Hostess Cupcakes From Scratch

If you haven't noticed already, I am completely obsessed with copycat recipes at the moment. I have dabbled with nutter butters, thin mints, tagalongs, peanut butter cups, and so much more. It is the best feeling to bake something in your very own kitchen, and it taste better than the store bought version. Today, I made Hostess cupcakes and boy were these guys tricky AND time consuming. But, the end result is what makes it all worth it. Go ahead, take a look!

*Makes: 14 cupcakes

Ingredients

For the cupcakes:

• 3 ounces (90g) bittersweet chocolate, chopped 
• 1/3 cup (50g) cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup (180ml) brewed coffee, still hot
• 3/4 cup (100g) strong bread flour
• 3/4 (150g) cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the filling:

• 1 cup (250g) marshmallows
• 1/4 cup butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar, sifted

For the ganache frosting:

• 2 1/2 ounces (90g) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup (60g) heavy cream

For the pink icing:

• 1 cup (130g) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (60g) butter, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of red food coloing (optional)

Three Layer Rice Krispies Treats

I am a huge fan of Rice Krispies treats. I have made plenty of different kinds of Rice Krispies treats with different ingredients. I saw someone make some with two layers and so I decided to do three! Three is always better than two, especially when we are talking about food, right? Here is my three layer Rice Krispies treats. Enjoy!

*Makes: 24-30 pieces (depending on size)

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Layer

• 3 tablespoons butter 
• 10 oz. (about 25 big marshmallows or 40 regular sized ones)
• 6 cups (120g) Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

For the Chocolate Layer

• 3 tablespoons butter 
• 10 oz. (about 25 big marshmallows or 40 regular sized ones)
• 6 cups (120g) Coco Pops cereal
• 3/4 cup (100g) of chocolate chips

For the last layer  

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 10 oz (about 25 big marshmallows or 40 regular sized ones)
• 6 cups (120g) Rice Krispies cereal
• food coloring of your choice

Nutella Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats with Lucky Charms

Rice Krispies Treats have to be one of my favorite snacks to make. It requires very few ingredients and you don't even have to turn on the oven (you do however have to use the stove). I added a few things to my Rice Krispies to make them extra special and extra tasty. Take a look! 

*Makes: 16 pieces

Ingredients 

• 4-6 cups (150g) Rice Krispies cereal
• 3 tablespoons (40g) unsalted butter 
• 10 ounces (285 grams) marshmallows
• 2 teaspoons vanilla 
• 1 cup (260g) peanut butter
• 1 cup (140g) nutella
• 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips (or a chocolate bar broken up into pieces)
• a handful of Lucky Charms Marshmallows