Colorful Cupcake Math for Kids! Really!

What do cupcakes and math have in common? Nothing, you say? Well, maybe they might just have a few things in common – I mean beyond measuring ingredients to make them.

With a few drops of food coloring you can bake up a batch of rainbow cupcakes. Yes, they’re upper-tasty to eat. But, there’s so much more that you can do with them (before eating them, of course). You can use them to build your child’s fine motor skills, learn about colors, better understand fractions and explore engineering! And, don't forget the sensory aspect. Not only do they smell delicious, but they also feel pretty awesome. Take a look at the photos of ours and you'll see just how much the cupcake slices mimic sponges.

So, go ahead and make math tasty and get creative with cupcakes.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

·        White cupcake mix (There’s no shame in using boxed mix. Sure, your own homemade recipe may be fab. But, if you’re not the best baker, go ahead and use the one from a box)

·        Food coloring – Try using just the three primary colors (red, yellow and blue) to add in a color-mixing lesson.

 

Here’s What to Do:

1. Mix up the cupcake batter.

2. Divide the batter into three or more bowls.

3. Add two to three drops of food coloring into each bowl. Your child may notice that the color turns lighter as you mix. Ask her why she thinks this is happening (hint: Ask her what color the batter is). If you don’t have a rainbow of hues on hand, mix the primary colors to make the secondaries (orange, purple and green).

4. Pour the batter into a cupcake tin and bake (follow the directions on the box/recipe).

5. Let the cupcakes cool completely.

6. Slice the cupcakes into pieces. Cut a whole slice, and then make halves, fourths or thirds.

Now it’s time to explore! If you want to work with fractions your child can build on a whole cupcake base. Add a quarter, or half on top. Then add and subtract ‘pie’ pieces.

If your child wants to experiment with engineering, have her build a tower, a wall or whatever type of structure she wants.

When you’re all done with the math, your child can eat the pieces! Not all at the same time though, of course.

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Oreo-Bottom Dirt Cupcakes

Who doesn’t like an Oreo-bottom chocolate cupcake? Ok, so if you’re nixing sugar, are going paleo or are otherwise on a healthy eating kick this really, really, really, REALLY isn’t for you. But, if you’re up for a tasty treat or have a party to plan (these cute cakes are perfect for summer picnics or backyard kids’ birthday bashes), give them a try!

I’m not the best baker. That said, even I can make an Oreo-bottom cupcake. They really take very little skill, and as a bonus the kids can pitch in and help to cook. I’ve made these little goodies before. This time I’m going with a dirt theme. Not that you, your child or party guests are begging to eat dirt, but it’s a fun way to dress up a cupcake (and it adds even more chocolate).

Here’s What You’ll Need:

·        Chocolate cake mix – If you’ve got a favorite recipe, feel free to use it. If you’re challenged in the baking area (like I am), there’s no shame in using a boxed mix. That’s what it’s there for.

·        White frosting – Again, use your own recipe or try the pre-packaged stuff. I used a vanilla-marshmallow flavor.

·        Oreos

·        Cupcake tins with liners

Here’s What to Do:

1.     Mix the cake batter.

2.     Place one Oreo at the bottom of each lined cupcake pan compartment.

3.     Pour the batter over the cookies.

4.     Bake the cupcakes.

5.     Crush the rest of the Oreos. Use a blender or food processor to turn the cookies into a sand-like consistency.

6.     Take the cupcakes out of the oven (after they are completely baked), and let them cool.

7.     Frost the cakes.

8.     Sprinkle the cookie crumbles on top.

The cookies on top of the cupcakes will look like dirt! You can also add a few gummy worms or chocolate syrup (it looks like mud), for effect.

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Easter Cupcakes with Creme Eggs

Who doesn’t love a Cadbury crème egg at Easter? I have clear memories from my own childhood of splitting open the chocolate shell and scooping out the creamy white and yellow yolk-like center. I still love the eggs (but, maybe not as much as my son does now). Even though I’m completely fine with eating the Easter treats as is, I figured – why not make a cupcake out of them?

So, I’m not the world’s best chef. When it came to baking a chocolate crème egg into a cupcake, it took me a few tries to get it right. First, the whole egg doesn’t fit into the cupcake. Second, when you cut it in half and turn it upside down, the ‘yolk’ leaks out, bakes into the cake and virtually disappears. But, if you turn it over the cupcake works.

After baking the cupcakes I wanted to decorate them with an Easter theme…

Here’s What You’ll Need:

·        Cake mix – Use your favorite recipe or what comes in a box.

·        Frosting—Again, use a favorite recipe from scratch, or go with the ready-made kind.

·        Cadbury crème eggs

·        Green sprinkles

·        Easter peeps

·        Chocolate bunnies

Here’s What to Do:

1.     Mix the cake batter.

2.     Pour the batter into a cupcake tin, leaving some room at the top.

3.     Cut the crème eggs into halves.

4.     Pop the egg halves into the batter (one per cupcake). Make sure that the open part is facing up and above the top of the batter-line.

 

5.     Bake the cupcakes.

6.     Let the Easter cupcakes cool.

7.     Frost the tops. I used orange icing. When I added green sprinkles on the frosting it reminded me of a bunny’s carrot or a spring scene.

8.     Add a chocolate bunny or Easter peep on top.

 

 

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Chocolate Bacon Maple Cupcakes

Maple chocolate bacon cupcakes! I should probably just stop right there. Either one of three things is happening right now. 1. You’re a super-healthy no-sugar added type (and I’m not saying this sarcastically, I wish I could ditch the sweets too), and you’re so grossed out by what I just wrote that you can’t possibly indulge the idea, 2. The thought of chocolate bacon cupcakes with a maple frosting makes you weak in the knees (in a good way), or 3. You’re intrigued by the idea, but not entirely sure if it’s actually edible.

It’s edible, and it’s amazing. I get it, most people are put off by the idea of chocolate and bacon together in a dessert. Case in point, I just texted one of my best friends to excitedly tell her what I made. Her response was, “Gross!” Of course, my 13-year-old’s response was…. well, I’ll let you know as soon as he stops munching on the cupcake. I don’t routinely feed my child fat-filled, super-sugary treats. But, it is a “treat.” Once in a while it’s ok to break out a fun dessert and indulge. That said, it is quite indulgent. Let me suggest making these a rare treat. Plus, that makes them all the more special!

P.S.: If I could bottle the smell of chocolate and bacon baking I would. There’s really nothing like it.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

·        A few strips of already cooked bacon

·        White frosting- Make your own from a favorite recipe or buy the ready-made kind.

·        Chocolate cake mix- Again, use your favorite recipe or use a mix.

·        Maple syrup

Here’s What to Do:

1.     Mix the cupcake batter.

2.     Crumple the bacon.

3.     Sprinkle some of the bacon crumbles into the batter. Set some aside for later. You can also wait until you pour the batter into the cupcake tins, and mix the bacon in then.

4.     Mix the bacon and chocolate batter. Pour it into a cupcake tin.

5.     Bake as directed by your recipe or the box.

6.     Take the cupcakes out of the oven. Let them cool.

7.     Spoon the frosting into a bowl.

8.     Squeeze the maple syrup into the frosting. If you’re not into super-sweet tastes, use a small amount. If you want more of a maple taste, continue stirring more of the syrup in.

9.     Frost the cupcakes.

10.  Add the remaining bacon crumples on top of the cupcakes. If you so desire, drizzle maple syrup on top.

Are you looking for more yummy cupcakes? Follow my Pinterest board for ideas!

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Jackson Pollock Art-Viewing, Art-Making and Baking for Kids

Jackson Pollock famous artist activities for kids! These are favorites of mine. I mean, who doesn’t think, “Messy kids’ art” when you look at a Pollock?

Ok, so I’m oversimplifying it. But, how great is it to watch your child let loose and be totally creative – without fear, without worrying that she’ll make a mistake and without getting frustrated because what’s in her hand isn’t coming out of her hands?

Before breaking out the paints, start with a little art-viewing activity that features the famous artist. Look at one of Pollock’s paintings and talk about what your child is thinking when she sees it. I was fortunate enough to teach in a museum that displays a Pollock, but if your local museum doesn’t, look at a reproduction, put up a poster, take a gander at an art history book or print out a copy to use for this art-viewing activity!

Now, on to the art-making…

Let your little artist get as creative as she wants and try a few different Pollock-style projects. You can do the traditional drip onto a canvas or piece of paper, OR--

1. Pour some tempera paint into a reused plastic fruit container (we used a strawberry container) and then shake it!

2. Make some ice cubes by freezing food coloring. Take them out of their deep freeze and plop them into colorful cups of water. The splishes and splashes make a Jackson Pollock style paint splatter design. Try red, yellow and blue to add in a bit of color mixing science.

3. Bake cupcakes! Yes, cupcakes. I’ve made Monet cupcakes before, so why not Pollock baked goods? Splatter on frosting, sprinkles or food coloring for that famous artist look.

Are you still looking for more Pollock-themed activities? Check out my printable questions prompts that feature the artist or follow my famous artists Pinterest board!

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Oreo Bottom Cupcakes

I have three words for you: Oreo bottom cupcakes! If you’re a cookie, or cupcake, fan – these are amazing. They are super-tasty and perfect for parties. Whether you’re celebrating your child’s birthday, New Year’s Eve, Christmas or any other special day, nothing says “party treat” like this sweet dessert.

When my son tuned seven I set up a sundae bar in the dining room for his birthday party. Had I thought of cupcake decorating, I would have done that instead (ice cream + hot August weather + 20 7-year-old boys = a melty mess). So, if you’ve got a party to plan, are looking for a fun (but, not so-healthy) playdate idea or just want to treat your child to something extra-extra-special, start with one of these cookie bottom cupcakes. Let your child add an artistic touch with fun frosting colors and a rainbow of sprinkles or candy decors!

To make the cupcakes:

It’s so, so, so simple. I’m not the world’s best baker (by far), and even I had no problem making these. If you have a favorite from-scratch recipe, go for it. I used a boxed white cake mix.

After you mix the cake batter, place an Oreo at the bottom of each cupcake liner. Pour the batter on top and bake. That’s it! It is that simple. We used birthday cake Oreos, but you can use the plain ones or get creative with special edition versions.

After the cupcakes have cooled:

Set them out on a table. Cover the table with an easily-washable cloth. This makes it easy to clean up any spills or stray frosting.

Give your party guests a choice of frosting and toppings. Let the kiddos come up with their own colorful creations or give them a theme, such as:

Famous artists- We made Monet and Picasso cupcakes

Rainbow – Try mixing the primary colors of frosting
(red, blue and yellow) into new hues.

S’mores – Who doesn’t love a s’more? And when you add marshmallows and chocolate, it makes the cupcakes all the better.

And, that’s it! Now your child’s party guests (or the grown-ups who you’ve invited) have creatively designed Oreo bottom cupcakes.

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Donut S'mores: Christmas Holiday Treat

We have a Christmas morning breakfast tradition in our house—donuts! It all started when my son was a toddler. He had a donut at daycare and was hooked. There was an incident where he threw a toy car at me, splitting my lip open, just because I refused to buy him a donut at the grocery store. That’s not say that I gave him donuts on the daily. That’s why the Christmas day tradition was such a treat!

 

Along with the tree, presents and ornament craftiness, came the donut-making. Ok, so that didn’t go so well. If you have the baking skills, certainly go for it. We ended up hitting the local bakery on Christmas Eve day for our holiday sweets. This year I’m trying to come up with new ways to serve them up. I’ve been on a s’mores kick lately. Awhile back I made cupcake s’mores (I also made s’mores cupcakes – which are actually entirely different). I decided that this year we are going to make holiday donut s’mores! And since it’s a special day, why not step it up a notch? Read on for this super-simple treat:

Here’s What You’ll Need:

·        A chocolate donut – This goes in place of the chocolate bar. We chose one with chocolate frosting. Believe me when I say, the smell of the warm chocolate frosting was just about the best thing ever!

·        Marshmallows

·        Graham crackers

·        Ice cream – Yes, ice cream (I told you that we are taking it up a notch).

·        Red and green crystal sugar or sprinkles

Here’s What to Do:

1.     Slice the donut in half in the same way that you would slice a bun. Put the bottom aside (you can eat it or use it later).

2.     Place the donut’s top on a graham cracker.

3.     Stack a marshmallow on top.
 

4.     Place the stack on a microwave-safe plate and pop it into the microwave for about 15 seconds. Microwaves vary in strength. You may need to add more (or have less) time. When the marshmallow begins to expand, take it out.

5.     Sandwich the marshmallow with another graham cracker on top.
 

6.     Scoop a spoonful of ice cream (we used vanilla, but you can choose your favorite flavor) on top.

7.     Sprinkle red and green crystalized sugar on top (or use sprinkles).
 

This s’mores recipe isn’t just for Christmas. Make a birthday donut s’more, try it for Easter, create a spooky version for Halloween or make a red and pink treat for Valentine’s Day!

Are you looking for s’more ideas? Follow my Pinterest board for lots of tasty treats!

 

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Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Hot chocolate is my secret addiction. I don’t drink coffee, so it’s my morning wake-up beverage of choice. My son also shares in my love of the warm, frothy dessert-like drink. Last year he begged me to get a super-mega box of chocolaty mix (seriously, it was so big that it didn’t even fit into any of my kitchen cabinets).

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So, instead of always making a liquidy cup of chocolate, I decided to try a more solid recipe. Hot chocolate cupcakes! This is a fun twist on the original, and makes a warm winter snack or holiday party treat. And, it’s super-duper easy! Get the kids in on the action and have them measure and mix. This adds a bit of math and science learning to the baking (you can sneak in the educational content to keep their minds perked up during winter vacation).

Here’s What You’ll Need:

·        Cake mix – I used a vanilla batter to compliment the marshmallows and cut the chocolate overload a bit. If you have a favorite recipe, try it. If not, there’s no harm in using the boxed mix (it saves time and can help you to create something that’s actually edible if you aren’t really a baker).

·        Chocolate frosting

·        Mini marshmallows
 

Here’s What to Do:

1.     Mix the cake batter.

2.     Bake the batter. Never allow your child to use the oven.

3.     Take the cupcakes out of the oven and let them cool.
 

4.     Frost the cakes to make an overflowing cup of hot chocolate look.
 

5.     Cover the frosting with mini marshmallows.
 

 

 

If you enjoy this recipe, find more delicious desserts (that you won't see on the blog) in my new Christmas-time eBook, Bake Sale Fail: Easy Holiday Baking and Desserts! 

That’s it! I told you it was simple. Are you looking for more cupcake ideas? Follow my Pinterest board for an overload of cute and creative cakes!

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