With her debut book in the the works, Heather Baird of SprinkleBakes is keepin’ busy perfecting her way-creative confections. Somehow, she still found time to conjure up these incredible cupcakes to share with all of you marvelous MC blog readers!
Vanilla-Rose Water Cupcakes
By Heather Baird, SprinkleBakes.com
“This treat is perfect for girly-girls who love cute and pretty things all rolled up into one! They’re made of luscious vanilla cake, topped with delicately scented rose water icing, and crowned with glittering, candied rose petals.”
FOR VANILLA CAKE
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 vanilla bean, seeded and hull discarded
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons milk
1. Heat oven to 350°F and line cupcake pan with papers.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until lightened in color and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well between additions. Beat in vanilla bean seeds and vanilla extract.
3. Add flour mixture and milk alternately, beginning and ending with flour. When completely incorporated, divide batter evenly amongst liners, filling them 2/3 full. Bake for 15-20 minutes, but check them after 15. Cool completely before frosting.
FOR ROSE WATER ICING
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups confectioner’s sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4-1/2 teaspoon rose water
1. Beat softened butter and confectioners’ sugar together on low speed in the bowl of a stand mixer. Gradually increase speed until powdered sugar is absorbed and frosting becomes light and fluffy.
2. Add flavorings and mix on high speed for 2-3 minutes. Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large plain tip and pipe onto cupcakes.
Quick tip: Remember to use rose water in small amounts. If you use too much, the cupcakes will taste soapy.
FOR CANDIED ROSE PETALS
15 blemish-free organic rose petals
1 tablespoon meringue powder
½ tablespoon warm water
½ cup extra-fine granulated sugar
Artists’ brush
Wire rack for drying
“Candied rose petals are a snap to make, but they look luxe! Tailoring the rose petal color to the recipient is also a great way to personalize them. Red petals symbolize romantic love, so they’re perfect for your beau. Yellow petals represent friendship, so you can make a batch for your bestie, and pink petals symbolize gratitude and elegance; an ideal gift for Mom or Sis.”
1. Mix together the meringue powder and water in a small condiment cup. Pour the extra fine sugar in a separate small bowl.
2. Dip the paint brush into the diluted meringue and brush an even coat onto the front and back of a rose petal. Dip the petal in the granulated sugar and place on wire rack. You can also place the petals upright in a clean egg crate to give them dimension (pictured). Repeat process with remaining petals until all are coated. Let dry at room temperature until crisp.
3. Garnish cupcakes with petals or place in an air-tight container until ready for use.
Quick Tip: Meringue powder can be found at most craft stores and at cake specialty shops.
For added fun when baking or serving, Heather recommends the Sweeter When Specific Measuring Spoons, On the Rise Tea Towel, or To the Houndstooth Apron, which will keep you clean from any sweets gone astray!
8 loves 
Gorgeous pics and great recipe- thanks!
BEAUTIFUL!
Just in time for my mom’s birthday! Yum.
What fabulous cupcakes and gorgeous guest post!
Cheers,
Rosa
Sprinkle Bakes is one of my favorite blogs to visit! Her work is amazingly beautiful and her stories sweet and amusing. Excellent pick!
I literally JUST placed an order on Modcloth for the Ice Cream Social Sweater and Cheerful in Cherry Heels, then popped over to my all time favorite sweets blog to find this guest post. Not surprised you’re in cahoots-both blogs are amazing! (and addicting). Modcloth and Sprinkle Bakes are the 2 most influential online art forms that influence my cooking blog and my wardrobe. Thanks so much for all that you do!
Wow, Hannah! What an incredible thing to hear! You just made our day over here at the SF office. Smiles all around! What’s your blog? We want to see!
My blog is called Rise and Shine: daring baker duluth. It’s kinda new (less than a year), so I’ve been keeping close tabs on Heather’s Sprinkle Bakes for pointers :)
I could stare at those petals all day, I love Sprinkle Bakes, she has the most elegant touch with pastry.
This are so beautiful! I would be nervous to eat them :)
http://madnessanmusings.blogspot.com/2012/02/whats-in-my-bag.html
lovely!
Nothing can be more delicious then this,..:)
LOVELY!
oh sweet!! it looks delish
Beautiful! The pictures make me want to try this recipe right away…!
Almost too beautiful to eat . . . almost! These look and sound amazing.
They could very well be statues, no? I want to place them on a shelf and stare at them!
Heather, this looks wonderful! and the pictures are gorgeous! Quick question — would the cupcake recipe translate well into a full cake?
thanks!
Hi Allyson!
This is a small batch cupcake recipe (13-15 cupcakes). It will only yield one 8 or 9 inch cake layer. If you do decide to turn this recipe into a cake, I’d switch out the all purpose flour for cake flour. This will help keep the cake’s texture nice and light.
Thanks for your question!
I’ve just started getting into baking with flowers… I’m a huge fan of any recipe that includes lavender, and rose is another of my favorite natural scents… thanks for this, they look DIVINE!
Are those edible heart gold flakes? Too cute!
Just made some confetti quinoa salad. Come see!
http://becauseofmadalene.blogspot.com/
xo,
Christina
Beautiful job! Those rose petals are an amazing touch.
I just can’t get over beautiful these are. I adore those ruffled paper liners and the delicate rose petals are exquisite! ~Lili
Quick question: How many cupcakes does the recipe yield?
Hey Madison!
This recipe yields about 13-15 cupcakes.
Love it. Where did you find the cupcake liners?
Hey Laura! They are Wilton ruffle cupcake liners. I used two per cupcake to make them look even more ruffled!
How Lovely… and Yummy!!!
I really need to try and make these sugared rose petals~they look so beautiful! I have one rosebush in the backyard, no pesticides:)
what did you use to frost it?
You…. are awesome. My go-to baking blog.
lovely, beautiful.
I am wondering where to find those little gold sprinkle thingies. Thanks for any help. I am going to make these for a themed luncheon I am planning for August: these will be the perfect summery dessert!
did you ever find out where you can get these?? ;-)
For the candied rose petals , what if you don’t have meringue powder? Any other option of making it. Thanks
Looks like those cute gold heart sprinkles are made by Wilton, and you can buy them on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Wilton-Gold-Edible-Hearts-Glitter/dp/B003KK42XI
It’s been awhile since this was written, but I was wondering how far ahead you could make the rose petals. Will they stay good for long? A day or two? A week?