As the nights are drawing in much earlier I'm starting to get in the mood for Autumn and everything that comes along with it. One of those things are fireworks. I absolutely love how they light up the sky and enchant you. Every year my dad and stepmum host a bonfire party at their house. This involves a huge bonfire in their garden, setting off fireworks, and most importantly eating homemade hot pot and parkin, the latter of which I like to bring along. I decided to jazz up my parkin this year by adding sweet toffee buttercream, and to represent the fireworks I've garnished them with popping candy chocolate and a sprinkle of gold edible glitter. The best thing is they are so simple to make and they will delight people of all ages!
To make the cupcakes I used my tried and tested Parkin recipe which I've made in the past as a tray bake. I filled 12 cupcake cases with the mixture but I reckon it could be stretched out to 16 as I was quite generous.
I baked the cupcakes on 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4 for 25 minutes, then let them cool. Parkin tastes best after being stored for a few days in an air tight container, so I made these cupcakes a couple of days before decorating and eating them. You don't have to do this, but it is recommended for developing the flavor.
I melted 250g dark chocolate and poured it onto a lined baking tray to create a thin layer of chocolate. I sprinkled popping candy all over it.
I made the buttercream from 220g butter, 440g icing sugar and 2 tsp caramel extract. I piped it onto the cupcakes using a piping bag and nozzle.
I broke the chocolate into shards and stuck it into the buttercream. I also sprinkled the cupcakes with some gold edible glitter for extra sparkle!
Just for fun I stuck a cake sparkler into one of the cupcakes for a photo - how cool does it look?! I can't wait to have a sparkler on bonfire night and write my name in the air with it, and then tuck into one of these cupcakes!
I am entering these into myself and Cakeyboi's monthly challenge Treat Petite. This month's theme is Autumn.
I am also entering them into Cook Blog Share hosted by Hijacked By Twins.
And into the Food Year Link Up hosted by Charlotte's Lively Kitchen - these cupcakes are to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night.
