Ice Cream Sundae Cupcakes

This year we decided not to do the birthday party with friends thing for our girls.  We are still celebrating and having family fun though.  Just cutting back some on the money spent on a party and the amoount of gifts they don't actually need anyways.  Organizing their rooms would be much easier if they could let go of the old toys to make room for the new, but that's a problem for another day.

So even though we aren't having a party, I still wanted to make a special treat for Ava to share with her school friends.  After searching Pinterest, I found these cute Ice Cream Sundae Cupcakes!  You can get the original recipe here.

Start by making your favorite cupcakes however you like.  We made funfetti cupcakes!

You can then start the frosting, since it will need to be chilled for a bit before using.

I do want to recommend NOT softening your butter in the microwave!  I was trying to save time and get it done quicker, but this ended up just taking more time and effort.  The butter got too soft and almost melty and my frosting was soft and seperating.  Hubby had to run out to get more butter and I was up late making another batch.  So if you are in a hurry, just cut your butter up into smaller pieces so that it softens faster!

Vanilla Frosting

by Living Locurto

2 sticks butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar2 teaspoons vanilla2 Tablespoons milk

Mix butter, vanilla, and milk together in your mixing bowl until blended.  Add your powdered sugar and mix on low until just combined.  Continue to mix on medium for a minute or two.  Your frosting should be smooth and creamy.  Place in refrigerator for at least an hour.

When you get your frosting out of the fridge it will be firm.  Using a spoon, scoop it like you would ice cream so that you get the same look.  You don't have to completely cover the cupcake top since it is supposed to look more like ice cream and not necessarily like frosting.

To make your chocolate topping, you will want to use chocolate almond bark or candy melts.  If you use regular chocolate, it won't harden the same.  Melt your candy according to the directions on the package.  Using a spoon, drizzle or spread it across the top of your frosting.  Mine was not liquidy enough to pour so I just spooned it on and spread it to look like drips.

While it is still warm, add your sprinkles and your cherry on top.  I used these Red lemonhead candies I found.  I was looking for the sour cherry balls, but couldn't find any.  You could also use red gum balls. 

It's really fun how realistic these cupcakes turned out.  The perfect ice cream sundae to send to school and not have to worry about them melting!

Happy Birthday to my Sweet Girl!