Vanilla And Bean

Sweet and Savory Vegetarian

Double Chocolate Devil’s Food Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Buttercream

By 68 Comments

Rich, tender yet not too sweet Double Chocolate Devil’s Food Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Buttercream decorated two ways.  A chocolate lovers dream.

Double Chocolate Devil's Food Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Buttercream

These little Double Chocolate Devil’s Food Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Buttercream are sublime. But before we get to these cakes…

I turned 45 this week.

As I contemplate what this means, I tell myself it’s just a number. A system to keep track of time passing and the past. A way to schedule, keep appointments, quantify how long to boil that egg, and rates of change.

It’s a number.

What I’m thinking about more than the number itself, perhaps, is a vivid recollection of my 40th birthday party, just five years ago. It was a big year. The year I made the decision to leave my career. I threw a party to celebrate it and my 40th.

Double Chocolate Devil's Food Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean ButtercreamDouble Chocolate Devil's Food Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Buttercream

I blinked and I’m 45.

My cousin, who shares the same age and birth month reminded me this week that in five more years, we’ll be 50.

For comparison’s sake, another blink.

Because of this, I’ve been thinking more about how I spend my time, my days…. my years. What I want, where I’m heading. Contemplating short- and long-term goals. Thinking about those things I’ve been wanting to do yet haven’t. Maybe I’m thinking too much?

Above all, I’m grateful for where I’m at in life. I’m healthy, save a pesky hypothyroid; safe; wiser; spending this journey with the love of my life, and am doing the work I love every day, still growing spiritually and emotionally and able to invest in those pursuits. Life is so sweet.

Double Chocolate Devil's Food Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Buttercream

Can we all agree, the older we get, the faster passage of time feels? I think it’s because there’s more we want to accomplish, so the days are fuller and there never seems to be enough time to do what we want.

I’ve reduced the number of bullet points on my daily calendar in an effort to be mindful and combat feelings of overwhelm and of not accomplishing enough in a given day.

I’m just realizing that I define what enough is. It took me 45 years to figure it out.

But, during this pause for reflection, I also remind myself to slow down, take time for special moments and for pursuits of passion. Even if that special moment is to stop and watch a bee buzz into a flower to collect pollen, laugh with my mom, or to spend extra time with a friend, solving the world’s problems. Contributing to community is also an area I want to spend more time. For me, that pursuit of passion comes in the form of assisting in environmental problem-solving, action and activism.

Double Chocolate Devil's Food Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Buttercream

I’ve talked about this before, contemplating life and my mind is generally chatty in regards to these things. With the passing of another year, I’m reminded that although time is relative, it moves at a sharp clip.  Slow down, breathe…  look up.

Baking slows me down. Because cakes are for special occasions, especially birthdays, it was time. Whether it’s a beloved layer cake or cupcake, special times call for special things. And while scratch-cakes do take some time, attention, and planning, they’re always worth the effort, not only for the maker, but for the recipient and everyone who shares in the celebration.

These aren’t over-the-top sweet cupcakes. The cake, related to a genoise, an Italian sponge cake, relies on eggs whipped to ribbon stage, creating a light-as-air, pillow-soft cake. European pastry is known for its marked less sweet approach when it comes to baked goods. It’s because of this approach that the double chocolate, coffee and vanilla bean notes shine in this recipe.

Double Chocolate Devil's Food Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Buttercream Double Chocolate Devil's Food Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Buttercream

After the eggs are whipped to ribbon stage, a chocolately mixture of cocoa powder, espresso, sour cream, and coconut oil are gently mixed in. Then a flour and brown sugar mixture is slowly added into the thick, airy batter. Just before scooping the dreamy batter into the baking cups, chopped dark chocolate chips are folded in. Can you taste the chocolate heaven?

Swiss meringue buttercream is another reason these cupcakes are not over-the-top sweet. Cooked then whipped egg whites and sugar create a meringue. After the meringue is whipped to room temperature, butter is added, a little at a time, to create a silky smooth, creamy, fluffy icing ideal for crowning and decorating these double chocolatey cakes.

If you’re looking for an over the top chocolatey and sweet cupcake, I’ve got you covered with these Perfect Chocolate Espresso Cupcakes. For a dairy and egg-free chocolate cake, check out my Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Cake with Whipped Ganache.

Double Chocolate Devil's Food Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Buttercream

Double Chocolate Devil's Food Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Buttercream

Double Chocolate Devil’s Food Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Buttercream take a bit of attention to detail, but they are fun to make and may just stretch your baking skills. Don’t let the methods deter your desire to make from-scratch cakes. Really. They’re not as scary as they seem.

While I don’t normally use artificial food colors, I couldn’t help myself with the sprinkles. They are so fun, colorful and festive, so I went for it. I figure it would be okay for a special occasion. Plus the crunch factor (!!).

My inner child was tugging at me.

Double Chocolate Devil's Food Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Buttercream

A few tools I keep on hand to make cupcakes a snap to pull together (these are affiliate links):

How do you feel about time with regards to birthdays? How do you feel about making from-scratch cake? Please share below! I’d love to know your thoughts!

Double Chocolate Devil's Food Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Buttercream
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Double Chocolate Devil's Food Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Buttercream

A rich yet light chocolate cupcake with a bit of espresso, studded with dark chocolate chunks and topped with vanilla bean Swiss meringue buttercream icing. This is not an overly sweet cupcake, rather just enough to engage your sweet tooth while quelling your chocolate cravings.*Prep time above does not include amount of time to decorate cupcakes.
Prep Time45 mins
Cook Time32 mins
Total Time1 hr 17 mins
Servings: 16 Cupcakes
Author: Traci York | Vanilla And Bean

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

For the Simple Syrup (optional but recommended):

  • 3 Tbs Cane Sugar
  • 3 Tbs Water
  • 1 Tbs Kahlua - for boozy optional

For the Swiss Meringue Buttercream (yields about 2 1/2C or 368g):

To Finish (options):

Instructions

Get Ready:

  • A stand mixer is quite helpful to have when making this recipe, although it can be made with a hand held mixer.
  • Set up a bain marie: The bain marie should be large enough to hold the mixing bowl you'll be mixing the cake in. Fill a sauce pot with water and heat until just steaming, not boiling. Test to make sure your mixing bowl can set in the water without the water splashing out while you gently stir the mixture. You'll need the bain marie for both the cake mixture and the buttercream.

For the Cupcakes:

  • Place baking rack in the center of the oven. Preheat oven to 350F (180C) and line cupcake pans with 16 muffin cups.
  • In a small mixing bowl, add the cocoa powder, hot espresso and vanilla extract. Whisk until incorporated. Whisk in the sour cream first then add the coconut oil. Whisk to a smooth and incorporated consistency. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour, corn starch, sea salt, baking powder, baking soda and light brown sugar. Whisk. Set aside.
  • In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer add the eggs and sugar. Set on the bain marie. The bottom of the bowl should touch the water. The water should be steaming, not boiling. Whisk the mixture while it warms to room temperature. Test the temperature with your finger. It should not be hot, but just comfortable. Dry the bottom of the bowl, turn off the burner and place the bowl on the stand mixer. Using the whisk attachment, whip on medium-high (speed 6 or 7) for about five minutes. The eggs will become lighter in color and airy, doubling in volume. Whip to ribbon stage. Test this by removing the whisk, dipping it in the eggs and drizzling the eggs into the bowl. If the eggs disappear into the bowl, then keep whipping. If the drizzle floats on top of the eggs forming a 'ribbon', the eggs are ready. This should take about 5-6 minutes. Scrape down the bowl.
  • Remove the whisk attachment and attach the paddle. With the machine running on low, pour in the chocolate/oil mixture, slowly. Stop 1/2 way through adding the mixture and scrape down the bowl. After adding all the chocolate/oil mixture, mix in the flour mixture on the lowest setting, in two batches, stopping to scrape the bowl once. Do not over mix here. Mix just until the last bit of flour is incorporated. Remove bowl from stand mixer and fold in, very gently, the chopped chocolate. The batter will be light and airy.
  • Use a #20 cookie scoop to make portioning the cupcakes a snap (or fill each cup to 3/4 full). Bake for 20-22 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean when cupcakes are done. Be sure to not open the oven door until 20 minutes as we don't want the cupcakes to deflate!
  • Cool in pans on a cooling rack for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and allow to fully cool to room temperature before assembling the cupcakes.

For the Simple Syrup:

  • In a small sauce pot add the sugar and water. Bring to a boil and cook until the sugar is dissolved. Pour into a lidded container and stir in the Kahlua (optional). Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

For the Buttercream:

  • Warm the water in the bain marie. Top off the water if needed. Heat to steaming, not boiling. Make sure the stand mixer mixing bowl can fit in the bain marie, touching the water. Have a thermometer on the ready.
  • In the stand mixer mixing bowl, add the egg whites, sugar and salt. Set the bowl into the bain marie, making sure the water is not boiling and the water is touching the bottom of the bowl. Whisk the egg mixture, occassionally, while heating to 160F (71C). This should take about 8-10 minutes. The mixture will become frothy and fluffy.
  • Wipe the bottom of the bowl dry and place it on the stand mixer. Using the whisk attachment, whip the eggs on medium-high (speed 6-7) for about 5 minutes. The mixture will become sticky, shiny white and have cooled to room temperature (the bowl will remain hot to the touch, so to test for room temperature, touch the mixture). You've now made Swiss meringue. Now we'll add the butter to make the butter cream.
  • With the mixer on medium-high (speed 6), add the room temperature butter, one Tbs at a time adding more only once the previous butter has fully incorporated into the mixture. Keep adding butter until all the butter has been added. Turn the mixer up to high, speed 7 and mix until light and fluffy. This should only be about a minute or two more.
  • The buttercream is ready to use.

To Assemble:

  • Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before icing. Using a skewer or toothpick, poke 5-10 holes in the top of the cupcake making sure the holes are very close to the edges of the cupcake. Brush on the simple syrup being careful not to add so much that it overflows onto the paper cups. It will be a sticky mess when trying to eat them.
  • There's enough icing to pipe/spread/scoop about 2.5 Tbs of icing on each cupcake. Fit a piping bag with your favorite tip and pipe the cupcakes. Or use a large cookie scoop, 2-3 Tbs, to place a scoop on top of the cupcake. Invert the cupcake into sprinkles and roll the icing into the sprinkles, gently pressing to shape the dome.
  • Store the cupcakes in a lidded storage container for up to two days. But their at their best on the day baked.

Notes

Cupcakes can be made in advance. Simply freeze in a freezer bag when completely cool, making sure to press out as much air as possible in the bag. Freeze for no more than a week.
If storing the buttercream before using, store it in a lidded container at room temperature. To rewhip the buttercream simply use a hand whisk or rewhip it on a stand mixer. If it feels stiff, place the buttercream in a heatproof bowl and dip it in a bain marie to gently warm the buttercream. Do not allow it to melt, rather, just warm the bottom of the bowl, then whisk.
Tried this recipe?Loved it? Leave a comment below! Take a snap of what you made and share it on social: @VanillaAndBean, tag #VanillaAndBean!

Double Chocolate Devil's Food Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Buttercream

Double Chocolate Devil's Food Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Buttercream

Comments

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    • Traci says

      May 27, 2016 at 5:33 pm

      Oh yeah, it’s quite simple to make as long as you pay attention to the temperature of the ingredients along the way. It is soooo silky! I hope you enjoy it Sabrina!

      Reply

  2. Sarah @ Snixy Kitchen says

    May 27, 2016 at 12:42 am

    Happy Birthday, Traci!! These cupcakes feel like the perfect celebration – and the sprinkles on top of the mound of buttercream looks so stylish and fancy. I couldn’t agree with you more – the older I get, the fast time seems to pass. I think you’re completely spot on – there’s so much more i want to accomplish each and every day (and more I keep putting on my platter…new house…baby…work…sheesh) – it’s helpful to remember to slow down do exactly what you can do and not feel one ounce of guilt about it. Hope you had a wonderful celebration!

    Reply

  3. Amisha says

    May 26, 2016 at 10:14 pm

    Happy Birthday my fellow Taurus! :) I simply love these cupcakes! I love chocolate A LOT, and these are perfect! I love how you have written about slowing down and writing as to what you want from life. I feel the same way right now, and have been thinking a lot about my next steps and somehow there is no light right not at the end of the tunnel! So I will keep going, till somene rings a bell in my ear! ;)

    I love baking cakes from scratch as you know! I grew up with my mom baking cakes for all our birthdays, every single year, and she would sometime bake 2 cakes, for all my invited friends! Those were the best birthdays! She was famous for her cakes! I wish I could bake cakes often ;)

    Reply

  6. Meghan | Fox and Briar says

    May 24, 2016 at 9:17 pm

    First of all – Happy Birthday! I know just what you mean about time going by in a blink. It just keeps going faster. I love that you are staying present and living intentionally. Something I am working on too! These cupcakes are just so beautiful, and are everything I think a cupcake should be! The perfect thing for your birthday! Pinning!

    Reply

    • Traci says

      May 25, 2016 at 11:40 am

      Thank you so much Meghan and for your pin! Attempting to be present and living intentionally is not easy for me. It’s a practice I’m attempting to get better at, ya know? :D

      Reply

  7. Rachel @ Bakerita says

    May 24, 2016 at 5:58 pm

    I hope your birthday was as wonderful as you are, Traci! This was such a thoughtful and beautifully written post, and of course these cupcakes are gorgeous. I also love the beautiful sprinkles you chose to adorn them with. The vanilla bean buttercream sounds so sensational!

    Reply

  8. nicole (thespicetrain.com) says

    May 24, 2016 at 1:38 pm

    Happy Birthday, Traci!! The cupcakes look wonderful and absolutely perfect for the occasion. I’m going to join you in the 45 club later this year. And I know what you mean, I used to struggle terribly with the feeling that I wasn’t accomplishing enough but I slowly started to let that go because I realize how useless it is.Wishing you many more beautiful birthdays to come! :)

    Reply

  9. Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says

    May 24, 2016 at 10:49 am

    Happy Birthday, Traci! I am with you, time just keeps flying by faster and faster with each year. I need to remind myself to slow down and enjoy it, I am so guilty of rushing through and being ‘busy’ all the time. Lovely looking cupcakes, and absolutely STUNNING photos!

    Reply

  10. Alexandra | Occasionally Eggs says

    May 24, 2016 at 9:17 am

    I hope you had a wonderful birthday, Traci! I always think of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn with how time passes more quickly as we get older, because I read it first when I was so young and didn’t understand how time really can fly. You are doing wonderful things, though, and using that time so well! These cupcakes are beautiful (and so are your nails)!

    P.S. I made a version of your lemon and raspberry dutch baby this morning and it was excellent!

    Reply

    • Traci says

      May 24, 2016 at 10:45 am

      Thank you Alexandra! It was very nice. We’re taught this as children, but the message is coming from that of the adult mind. How could we understand?! I heard it too, when all I wanted was for time to speed up so I could become an adult! Ha! Hooray for the Dutch Baby! So happy you liked it. I love your sub of spelt.. I gotta give it a go. I did make another one with cashew milk and it worked very well! I need to update the recipe. (thank you for reminding me!) :D

      Reply

  13. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

    May 23, 2016 at 12:35 pm

    Happy belated Birthday, dear friend!! Okay, I have to say, you don’t look a day over 25. Are you SURE you got your birth year right?! ;) I completely agree with your statement – “the older we get, the faster passage of time feels”. I have no clue how this is, because it seems the older I get, the less energy I have… since I’m not running around like a crazy person, should time feel slower?? Reducing the bullet points on my life’s to-do list is a great idea, and one I should follow! Anyways, LOVE these cupcakes!! Everything you make is just beautiful, Traci, and these are no exception! I wish I could eat chocolate because I would polish a dozen of these beauties off in no time. But, my allergy won’t prevent me from making these for my handsome husband! I know he is going to love these! Double chocolate, devil’s food AND vanilla bean buttercream? Wowza! Pinned! Cheers, lovely! And happy belated birthday, again! xo

    Reply

    • Traci says

      May 24, 2016 at 10:28 am

      Thaaank you, Chey! My blog pic is almost two years old, but thaaank you for your sweet complement! That means I’m 27 :0 !! Less energy too.. girl, I’m feeling it!! It’s true! I agree that time SHOULD feel slower, but I guess it doesn’t work like that : ( . I’m sorry about the chocolate thing, so for you, I’d make you vanilla cuppies. I hope your hubs love these my dear! THank you for your pin and birthday wishes! xo

      Reply

  14. Liz @ Floating Kitchen says

    May 23, 2016 at 4:46 am

    Happy (belated) birthday, Traci! Woo hoo! These cupcakes are just a fabulous way to celebrate. And yes, too much thinking and a to=do list that is too long pretty much perfectly sums up my life thus far. We definitely need to stop and smell the roses, so to speak. Or maybe stop to smell the baking cupcakes. Hope you had a fabulous weekend! XOXO!

    Reply

    • Traci says

      May 24, 2016 at 10:24 am

      WooHooo!! Thank you, Liz! I’m happy to high-five you in the too much thinking department. :D Let’s stop and smell the baking cuppies! I like that approach! xo

      Reply

  15. Emily says

    May 22, 2016 at 7:02 pm

    Aw yay! Happy Birthday, dear Traci! I loved this post. I share so many of the same sentiments about getting older, dreaming, following passions, and SLOWING DOWN. Such lovely, fun, and festive little cakes here and I adore those sprinkles. At 45, you are still so much fun!

    Reply

  16. Kelly @ Inspired Edibles says

    May 22, 2016 at 4:54 pm

    Oh, Happy Birthday Gorgeous! Wish we could be clinking glasses together in the sunshine enjoying some ruckus laughter and a couple of these delicious double chocolate cupcakes of yours! I swear I can taste them from here (that buttercream frosting…). Do I feel the exponential passage of time? My boys had the nerve to morph into men without my consent and I’m pretty sure I just gave birth to them yesterday :0. Leading a well and fulfilled life at 45 is certainly something to celebrate ~ cheers to the years lady, may your blessings continue to be many, x.

    Reply

    • Traci says

      May 24, 2016 at 10:16 am

      Yaya!! Thank you my sweet friend! I’m virtually clinking, Kelly! Can you hear me?! No doubt your boys have grown before your very eyes.. I LOL about ‘just gave birth to them yesterday.’ Oh Kelly, I’m happy to celebrate life and aging with you! xo

      Reply

  18. Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says

    May 21, 2016 at 5:58 pm

    Happy belated birthday, Traci! You are 100% right, age is just a number. It’s all about how you feel and it sounds like you’re doing great. :)

    Also, I completely agree with what you said about time passing too quickly. The busier I am the more I notice this and it reminds me that I need to slow down. It’s just so hard to do when you’re working to grow something. But I suppose it’s better to grow at a slower rate and still enjoy life than it is to let it pass you by. Thank you for the wisdom and for these beautiful cupcakes! I wish I had one right now. They look like the perfect way to celebrate!

    Reply

    • Traci says

      May 24, 2016 at 10:13 am

      Thank you Sarah! It IS hard to slow down when working to grow something.. I get it. I have to remind myself every day and some days I’m better at it than others. I try not to be too hard on myself.. that’s seems to be too easy to do. :D

      Reply

  19. Lisa says

    May 21, 2016 at 10:02 am

    Traci, happy belated birthday!! Time does pass by so quickly! It’s funny because just earlier this week, I was thinking about where I was in life in 2010. I had just come back from China, ready to start 3 of my most challenging years in life: law school. In a very unexpected way, I decided to pursue a career in food over the last few years. I completely understand how you feel about switching courses in life, and I’m glad that our paths crossed through our blogs. Cheers to many more years of food, sprinkles, and delicious chocolate cupcakes!

    P.S. I think it’s adorable that your mother commented on this post!

    Reply

    • Traci says

      May 24, 2016 at 10:01 am

      Life is SO like that, though, Lisa. I mean, who would have thought!? But, everything you’ve done up until this point has prepared you for this point in your life. So happy our paths have crossed too, Lisa! You’re an inspiration my dear! xo

      PS – yeah, I know, right? I think this is the second time, hehe!

      Reply

    • Traci says

      May 24, 2016 at 9:59 am

      Hooray Allyson! So happy to hear it’s important to others too. I find American sweets too sweet most of the time so I seek out those bakeries and adapted recipes that tone it down a bit. :D

      Reply

  21. Lynne Carpenter says

    May 20, 2016 at 10:18 am

    Five years ago the profession lost an amazing teacher. The world gained more attention from a giving soul unfettered by the frustrations of modern public education. Happy Birthday; I’m looking forward to our walk and lunch party.

    I would likely give up an internal organ for one of those cupcakes. Can we bake sometime, please?

    Love ya,
    Lynne

    Reply

  22. Laura says

    May 20, 2016 at 7:04 am

    Absolutely beautiful post! I couldn’t agree more with your sentiments! I feel the passing of time even more as I watch my sweet babies grow up…way too fast!

    Reply

    • Traci says

      May 20, 2016 at 8:04 am

      Thank you Laura! No doubt, seeing kiddos grow up really puts the march of time front and center. May the days be long and the clock slow. :D

      Reply

  24. [email protected] says

    May 19, 2016 at 6:50 pm

    Happy Birthday, dear friend! You have captured, beautifully, the feelings associated with the passage of time… I love that you’re living with eyes and heart wide open! And I love these cupcakes! They’re as festive as your day deserves! Cheers! xoxo

    Reply

  25. Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen says

    May 19, 2016 at 4:44 pm

    Happy birthday Traci! Your post really resonated with me because I’ve been thinking a lot about how I spend my time lately. Sometimes I feel like I’m not making the most of it, you know? And with time flying by so quickly lately (how am I turning 27 next week?!) I would hate to realize I’m wasting it! It’s something I need to do some thinking on for sure.

    Reply

    • Traci says

      May 20, 2016 at 7:57 am

      Thank you Chelsea.. this makes me happy :D ! I *do know. It’s so hard to figure out what making the most of it looks for us. We each have to decide for ourselves. It’s especially tough for highly motivated people. Happy birthday to you Sunshine! Don’t stress about it too much.. but just be sure to take time for YOU!! Something we could all use in this day. Cross some of those “should be doing” things and take care of and nurture yourself. This is what I’d tell my younger self. :D xo

      Reply

  26. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

    May 19, 2016 at 3:59 pm

    Well Happy Birthday Traci! 45? I’ve got you beat my friend! Never thought I’d lie about my age, but I’m seriously contemplating it! Ha! I keep telling myself, “you’re only as old as you feel!!” These cupcakes are stunning as usual Traci! Pinning these for a summer party! And that comment from Mom! How wonderful!

    Reply

  27. Sarah | Well and Full says

    May 19, 2016 at 2:16 pm

    The biggest of hugs on your birthday, Traci!! I loved reading this post because it was full of so much wisdom and insight – I still don’t feel like I’ve figured out what doing “enough” is for me, yet. I hope it will come with the passage of time, as it has for you.

    Reply

    • Traci says

      May 20, 2016 at 7:37 am

      Thaaank you Sarah!! It’s a tough boundary to set, and ‘enough’ varies from week to week, maybe even year to year. I think as we age, the boundary shifts was well. But still. I know you are a high achiever, Sarah. Finding balance is hard. Something I’m always striving for but don’t think I’ve ever really experienced. Ya know? xo

      Reply

  28. Medha says

    May 19, 2016 at 12:23 pm

    Happy Birthday! This cake is gorgeous. My mom had the realization that she’ll be 50 in two years recently, too, and she was stunned. But I think my mother is so young at heart and honestly, to me, she hasn’t aged at all (but that’s probably because she’ll always just be my mom ;) ) Time definitely does pass faster as you get older!

    Reply

    • Traci says

      May 20, 2016 at 7:28 am

      Thank you Medha! Yeah, and it’s strange how that happens! When I reminded Rob his age just last month, he covered his mouth with his hand! He was like – OMGee – how did that happen!? LOL Thank you for sharing about your mom.. so sweet. xo

      Reply

  29. Mom says

    May 19, 2016 at 12:07 pm

    Your blog, your photography, and especially you are magical. I love reading about your journey as much as I’ve loved being a part of it. A hand painted sign should read, “Eat the sprinkles” in your honor.

    Reply

  30. Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says

    May 19, 2016 at 8:38 am

    Happy birthday, Traci! This was a very thoughtful post and I feel many of the same thoughts – the passage of time is so swift and we really do need to “slow down, breath and look up”. I love that you are pursuing passions and spending time with loved ones – these are key things to bring joy, light and stability into our lives. Now for these perfect cupcakes – so delicious. And your photos are beyond gorgeous – I just love the sprinkle shot! Wishing you all the best, Traci! XO

    Reply

  33. Aysegul says

    May 19, 2016 at 4:54 am

    Happy birthday Traci!
    I used to be afraid of getting older. Not anymore.. Because as I am getting older I am realizing that I am also getting wiser and more confident. Confidence in yourself is an amazing thing. Something that you just don’t have when you are young. Knowing myself and my boundaries in life came with age and I wouldn’t trade it in for anything.
    You words about 45 are magical. I still have 7 years to get there, but I love the look and sound of where you are in life right now.
    From the bottom of my heart, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Many more years to come with health and success. And oh also with good food. Just like these incredibly beautiful cupcakes. <3

    Reply

    • Traci says

      May 20, 2016 at 5:12 am

      Your words resonate with me, Aysegul. Confident and wiser. It feels good, right?! But you will blink and you’ll be here! hehe! Thank you for your sweet words and birthday wishes! xo

      Reply

  35. Liz says

    May 19, 2016 at 3:16 am

    Traci, I can’t get over these photos! The sprinkles falling, the candle smoke, the frosting— you’ve really outdone yourself!! STUNNING! I can definitely relate with the passage of time. I have a birthday coming up in a few short weeks and it also happens to mark 5 years since I’ve graduated from college. 5 YEARS! It certainly does not feel like it’s been 5 years!

    Thanks for the beautiful recipe and post, as always !

    Reply

    • Traci says

      May 20, 2016 at 5:09 am

      Oh my.. I hear you! Five years was a blink, right? How is it that when we’re kids, we want each year to hurry up so we can grow up. But then when we become adults, we want it all to slow.. ?? Thaaaank you Liz! xo

      Reply

© Vanilla And Bean – 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of any content or images without express and written permission from this blog’s owner is prohibited. Licensing inquiries for publication, general distribution, and/or commercial use, please contact me on my contact page.

Whidbey Island Grown

Affiliate Links Disclosure

Vanilla And Bean is monetized in part through the use of affiliate links. This means that if you were to click on a link and/or purchase an item after clicking on a link, Vanilla And Bean may receive a percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use through my affiliate links. Thank you for your support!