I have a recipe for cupcakes where the frosting literally glows. It’s takes a medium amount of effort, but you end up with one of the coolest desserts or treats to hand out. Now, I say medium effort only because to get to the frosting glowing requires making some Jello with tonic water, letting it cool, dipping the cupcakes in it, and freezing them for 20 minutes. Then dipping the cupcakes in it again and more freezing. The more you repeat the process, the better the glow. So, It could take a little time. Otherwise, it’s a matter of baking up some cupcakes and covering them with buttermilk frosting before all the dipping and freezing.
You Need:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box
- 1 tub white buttercream frosting
- 1 package Jell-O (pineapple casts the brightest glow)
- 1 c. water
- 1 c. chilled tonic water
How To:
- Follow the instructions on a box cake mix—or use your favorite recipe—to make chocolate cupcakes.
- Let cupcakes cool, then frost with vanilla buttercream. Freeze cupcakes, 30 minutes or up to overnight, so frosting can stiffen.
- Make the glowing glaze: Bring water to a boil, then whisk in Jell-o mix until dissolved and remove from the heat. Whisk in chilled tonic water and let cool to about room temperature without setting. Wiggle the pot every few minutes to make sure it’s not thickening; this process will take about 10-15 minutes.
- Dip the frosting of each cupcake into the glaze. Once all are dipped, put them back in the freezer for a few minutes to harden. Repeat dipping process four more times for optimal glow, then serve.