Mint Chocolate Cupcakes + Produce Candle Giveaway

Some of the best recipes are created from a simple source of inspiration. Which is why I was so thrilled when Produce Candles approached me to develop a recipe inspired by their spring/summer seasonal line. Scent and soil come together in these natural soy wax candles, inspired by the seasonal harvest. There are several clean, fresh scents to choose from. I chose mint! You can shop the entire collection here or find a retailer near you. 

After taking a whiff of this refreshing candle, my first instinct was to make a salad that incorporated mint leaves. However, I knew I wanted to make something different, something sweet that would cleanse the palate after a flavorful meal. Cupcakes seemed like the perfect choice! I mean, you can't go wrong with a cupcake. They're the dessert that can be decorated to your liking and each person can have their own. I thought these chocolate cupcakes with mint cream cheese frosting were the perfect way to welcome spring!

I will admit, baking isn't my strong suit, hence the reason I chose to make cupcakes. I figured those were simple enough, but could be made special through the frosting. 

                

Plus, decorating cupcakes is always fun. 

Picture a late afternoon dinner party, outdoors, just before the sun begins to fade away, surrounded by the best of friends, fresh flowers blowing in the breeze, a glowing Produce Candle on the table, a light spring dinner, followed by these sweet minty cupcakes and a cold glass of milk or champagne (whichever you prefer). I can't think of a better way to celebrate spring!

                 

One of the great things about this recipe is the short amount of time it takes to prepare it. I cheated and used box cake mix because, like I said, I'm not a baker. While the cupcakes are baking the frosting can be made, making good use of your cooking time.

Thanks, Produce Candles, for the fragrant inspiration! 

Be sure to head over to Instagram to enter for a chance to win a Produce Candle from their spring line!

Chocolate Cupcakes with Mint Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

(Makes 20 cupcakes)

1 box Betty Crocker Super Moist Milk Chocolate Cake Mix

3 eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 cup water

2 cups powdered sugar

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature

2 teaspoons mint extract

1 bag Andes Crème de Menthe Baking Chips, divided

Instructions

1.       Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.       Using a cupcake tin, bake cupcakes according to package directions, adding 1 cup of baking chips to the batter.

3.       While the cupcakes are baking, begin making the frosting.

4.        Mix together cream cheese and butter

5.       Slowly add in powdered sugar and mix well until light and fluffy.

6.       Remove cupcakes from the oven once finished baking. Let them cool before frosting. *I placed mine in the refrigerator for a few minutes to speed up the process.

7.       Frost the cupcakes to your liking and top with more baking chips.