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Elizabeth's Kitchen Diary

Elizabeth's Kitchen Diary

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Dark Chocolate & Bourbon Vanilla Steampunk Cupcakes

Dark Chocolate & Bourbon Vanilla Steampunk Cupcakes

Published on January 12, 2016 β€’ Last updated January 28, 2019 by Elizabeth Atia
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

An Optimum ThermoCook recipe.

Dark Chocolate & Bourbon Vanilla Steampunk Cupcakes

It’s our wedding anniversary this coming weekend.

Two years ago in gale-force winds my husband and I got married. It was a small ceremony with close family and friends with an overnight stay in a hotel and a lovely meal afterwards. Nothing too extravagant.

It was a steampunk wedding though. (You can see some photographs hereΒ and here!)

To celebrate our anniversary my husband has booked us a night into a local hotel – a rare child free night! I can’t wait!

In the meantime, I thought I’d make something a little special to share with the kids beforehand, something edible. Something steampunk themed.

Dark Chocolate & Bourbon Vanilla Steampunk Cupcakes

I pondered ideas, and while pacing around the coffee table in the living room trying to meet my daily 20,000 step FitBit goal, the idea of making dark chocolate steampunk cogs and gears to decorate the top of a cupcake sprang to mind.

Some time ago I was sent a nifty little Lekue DecomatΒ to play with – a silicone pot with a nozzle and a clear silicone mat. You place your templates under the clear mat and draw over the top with melted chocolate. Searching google I found some designs I liked and I printed them off. It was rather therapeutic drawing out the designs, and the chocolate solidified fairly quickly after setting it outdoors in the January weather to chill.

Chocolate Steampunk Cogs and Gears

A rather effective technique, I think! I used these little dark chocolate decorations to decorate the top of a chocolate and vanilla swirl cupcake base topped with a bourbon vanilla buttercream.

I used Nielsen-Massey Madagascan vanilla bean paste for the cake and the frosting as I love the little flecks of vanilla seed in it, and using bourbon vanilla seems so appropriately exotic and steampunk.

Dark Chocolate & Bourbon Vanilla Steampunk Cupcakes

I’ve also recently decided to become a cake stand collector. This happened while I was out Christmas shopping for my family and I ended up buying two brand new cake stands for myself, raising my tally to four.

A fifth was added shortly afterwards – this fantastic three tiered steampunk cake stand from a company called Bags of Love. They print your own designs on a wide variety of merchandise, from mugs to blankets to cake stands and everything in between. I found a few images from the very talentedΒ Nikolayenko YekaterinaΒ on Shutterstock to personalize my cake stand and it turned out rather well, I think!

Dark Chocolate & Bourbon Vanilla Steampunk Cupcakes

Because I’m rubbish at tempering chocolate (it’s something I have yet to master) I have to store these cupcakes in the fridge or the decorations will droop, but my children and my husband (who very kindly obliged and put on his wedding outfit to pose for a few photographs with said cake – doesn’t he scrub up well! He got to eat the cake afterwards, fair payment, no?) absolutely loved them. I’m on a fitness training mission (more about that later!) so I didn’t get to taste the cakes, but I have it on very good authority that they’re really rather awesome.

Dark Chocolate & Bourbon Vanilla Steampunk Cupcakes
Dark Chocolate & Bourbon Vanilla Steampunk Cupcakes

In a New Year decluttering phase I threw out my knackered and ancient food processor. I only ever used it for creaming butter and sugar together and it was taking up valuable space in my small kitchen. Between my Froothie Optimum 9400 high speed blender and my brand new Optimum ThermoCook I’m covered.

This recipe was made in my Optimum ThermoCook, a rather nifty all-in-one multi-function cooking appliance. I’m still learning about all the things you can do in this gadget but it really does absolutely everything. You can read my review here. It whips up cake batter in no time, you can melt chocolate in the steamer and icing only takes a matter of seconds to make!

Dark Chocolate & Bourbon Vanilla Steampunk Cupcakes

Dark Chocolate & Bourbon Vanilla Steampunk Cupcakes

A chocolate and vanilla swirl cupcake base topped with creamy vanilla frosting and dark chocolate steampunk cogs and gears.
5 from 1 vote
Print Rate
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Author: Elizabeth

Ingredients

for the chocolate vanilla swirl cupcakes

  • 100 grams butter
  • 200 grams caster sugar
  • 2 large free-range eggs
  • 150 ml full fat milk
  • 150 grams plain flour plus another 25 grams
  • 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
  • 1 pinch Shetland sea salt
  • 25 grams cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp Madagascar bourbon vanilla bean paste (I use Neilsen-Massey)

for the bourbon vanilla buttercream

  • 225 grams butter
  • 450 grams icing sugar
  • 1.5 tsp Madagascar bourbon vanilla bean paste
  • 3 tbsp full fat milk

for the dark chocolate steampunk cogs and gears

  • 100 grams dark chocolate at least 85% cocoa solids
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Affiliate Links

This recipe card may contain affiliate ingredient and equipment links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 180 C/ 160 C fan and line a 12 hole cupcake tin with large cases.
  • Weigh out the butter and caster sugar in the Thermocook bowl, put the lid on securely and PULSE in 7 second goes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  • Add the remaining ingredients except for the cocoa powder and extra plain flour and select CHOP for 20 second. Scrape down the sides and CHOP again for a further 5 seconds, if required.
  • Measure out half the batter (approximately 330 grams) into a medium sized bowl.
  • Add the cocoa powder to the Thermocook bowl and CHOP for 5 seconds.
  • Add the vanilla and remaining 25 grams of plain flour to the mixture you've poured out into a separate bowl and whisk until combined thoroughly.
  • Alternately spoon the mixture into the cupcake cases until they are 2/3 full. Using a wooden skewer, draw lines through the batter until it forms swirls.
  • Bake for 25 minutes until golden and springy to touch. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Meanwhile, clean out the bowl of the Thermocook and fill with a few inches of cold water. Select BOIL and switch off when the water has boiled.
  • Break your chocolate into a small heat proof bowl and cover tightly in foil. You don't want any water to get into the bowl.
  • Place the bowl into the larger steamer and select STEAM. The automatic setting is for 20 minutes, but you can pause it every now and again, leaving the lid off, so that the chocolate melts.
  • Search for steampunk gear and cog images on Google and print off designs that you like. Place the print -out underneath the clear silicone mould of your Lekue Decomat (or use greaseproof paper).
  • Pour the melted, slightly cooled, dark chocolate into the Decomat pen fitted with the small nozzle and trace your cogs and gears. Leave to harden in a cool place (I put mine outside!).
  • To prepare the Madagascan bourbon vanilla buttercream frosting, place all the ingredients in the bowl of the cooled Thermocook and select CHOP for 20 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and CHOP for a further 5 seconds.
  • Frost the cupcakes using a large star shape nozzle and decorate with the chocolate cogs and gears. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

Calories per cupcake - 533

Environmental Information

Tried this recipe?Mention @TangoRaindrop or tag #elizabethskitchendiary - we'd love to see what you've been making!

Click here to view the detailed nutritional information for this recipe, as analyzed by My Fitness Pal.

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Rhubarb Fairy Cake with Edible Flowers by Tin & Thyme
Roasted Beetroot and Raw Cacao Cupcakes by Elizabeth’s Kitchen Diary
Chocolate Coffee Cupcakes with Chocolate and Coffee Swirl Buttercream by Elizabeth’s Kitchen Diary

LINKING UP WITH A FEW FOOD BLOGGING CHALLENGES
Tasty Tuesdays by Honest Mum
Tea Time Treats by The Hedgecombers and Lavender & Lovage
Recipe of the Week by A Mummy Too
The #YumTum Linky from The Mummy Toolbox
#CookBlogShare by Sneaky Veg
Bake of the Week by Casa Costello

Monkey and Mouse

Dark Chocolate and Bourbon Vanilla Steampunk Cupcakes

If you want to be kept up to date on my recipes, occasional craft tutorials, adventure stories and giveaways then please subscribe to my weekly newsletter; it gets sent out every Monday morning if there is new content. Your email address won’t be passed on to anyone, you will never be spammed and you are free to unsubscribe at any time, no questions asked. Make sure you confirm your subscription or you won’t receive the newsletter – if it hasn’t arrived check your junk mail folder.

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Elizabeth’s Kitchen Diary is a Froothie Ambassador and she uses the Froothie Optimum 9400 blender,Β the Froothie Optimum 600 slow juicer and the Optimum ThermoCook to make many of her recipes. These are affiliate links, meaning if you buy a blender or juicer through them we will earn a small commission. This is not a paid post and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

This post also contains Amazon affiliate links highlighted in orange. Any purchase made through these links will earn us a small commission and you will be helping to support our family.

With thanks to Lekue for the Decomat and Bags of Love for the cake stand.

Category: All Manner of Sweet Things, Cake, Chocolate, Froothie, RecipeTag: chocolate, cupcake, Optimum Thermocook, Steampunk

About Elizabeth Atia

Daydream adventurer. Expat Canadian. Foodie. Calls Shetland home.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Luxury white Bedding

    June 9, 2018 at 7:07 am

    These cupcakes are absolutely & looking nice too.

    Reply
  2. Janice

    August 7, 2016 at 6:37 pm

    Oh my goodness, Elizabeth. I made these cupcakes for my husbands birthday and they are incredible. Can’t believe how much they rose with so little raising agent. Also I’m never making buttercream any other way, the Thermocook is awesome for making buttercream.

    Reply
  3. Leandra

    July 8, 2016 at 1:02 am

    They are amazing. Not only do they sound delicious. They look fantastic. Very clever

    Reply
  4. Tracey S Anderson

    May 13, 2016 at 5:54 pm

    These look so yummy and very creative πŸ™‚ Thank you for sharing with us all πŸ™‚ X x

    Reply
  5. sandy ralph

    April 10, 2016 at 5:11 pm

    oh wow i must try these for my daughter as she just loves steampunk and these look amazing

    Reply
  6. Andrew Petrie

    March 22, 2016 at 12:01 pm

    These must be the most visually appealing cakes I have ever seen and I do like the bizarre name – it invites curiosity !

    Reply
  7. Andrew Petrie

    March 18, 2016 at 12:30 pm

    This is one of those where I think to myself “Well i really couldn’t care less how many calories there are”.

    Reply
  8. Neha Parmar

    February 28, 2016 at 6:25 am

    What a unique idea Thanks for sharing the recipe looks yummy

    Reply
  9. Leah Miller

    February 20, 2016 at 4:06 pm

    Wow, these cakes look incredible! I loev the idea of using the stencils to create the shapes in chocolate, and the whole effect looks great, yummy! xx

    Reply
  10. Andrew Petrie

    February 19, 2016 at 12:00 pm

    These are so visually appealing that I don’t see how they can be anything less than delicious !

    Reply
  11. don erwood

    February 13, 2016 at 7:10 pm

    These look so intricate and fantastic. I am not sure I would have a steady enough hand for this but they do make them look stunning.

    Reply
  12. Heather Haigh

    February 4, 2016 at 1:46 am

    They look great. You must have a very steady hand. I’m pretty sure if I tried that I’d have chocolate splodge cupcakes.

    Reply
  13. Maya Russell

    February 2, 2016 at 7:11 am

    The decorations are very creative and makes the cupcakes look so good!

    Reply
  14. Leanne

    January 31, 2016 at 4:21 pm

    These looks delicious. I really need to master icing cupcakes. I make a right mess of it!

    Reply
  15. Charli Blogs

    January 31, 2016 at 2:41 pm

    These look amazing!!!
    I’m now following your blog and getting VERY hungry..!

    Reply
  16. Eve Redmond

    January 29, 2016 at 8:03 pm

    These look amazing! You are so talented and I bet you enjoyed eating them!

    Reply
  17. Jenny

    January 27, 2016 at 1:25 pm

    These look amazing! I want one now! How cool to have had a steam punk wedding, will have to check out your posts for pictures. Great idea of how to make the cogs, like the chocolate squeezey thing, so much easier to use.
    Thanks so much for linking up to #HowtoSunday πŸ™‚ x

    Reply
  18. Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours

    January 25, 2016 at 4:13 pm

    These are fantastic. What a super amazing idea. I love the flavours too.

    Reply
  19. Helen at CAsa Costello

    January 25, 2016 at 3:18 pm

    Happy Anniversary to you – Fantastic Chocolate work. I completely love these pics and have cake stand envy! Thanks so much for joining in with #Bakeoftheweek

    Reply
  20. Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy

    January 24, 2016 at 10:54 pm

    These cupcakes sound totally divine. I LOVE cooking/baking with bourbon….my husband LOVES bourbon. They LOOK awesome too. I will have to make these for him…would be perfect for Valentine’s Day….have pinned and scheduled to share on FB

    Reply
  21. Tracy | Baking Mischief

    January 24, 2016 at 10:01 pm

    Oh my gosh, I’m dying! Those cupcakes are so cute!! The bourbon vanilla bean paste in the cupcakes sounds amazing. I clicked through to see your steampunk wedding photos and A++. That group picture is just fantastic.

    Reply
  22. Michelle

    January 24, 2016 at 9:20 pm

    These are so cool! I’ve never seen anything like it. I bet they tasted awesome too πŸ™‚

    Reply
  23. KC the Kitchen Chopper

    January 24, 2016 at 8:48 pm

    What a creative way to decorate cupcakes. Super fun idea!

    Reply
  24. Dooseet

    January 24, 2016 at 5:14 pm

    what a great idea! and it cost you so much work! I love themed parties and when you add themed food into if – splendid! this year we had a horror New year’s Eve and I made finger sandwiches, that looked like dead men fingers actually. These kind of food gives so much fun πŸ™‚

    Reply
  25. Rachel Bustin

    January 24, 2016 at 4:39 pm

    These look stunning! I love the detail in the chocolate cogs. xx
    #HowToSunday

    Reply
  26. OneDizzyBee

    January 24, 2016 at 3:39 pm

    These are perfectly beautiful. If they taste half as good as they look, this recipe could make you rich. I could seriously see these creations in a shop window, and if I did, I would have to go into the shop to have a look around. You’re incredibly talented and your photography is top notch in my book too.

    Reply
  27. Laura Hartley

    January 24, 2016 at 3:06 pm

    Love the chocolate details! They look so complicated and yet you’ve made making them look so simple πŸ˜€

    Reply
  28. Robyn

    January 24, 2016 at 10:16 am

    Wow, super impressed on two levels. One: you made the chocolate decorations yourself and they look amazing. Two: you were strong enough to avoid a taste test. If I ever wanted to start eating better, my whole family would have to go without baked goods! These look delicious.

    Reply
  29. Kate ItsABugsLife29

    January 24, 2016 at 9:07 am

    I love the theme! And they look spectacular. How you didn’t eat them I can’t understand! #HowToSundays

    Reply
  30. Kelly Robinson

    January 24, 2016 at 9:25 am

    These look amazing. So clever with the decoration! Hope your husband likes how much effort you put in πŸ™‚ #howtosundays

    Reply
  31. Ickle Pickle

    January 23, 2016 at 10:47 pm

    Gosh, these are work of art – the best cupcakes I have seen! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend! Kaz x

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 24, 2016 at 8:56 am

      Aw thank you! We did have a fantastic weekend – a well deserved treat!

      Reply
  32. Helen Moulden

    January 22, 2016 at 1:45 pm

    These look incredible! All of your food is so beautifully presented too!

    Reply
  33. Natasha Mairs

    January 21, 2016 at 1:41 pm

    These look great!! And you make it look so easy making the chocolate shapes. If I made them they would just look like a big splodge

    Reply
  34. tracey bowden

    January 21, 2016 at 11:17 am

    Happy anniversary I hope you have a lovely child free night away!

    These cupcakes look absolutely divine and I love the stencil what a great idea and the results are fab! I an awful at baking or anything like this but I really wish I wasn’t!

    Reply
  35. Deanna

    January 20, 2016 at 9:29 pm

    These look amazing! I love the nozzle and stencil idea for chocolate, I’ve never seen this before. They look DELICIOUS, I really love the theme too! So unique <3

    Reply
  36. Rebecca Smith

    January 20, 2016 at 4:53 pm

    These look delicious! Loving the steampunk theme!

    Reply
  37. Sus // roughmeasures.com

    January 20, 2016 at 3:45 pm

    Wow, these are show stoppers! The mat for the templates is a fab idea.

    Reply
  38. Emily

    January 20, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    Very cool! I know someone who had a steampunk wedding – so different! xx

    Reply
  39. Munchies and Munchkins

    January 19, 2016 at 8:45 pm

    These look absolutely amazing Elizabeth, so beautiful!

    Reply
  40. Swayam

    January 19, 2016 at 6:00 pm

    Happy anniversary!! What gorgeous cupcakes! I loveee the work you have done.. Beautiful

    Reply
  41. Julia@Vikalinka

    January 19, 2016 at 5:57 pm

    These are so creative and no doubt delicious! Happy anniversary!.

    Reply
  42. Chocolate Lover

    January 19, 2016 at 5:49 pm

    These steampunk chocolate cogs are so beautifully done. What a fantabulous idea.

    Reply
  43. Lucy @ BakingQueen74

    January 19, 2016 at 4:30 pm

    Adore your cupcakes! the decorations are just fab and they look marvellous on that cake stand!

    Reply
  44. Camilla

    January 19, 2016 at 4:04 pm

    Loving these cupcakes Elizabeth! I had never heard of SteamPunk before your wedding but it looks like a lot of fun;-)

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 4:12 pm

      Glad to have had the opportunity to introduce you to something new πŸ™‚

      Reply
  45. Kerry at Kerry Cooks

    January 19, 2016 at 3:11 pm

    Such a great idea! I love using chocolate to draw my own cupcake toppers, but I’m so impressed with how well you’ve drawn your designs, even using the template!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 4:02 pm

      This was the first time I ever tried anything like this and I’m so glad it worked out the way I saw it in my head. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  46. Ali @ Home & Plate

    January 19, 2016 at 1:55 pm

    So original. These cupcakes would be the talk of the town. Love it!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 2:47 pm

      Thanks Ali, glad you like them!

      Reply
  47. Bam's Kitchen

    January 19, 2016 at 1:11 pm

    Happy Anniversary! Your steam boat cupcakes are really genius. Delicious and fun!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 2:47 pm

      Thank you – steam punk, but close! πŸ˜‰

      Reply
  48. Ramya Menon @ War and Cheese

    January 19, 2016 at 10:49 am

    These are beautiful!!! What a cool idea

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 2:47 pm

      Thanks Ramya πŸ™‚

      Reply
  49. Kirsty Hijacked By Twins

    January 18, 2016 at 9:37 pm

    Oh wow they look amazing! Happy anniversary, I love the cakes you have made to celebrate. Thank you for sharing with #CookBlogShare x

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 11:49 am

      Thanks Kirsty πŸ™‚ Thanks for hosting such a great blog challenge!

      Reply
  50. Mandy

    January 17, 2016 at 9:41 pm

    Oh happy anniversary! Hope you had a lovely evening. I love your cupcakes. The chocolate decorations are perfect. My friend plays in a steampunk band and I’m sure that her and her bandmates would love to have some of these cakes. Thanks for linking up with #CookBlogShare

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 11:50 am

      Aw thanks so much Mandy πŸ™‚ I bet your friend’s steampunk band is fantastic – what are they called? I’ll look them up!

      Reply
  51. Agata

    January 16, 2016 at 4:16 pm

    These look perfect! I am not much of a cupcake lover but I have to admit I would not be able to resist one of those beauties.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 11:51 am

      I bet you’d be a cupcake convert if you came to visit me! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  52. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy

    January 15, 2016 at 4:59 pm

    Happy Anniversary! I just love these cupcakes. Not only are they creative, but chocolate and bourbon? YES PLEASE!!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 2:48 pm

      Thank you! I was rather pleased with my bourbon vanilla purchase at Christmastime πŸ™‚

      Reply
  53. Beth (OMG! Yummy)

    January 15, 2016 at 4:04 pm

    Thanks for sharing my cheesy biscuits. These are so fantastic! You have so much spunk and patience than I do. Hope you had a great childless evening away!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 2:48 pm

      We did have a lovely evening out – it was a rare treat for us!

      Reply
  54. Rachael

    January 15, 2016 at 3:26 pm

    since i commented on your instagram, i had to give this a little comment too!
    i absolutely LOVE these, they are so cool and sound declious!!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 2:49 pm

      Aw thanks Rachael! Delighted you like them πŸ™‚

      Reply
  55. Lisa

    January 15, 2016 at 2:32 am

    There are so gorgeous! I’m pinning them to my beautiful food board and I would love to try your technique some time!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 2:49 pm

      It’s really rather simple to do if you’ve got the right tools. Good luck! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  56. Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago

    January 15, 2016 at 12:17 am

    These are so beautiful and the photos are fantastic! I love that you used the vanilla bean paste, that is one of my new favorite ingredients.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 2:50 pm

      It’s one of mine too – such a fantastic ingredient!

      Reply
  57. Alice Megan

    January 14, 2016 at 11:33 pm

    Wow!
    They look absolutely delicious I’ve never seen anything like it such gorgeous decorating too

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 2:50 pm

      Aw thanks Alice! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  58. Jenni - Odd Socks and Lollipops

    January 14, 2016 at 11:10 pm

    oh my word these are amazing! They look too good to eat! Love the photos of these – and I had a nosey at the wedding photos you linked – they look amazing!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:01 pm

      Thanks Jenni πŸ™‚ Glad you liked our wedding photos too! It was something a little different, and I’m all for out of the ordinary!

      Reply
  59. Janette@CulinaryGinger

    January 14, 2016 at 9:19 pm

    Happy Anniversary! I love the Lekue Decomat, I think one of those is in my future. Fantastic cupcakes and I’m sad I don’t have one right now in my hand.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:02 pm

      Thanks Janette! I can’t say how much I’m loving my decomat – it really is a useful tool – so versatile too!

      Reply
  60. Debra @ Bowl Me Over

    January 14, 2016 at 6:14 pm

    Oh my gosh these look amazing! Your pictures are great and how fun your wedding looked!! I took a swing over to that page too – congratulations to you!!!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:02 pm

      Thanks Debra πŸ™‚

      Reply
  61. Charlotte

    January 14, 2016 at 6:05 pm

    These are soo stunning and look tasty too! I love that you had a themed wedding it means you can do things like this on anniversaries as a reminder! not sure I would share these with the kids though :p I would probably keep them for myself :p Thanks so much for linking up to #YUMTUM I would love to see you next week ! Thanks for sharing your fab recipe!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:03 pm

      I never thought of it like that, but yes – definitely! Glad to see a new blogging challenge on the block too! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  62. peter @feedyoursoultoo

    January 14, 2016 at 3:31 pm

    Dark chocolate and bourbon. what a great combination.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:03 pm

      It sure is! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  63. Liz @ I Heart Vegetables

    January 14, 2016 at 1:44 pm

    How cool are those?! I love those intricate cupcake toppers!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:04 pm

      Thanks Liz, I’m really glad they turned out as I had visualised them. It wouldn’t have happened without the decomat!

      Reply
  64. Choclette

    January 14, 2016 at 1:09 pm

    You really are a marvel Elizabeth as are your steampunk cupcakes. My how the time flies. I can’t believe it was two years ago you got married. It was you that introduced me to the concept of steampunk. Hope you have a lovely weekend and enjoy your hotel stay.

    A cake stand collection sounds like an eminently suitable thing for a food blogger to collect and I love your steampunk one.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:05 pm

      I can hardly believe it’s been two years either! How time flies! We did have a fantastic night away, thanks, and yes, I’m loving my new cake stand too!

      Reply
  65. Catstello

    January 14, 2016 at 12:05 pm

    These look great! I love that people are still repping the steampunk style

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:05 pm

      I don’t think it will ever die. It’s too awesome. πŸ˜€

      Reply
  66. Chris @thinlyspread

    January 14, 2016 at 11:52 am

    Oh. My. Word. I am in LURVE! Utterly gorgeous cakes – I have to make those cogs immediately! Wonderful. I’ve gone all effusive!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:05 pm

      Heh hee! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  67. Kitty Wood

    January 14, 2016 at 11:03 am

    oh those cakes are absolutely gorgeous! What a cute way to sneak steam punk into cupcakes. I’m planning my wedding at the moment and looking for cake inspiration so this was fab.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:06 pm

      Happy wedding planning! The planning is half the fun! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  68. Janice

    January 13, 2016 at 9:28 pm

    What a clever little gadget! You certainly made some beautiful cogs and wheels for your steampunk cupcakes, they look delicious. Congratulations on the wedding anniversary, I remember seeing the wedding pics and still marvel at the paper bouquet, you should post that again!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:07 pm

      It certainly is! I’ve got loads of ideas now that I’ve started using it properly. Watch this space! Perhaps I’ll redo my bouquet tutorial – I’ve learned so much since then…

      Reply
  69. Umber Phoenix *My Make Up Life*

    January 13, 2016 at 7:52 pm

    i love love love these! I never thought about jazzing my cupcakes up this way

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:10 pm

      It’s really an effective technique, isn’t it!

      Reply
  70. christine

    January 13, 2016 at 7:51 pm

    Happy anniversary! Our 10th anniversary is tomorrow (the 14th)! These gorgeous cupcakes look like a great way to celebrate. Enjoy that kid free weekend – I’m envious!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:14 pm

      Happy anniversary to you too! Go January weddings! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  71. The Nice Nest

    January 13, 2016 at 6:31 pm

    They look great and I love how you made the chocolate cogs to go on top. Nice styling of your photographs too.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:17 pm

      Thank you πŸ™‚

      Reply
  72. Rachel

    January 13, 2016 at 5:22 pm

    The more I see these, the more I want them x

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:18 pm

      My work here is done! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  73. Honest Mum

    January 13, 2016 at 4:24 pm

    Wow wee these look amazing! Thanks for linking up to #tastytuesdays

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:19 pm

      Thanks Vicki, glad you like them, and thanks for hosting such a fab linky!

      Reply
  74. Sarah - Craft Invaders

    January 13, 2016 at 2:37 pm

    Amazing cakes and photography – love it!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:19 pm

      Thanks Sarah πŸ™‚

      Reply
  75. Emma @ Supper in the Suburbs

    January 13, 2016 at 11:50 am

    Firstly congrats on the wedding anniversary! Secondly how cool are these cakes!!! And that cake stand! I love everything about them πŸ™‚ I’ve always been fascinated by steam punk, plus these cakes sound as delicious as they look. Bravo for adding the bourbon vanilla to the icing!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:20 pm

      Thanks…. and thanks… and thanks! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  76. Emma White

    January 13, 2016 at 1:17 am

    they look utterly amazing do you post them out

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:21 pm

      I’m not sure they’d make it intact off the island! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  77. Working mum Blog

    January 13, 2016 at 12:38 am

    Congrats on your wedding anniversary! Those cupcakes look amazing. Well done!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:21 pm

      Thank you! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  78. Laura

    January 13, 2016 at 12:09 am

    These look gorgeous, you are so talented!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:22 pm

      Aw thanks Laura!

      Reply
  79. Heidi Roberts

    January 13, 2016 at 12:07 am

    Those cupcakes look wonderful, love the idea of the chocolate shapes too.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:22 pm

      Thanks Heidi πŸ™‚

      Reply
  80. Food Glorious Food

    January 12, 2016 at 11:02 pm

    Wow, your cupcake looks so pretty and the flavours sound amazing x

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:23 pm

      Thanks πŸ™‚ I was really glad how well they turned out. The family were certainly impressed!

      Reply
  81. Debi @ Life Currents

    January 12, 2016 at 10:11 pm

    These are so beautiful! And they sound delicious. I love the story and that your husband dressed up for this! This is awesome!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:24 pm

      Yea, he comes in handy sometimes πŸ˜€ Blog backdrop extraordinaire!

      Reply
  82. Emma T

    January 12, 2016 at 9:36 pm

    Wow, these look brilliant. And your husband does look perfect for the steam punk role!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:25 pm

      Thanks Emma, and he really does, doesn’t he!

      Reply
  83. ZoΓ« IKIWN

    January 12, 2016 at 9:23 pm

    Oh wow, the cakes look absolutely divine and the chocolate clockwork details seem so delicately made. Simply wonderful! Your photography is great too! x

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:25 pm

      Aw thanks Zoe! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  84. Nayna Kanabar

    January 12, 2016 at 8:59 pm

    The cupcakes look really lovely.Happy anniversary. I love the leuke piping gadget I have one but I am waiting to use it still.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:26 pm

      You should definitely get playing with it! So many possibilities! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  85. mellissa williams

    January 12, 2016 at 8:28 pm

    What amazing cakes! I want to eat them all, now! I will bookmark this recipe to make them for my son’s birthday/

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:26 pm

      Thanks Mellissa – let me know what you think if you do make them!

      Reply
  86. Kacie

    January 12, 2016 at 8:17 pm

    Wow! These look simply amazing. Well done, this must’ve took some patience.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:27 pm

      Thanks Kacie – I’m not the most patient person in the world (which is why there are only three cogs on each cupcake – I started to lose the will to live making them!)

      Reply
  87. MsPrettyLThings

    January 12, 2016 at 6:29 pm

    These cakes look amazing you are soo creative. I would start making these and then end up eating them all!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:28 pm

      I did very well and ended up only having 1/3 of an uniced cupcake a few days later. Very tempting though!

      Reply
  88. Zoe L

    January 12, 2016 at 6:25 pm

    These look so so tasty.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:28 pm

      Thanks Zoe – my family assure me they were!

      Reply
  89. justine @ Full Belly SIsters

    January 12, 2016 at 6:22 pm

    Your husband and your cupcakes both look amazing!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:29 pm

      Thanks Justine! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  90. Dom

    January 12, 2016 at 5:59 pm

    these are just brilliant. I love the templates… what a fab idea! Happy Anniversary… oh and your husband is HAWT!!!!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:31 pm

      Haha! Thanks Dom, yea he’s ok to look at πŸ˜‰

      Reply
  91. Ana De- Jesus

    January 12, 2016 at 5:28 pm

    I love the Steampunk era so this is perfect both aesthetically and contextually. I like that you included a model to showcase your beautiful cupcakes!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:32 pm

      Thanks Ana πŸ™‚ I don’t take many photos with people in them, so this is a rare thing indeed!

      Reply
  92. Angela / Only Crumbs Remain

    January 12, 2016 at 5:21 pm

    Oh my, they’re fantastic! So effective! love how you’ve styled the – well everything about it really. Happy anniversary.
    Angela x

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:33 pm

      Aw thanks Angela! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  93. Laura@howtocookgoodfood

    January 12, 2016 at 5:01 pm

    What a fantastic idea and a very happy anniversary to you. I hope you get to enjoy your night without the kidsand I am sure they most love these steampunk cupcakes. The decorataions are ace!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:33 pm

      Thank you Laura, we did enjoy our night out. A rare treat for us!

      Reply
  94. Patty Haxton Anderson

    January 12, 2016 at 4:38 pm

    I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post. Your husband played his part well – the photos are fabulous.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:34 pm

      Aw thanks Patty! He did well, didn’t he – he rather enjoyed himself too!

      Reply
  95. Rachel | Beauty and the Bird

    January 12, 2016 at 4:31 pm

    These look absolutely delicious! I wish I made cupcakes this good-looking!

    Rachel | Beauty and the Bird

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:34 pm

      I’m sure you could if you gave it a try. The decomat makes things a lot easier. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  96. Florian @ContentednessCooking

    January 12, 2016 at 4:09 pm

    Those look amazing, fantastic!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:35 pm

      Thanks Florian!

      Reply
  97. Codie

    January 12, 2016 at 3:58 pm

    These sound incredible! Not sure my hands are steady enough to do the cogs but I am tempted to give it a go. Love the style of steampunk weddings. Happy Anniversary!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:36 pm

      It was really easy to do, and I don’t have the steadiest hand either. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  98. Tori Gabriel

    January 12, 2016 at 3:54 pm

    These are brilliant and so creative. What an awesome theme! Did they taste as good as they looked?

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:37 pm

      Aw thanks Tori! πŸ™‚ My family assure me they tasted fantastic. I had a nibble of an uniced one a few days later which was rather scrummy!

      Reply
  99. Life as Mum

    January 12, 2016 at 3:27 pm

    Oh wow. These look and sound beautiful. I saw a photo on your Instagram. x

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:37 pm

      Thanks, and thank you for stopping by! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  100. Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche

    January 12, 2016 at 3:05 pm

    Oh wow these sound delicious and I love your chocolatey decorations! Your husband does scrub up well πŸ˜€

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:38 pm

      Thanks Becca – and he sure does, doesn’t he! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  101. Johanna GGG

    January 12, 2016 at 2:26 pm

    Happy wedding anniversary and congratulations on your brilliant cupcakes. I am not great at chocolate but that kit looks really useful and your creativity is admirable. I was admiring your cake stand and wishing for more in my life when I read you are now a collector – I wish I had room to be – would you consider making some – I have seen ones on craft blogs where little glasses and vases are hot glued to lovely plates – again I wish I had room for such things. Enjoy your anniversary child free time

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:39 pm

      Thank you Johanna! πŸ™‚ I don’t have much room to be collecting cake stands either – might have to clear out some other stuff….! Love the glasses/vases/plates idea!

      Reply
  102. Helen @ Family-Friends-Food.com

    January 12, 2016 at 2:23 pm

    Those are just fab! Love your steampunk wedding. (I still regret being talked out of having a Doctor Who theme for ours…)

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:50 pm

      A Dr. Who wedding would have been fantastic!!! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  103. Tanya Brannan

    January 12, 2016 at 2:22 pm

    Fabulous post! I adore those cogs, so very clever and the silicone may sounds brilliant! You husband looks cool too!

    Secretplussizegoddess

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:50 pm

      Thanks Tanya, glad you like it! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  104. Lucy Parissi

    January 12, 2016 at 1:31 pm

    These look so good Elisabeth! I love the chocolate decorations – brilliant idea. Enjoy your anniversary and child-free night – it sounds heavenly. Your husband is a really good sport to appear on the blog – I think I would have to pay mine to do that.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:51 pm

      Thanks Lucy! πŸ™‚ We had a fantastic night out. A rare treat for us!

      Reply
  105. Alison

    January 12, 2016 at 1:19 pm

    Brilliant, I love the decoration, The cakes look amazing

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:52 pm

      Thanks Alison! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  106. Stella Kashmoney

    January 12, 2016 at 12:41 pm

    WOW. The cakes looks too good to eat. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:52 pm

      Aw thanks Stella! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  107. Sarah

    January 12, 2016 at 12:16 pm

    Happy wedding anniversary for the weekend! Hope you have a good one. dark choc and bourbon vanilla cupcakes sound delish!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:53 pm

      Thanks Sarah! We had a fantastic time, thank you!

      Reply
  108. Charlotte

    January 12, 2016 at 12:05 pm

    Those cupcakes look amazing! I love the idea of the mat! x

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:54 pm

      Thanks Charlotte! The mat is really handy – so many possibilities!

      Reply
  109. kellie@foodtoglow

    January 12, 2016 at 12:03 pm

    Just gorgeous, Elizabeth. Stunning actually. I had to smile about your chocolate cooling remarks. I wouldn’t have even had to set them outside – I don’t treat myself to heat during the day! Enjoy your anniversary overnighter. I can imagine how precious that time will be πŸ˜‰ And yes, your hubs scrubs up very well

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:55 pm

      Thanks Kellie! Heat is my one luxury. I don’t like a cold house!

      Reply
  110. Phoebe @ Lou Messugo

    January 12, 2016 at 11:41 am

    Those cakes are so beautiful (and I bet delicious too). You’re so clever with the decorations, I know mine wouldn’t look anything like that! I must admit I didn’t know what steam punk was but I clicked through to your wedding post to find out! #tastytuesdays

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:56 pm

      I bet you’d surprise yourself if you gave it a go! πŸ™‚ Glad you liked my post and photos!

      Reply
  111. Rachel

    January 12, 2016 at 11:25 am

    Oh my, those cakes look just amazing, I now want cake x

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:56 pm

      Thanks Rachel – I want cake too!! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  112. Katie Bryson

    January 12, 2016 at 11:17 am

    What a fab post and loving the steam punk vibe!!! Your husband looks magnificent in his wedding gear! Good luck wth the health kick too. I’m winning on the exercise and no alcohol front, I’m eating healthier food but just too much of it

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:57 pm

      Thanks Katie – he does scrub up well doesn’t he! πŸ™‚ It’s not easy trying to be healthy, not when so many lovely cakes are crying out to be made!

      Reply
  113. Ceri @Natural Kitchen Adventures

    January 12, 2016 at 11:14 am

    Literally had no idea what a steampunk was until now! These cupcakes look cute, and great to be able t celebrate something that means something to you with them. Yum!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:57 pm

      Glad to have taught you something new! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  114. Mrs M

    January 12, 2016 at 11:11 am

    They look fantastic. I’d love to be as creative but there’s no way my hand is steady enough for that!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:58 pm

      I bet you’d surprise yourself if you gave it a go! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  115. Fiona @ London-Unattached

    January 12, 2016 at 11:06 am

    LOL elizabeth – is the model your other half? Great cakes – sending this on to my sis in law who will love the idea

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:58 pm

      Yes, yes he is! He does scrub up well, doesn’t he! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  116. The London Mum

    January 12, 2016 at 11:01 am

    You must have some serious will power to not try those cupcakes! They look delicious, and I love the idea that you recreated a memory from your wedding for your anniversary πŸ™‚ x

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:59 pm

      I did cave a few days later and had 1/3 of an uniced one. Still scrummy! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  117. Monica Shaw

    January 12, 2016 at 10:47 am

    Every single word of this recipe ticks all the boxes. Bravo!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 3:59 pm

      Aw thanks Monica! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  118. Esmeralda

    January 12, 2016 at 10:26 am

    That is very clever!! Also love your pictures, very creative. Those cupcakes look delicious, thank you for sharing the recipe and others too, I have a party at the WE – might become handy πŸ˜‰

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 4:00 pm

      Aw thank you! I don’t usually have people in my photos, so this was a new thing for me.

      Reply
  119. Rhian Westbury

    January 12, 2016 at 10:16 am

    What beautiful cakes and such a nice way to involve the kids. I don’t think I’d have a steady enough hand to draw over those templates though. Have a great child free night away πŸ™‚ x

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      January 19, 2016 at 4:01 pm

      Thanks Rhian πŸ™‚ I bet you’d surprise yourself if you had a go! Chocolate is quite forgiving πŸ˜€

      Reply

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Adventurer. Expat Canadian. Foodie. Loves bikes. Calls Shetland home. Read More…

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