Talking sweets with Red Velvet Stefanie!

“Cupcakes aren’t just a dessert, they are a lifestyle.” -Stefanie

Film Festival Face-off was a pretty intense episode of Cupcake Wars! I originally tuned in to see Mr. Cupcakes from Clifton, NJ. Being a NJ native, I wanted to see if he had what it takes to win on Cupcake Wars!

I was pleasantly surprised to see not only Bee Sweet Cupcakes from NOLA competing, but Red Velvet Stefanie was also on this episode! Sweet! To be honest, I was cheering on RVS the whole time. I am fan of her blog and her awesome Ultimate Red Velvet Cheesecake at the Cheesecake factory!

So, I recently had the opportunity to talk to her about her experience on Cupcake Wars!

1. Who is your biggest inspiration in the baking world?

Candace Nelson from Sprinkle's, she started the cupcake trend! Candace is the Cupcake Queen!

2. Where did you get the name Red Velvet Stefanie from?

After Stefanie's Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake came out at the Cheesecake Factory, my friends started calling me this! They would introduce me to people as the, "Stefanie, as in Stefanie's Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake Stefanie" and then, shortened down to Red Velvet Stefanie! the other was such a mouthful! lol

3. What was the most challenging part of the competition for you? The time limit? the 1,000 cupcakes?

Waiting to hear what Candace was going to say about my cupcakes, she is my hero after all!

4. Would you ever compete in something like Cupcake Wars again?

OH YES! My next competition is actually August 22nd in LA. The Sweet's Truck asked me to compete with LA's top cupcake baker's to find the best Red Velvet Cupcake in Los Angeles! I am so going to win!

5. What is your favorite cupcake flavor, and why?

I wish I had a more exciting answer but, Red Velvet is truly my favorite Red Velvet Cupcake! I have never liked chocolate cake so, I like the little accent of cocoa in red velvet plus, cream cheese frosting is to die for! I love the bright red color of the cake paired with the light fluffy frosting, it is such an elegant combination!

Thanks Red Velvet Stefanie for taking the time to answer some questions!!!

Also, tomorrow is Cheesecake Day! The Cheesecake Factory has a pretty awesome deal for you. Any cheesecake slice is 1/2 price! So get on over and get yourself a luscious slice of red velvet cheesecake! And additional 25 cents is donated to Feeding America every time you purchase it!

Dog Birthday Parties!

Wanna get your pup something truly special this Birthday?

I am now offering dog cupcakes & cakes made of all organic, all natural ingredients. Only wholesome goodness for your best friend! All pupcakes are frosted with melted carob "frosting" too!

*(Please let me know if your dog has any allergies at the time of ordering).*

Having some pups over to celebrate? Need some goodie bags? I now make all natural dog biscuits, which will come in clear baggies and tied with pretty bows! List of ingredients are always supplied! Seasonal cookie cutters available too! Pumpkin, Apple & Molasses are just a few flavors to choose from!

Pricing

Pupcakes - 1 dozen regular $40.00
Pupcakes - 2 dozen minis $40.00

Personalized Pupcake - 8" round cake $35.00

Dog treat baggies w/ bow - Inquire about pricing. Minimal amount required.

*Cute Boston Terrier not included* - That is my pup Linus!

Summer is flying by! Remember, just a few more weeks of these special seasonal flavors! My fall flavors will be debuting the second week of September!

Remember, you can inquire about season Fall flavors NOW for your special occasion! Dates are booking fast! Email me at thecupcakecauldron@gmail.com!

Humming Bird Cupcakes

These cupcakes are delicious! Made with ripe bananas, fresh pineapple, vanilla bean, cinnamon and pecans! Topped with a silky vanilla bean cream cheese frosting and topped with dried bananas.

Cotton Candy

Vanilla cake topped with a delicious pink Cotton Candy buttercream.

Pink Lemonade

Lemon pudding cake, made with lots of zest and fresh lemons! Topped with a tart pink lemonade buttercream. Each dolled up with sugar sprinkles and a cute straw!

Root beer Float

My delicious root beer cake made with A&W root beer, is topped with a vanilla whipped buttercream. Root beer drizzle is on top!

Ice Cream Sundae

Hershey's syrup cake with Vanilla Bean frosting. Topping off this Sundae is a homemade ganache, sprinkles and a cherry!

Cupcake Wars auditions!

Since my interview with Candace Nelson, so many people have been asking if I will be auditioning for the next season of Cupcake Wars. There is no doubt that I can bake some killer cupcakes and presentation is super important, but competition is hard for me. I really think I would fold under pressure and crawl underneath the table and cry. HAHAHA. Plus, I am not sure if I could take the hosts insulting wise cracks. I mean, he comes up with some doozies!

HOWEVER, there is a cupcake shop in my state of NJ that totally needs to be featured! This is, hands down, my favorite cupcake shop. (and I have been all over the place trying cupcakes for awhile) Sweet Avenue Bake Shop in Rutherford, NJ rocks my world! And guess what...they are 100% vegan! Don't knock it until you try it. Their red velvet can put anyone's to shame. What I totally dig about their shop is their attention to detail, their artistic point of view, their awesome taste in music and helping animals in need, and their ridiculously delicious cupcakes baked from scratch. Plus, they are super cute and always extremely nice! Side note: They also named their shop after a song by Jets to Brazil! Awesome.























So watch their audition video and write to: cupcakewarscasting@gmail.com

Birthday gift ideas!

You all know that I am head over heels in love with Jessie's art work, right?! I mean, I have a bunch of original and custom works from her and if you know me, my jean jacket always has a Cuppie pin (or 2 or 3) on it!

I recently purchased this adorable cupcake tote for my friend's B-day! I filled it with lots of baking cups! Leopard print, polka dot, stripes, you name it! I also added two of my favorite ingredients for my cupcakes, vanilla bean paste by Nielsen Massey & pure butter vanilla extract. Awesome to swirl into frostings and batters. I find the vanilla bean paste to be a great alternative to vanilla beans and way less expensive!

Check out this adorable card available at the Cakespy store! This card was a big hit for the Birthday girl and it also got a lot of laughs at the party! Too cute! Perfect for that friend that loves baking just as much as we do!

Things to look forward to!

I may not be baking much these days, but I haven't stopped reading my blogs ! Are you familiar with Bakerella? I came across her about 2 years ago and have been hooked since. She is a creative genius! Her book will be available in bookstores on September 8th! Pre-order that baby today! It will showcase over 40 recipes for her signature cake pops, which are perfect for any party or special occasion!

Just checking in

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to check in today. I have been MIA on my blog due to a family emergency. I have all my Cupcake Wars DVRed and I need time to catch up. I also have some great cupcake finds and recipes to share with all of you. I made a cotton candy cupcake a few weeks ago that was just amazing! I will have photos up soon.

I will be checking in periodically, so if you need a cupcake order please let me know. Send an email to: thecupcakecauldron@gmail.com I will try my best to fill your order. It will be based on my availability due to my family's health issues.

All my best,

Ashley