I am always looking for packaging for cupcakes that I bake as gifts.  It’s not just about how good your cupcake looks and tastes but also what the cupcake is presented in or on.  These small bird house cupcake boxes from Meri Meri are right up my alley! The single cupcake box cost $8.50 and are perfect for giving a cupcake along with a little note.

Now that is a cupcake tattoo! This photo was taken by Jacquie Gibson at the Ink for Heroes tattoo convention, which was held in York in June. Ink for Heroes raised money and awareness for injured soldiers.

One way that they did this is through the Cupcake Club. The Cupcake Club consists of Rose Green, Colleen Moss, and other talented volunteers who attend shows all over the UK, tattooing cupcakes and raising money and awareness for soldiers.

Here is what their website has to say about cupcake tattoos:  A cupcake is a permanent symbol and reminder that you have given and supported such a worthy cause. The Cupcake Club has tattooed hundreds of cupcakes on hundreds of supportive people.

I love the fun colors of these “Mini Brownies Gone Wild” cupcakes from Duncan Hines.  For some reason, the colors of the skittles remind me of back to school time (or maybe it’s the crayons placed in the background of this picture).  Either way, I think these would make an excellent back-to-school treat for your little one, or even your teenager.

Looking for some new cupcake inspiration? Check out this Etsy offering: How to Make Your Own Gourmet Cupcakes! This ebook offers 14 recipes with step by step instructions. Featured cupcakes include “Shoofly Cupcakes,” “Monkey Cupcakes,” “Chocomint Cupcakes” and more. The ebook costs only $3.99. And the best part? Etsy seller Steven Seferi offers a money back guarantee!

How lovely is this sweet bakery mobile from Gifts Define?  I love the strawberry cupcake and the birthday cake with a candle.  While it is a little pricey at $135.00, I think it would make a lovely gift for a new born baby!

Did you know that next week is Shark Week?  It’s a great excuse to invite some friends over, turn on the Discovery Channel, and try your hand at shark cupcakes.  Need some inspiration?  I’ve compiled a few ideas from the web.  Click on each image for more details.

I just tried this recipe from Simple Bites, and one word: AMAZING! I am absolutely blown away.

I did do a few things differently from the recipe. She recommends roasting the beets. I was far too lazy and just pureed some canned beets. I also used Neufchâtel cheese, instead of cream cheese, in an effort to cut out some fat. I also used more maple syrup than she recommended, as I just wanted some additional sweetness. I used plain old sugar instead of the more expensive raw, and I baked mine for only 20 minutes, instead of 25. In the end, though, I couldn’t lose and this recipe has made it’s way into my frequently used pile.