Candy-themed cake pops and cupcakes

A candy doesn't discriminate.  It attracts people of all ages from all walks of life.  Candies have an enthralling factor that makes every one a willing captive.  Regardless of the candies color, texture, size, flavor, and price - they remain the ultimate soothing and calming treat. And why not?  Try giving a piece of candy to a child whose crying is in full force and you'll know what I'm talking about. 

A candy-themed party for children will surely be a hit because of its familiarity to the young crowd.  In the picture above are cotton candy cake pops, a lollipop-shaped cake pop, and cake pops with sprinkles.  In today's day and age it's possible to have your candy and cake at the same time. 

Now to the cupcakes.. these are called confetti candy cupcakes.  Not only they have candy-coated chocolate candies and jelly bean toppings but they also have chopped candies mixed with the dough. I'm sure that kids and those with hearts like kids will surely love these treats. 

Angel Food Toasted Coconut with Vanilla Buttercream

I'd say these cupcakes are fragile to the bite.  They are light, airy, and sweet.  It feels like they melt in my mouth and the frosting not only adds extra sweetness but also gives every bite a smooth finish.  The toasted coconut flakes all brown and crunchy awake me from an angelic fixation of these ethereal pieces of bliss. 

I'm not sure if giving in to the child in me is culpable but it's hard to resist a food that in the first place sounds so innocent. So two cupcakes to satisfy my craving - one just a few hours after baking and frosting and another one later in the day.  Take it from me that playing hard-to-get doesn't apply for these cupcakes. The reward is heavenly when you dig right in. 

Banana Cream Pie

Growing up in a tropical country like the Philippines has developed in me a soft spot toward bananas.  There are other fruits in my country but bananas are more convenient to buy since they're always in abundance and  easy in the wallet. Although I have discovered other equally delicious fruits here in America bananas would remain my top favorite.

When I saw the recipe for banana cream pie cupcakes I knew I had to make it.  I know that anything with banana on it would taste just like heaven. The recipe called for a cake mix but I wanted to make mine from scratch so I had to tweak the recipe a little bit. Omitted this, added that. Lessened this, increased that. You know the drill.

And the result: delicious and succulent banana cream pie cupcakes. They came out moist and really filling - perfect with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk.