I think this Cupcake “Menorah” (not to replace the real one!) is such a cute and easy idea. You can start with any boxed cake mix recipe and use ready-made frosting or make your favorite basic cake and frosting recipe.
Make a healthier choice using recipes for Banana Bread or Carrot Cake. Just bake them in muffin tins and spread these with cream cheese frosting when cool.
Here’s how to do make this easy Chanukah dessert:
–Take any frosted cupcake or muffin, decorate with candy stars, stars of David , candy dreidels or coconut, etc.
–Place eight of the cupcakes on a long platter, on a board covered in foil or around the edge of a round platter. In the center of the row or circle, place a pretty inverted drinking glass or small bowl. Set the “shamash” cupcake here.
–Place a real candle made in Israel or festive beeswax ones or fancy metallic candles in the center of each cupcake. A Cupcake Menorah makes a creative, easy Hanukkah centerpiece and the kids will really enjoy watching their dessert flicker away throughout the meal. They may even stay at the table a bit longer!
For an fire-free edible candle, place a chocolate covered wafer stick such as Twix, Pirouline or even Twizzlers lengthwise in the center of each cupcake and make a “flame” with dab with white or yellow frosting on top.
More ways with Chanukah cupcakes:
~For an adult version you can make the cupcake menorah using mini bundt cakes, and place a mound of frosting in the center to anchor the candle.
~Unfrosted cupcakes, muffins and even the bundt cakes freeze wonderfully, so make a batch now to have on hand for the holiday.
~A simple elegant touch is to thread shimmery matching ribbons through the cupcakes on your platter.
~Gold or silver foil cupcake liners are also and easy way to dress up your Chanukah centerpiece.
~Slip a white chocolate coin wrapped in gold foil into the center of each cupcake before baking for a sweet surprise.
~Involve the kids! Let everyone decorate their own cupcake. Each “candle” can be as unique as the child who created it.
Renee Chernin lives with her husband, David, in Jerusalem’s Old City where she writes and cooks while working on her forthcoming cookbook, “Cooking for The King,” the book of Torah insights, recipes and cooking tips designed to bring majesty to the mundane. Get a glimpse of more essays and recipes on www.thekosherchannel.com