummm I guess the dish that I am famous for is my Christmas ham - my family all comes home for Christmas, and if i don't have my ham they are dissapointed, and my grandson wants the pistachio squares!!! so I guess that is the dishes that I'm famous for.

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