Alright, so I admit, I know a lot of you are a wee bit older than I am, so you might think I do not have the right to be nostalgic yet! And I do totally understand where you are coming from!
I mean, just the other day, I heard some random, overdressed twelvies in the city, complaining about how they wish their weekends weren’t so busy, full of netball, then dance class and then GOD FORBID, yet another party. Where is the time to do your maths timetables homework? 😛
Geez. Don’t you remember how much easier it was when you were four and were still peeing your pants on the occasion? Aaaah.. twelvies nostalgia…
But anyways, regardless of whether you think I have the right to be nostalgic about my life or not, I am. I can’t help it.
I am a sentimental, overstuffed bear with the soft fluffy stuff literally bursting at the seams! I have a memory box. I have all my diaries from when I was only 6. I have photographs scattered around my room.
Gosh, if I be completely frank with you guys, I still have my Bratz dolls collection, complete with their limousine and motorbike stored away somewhere! Somewhat embarrassing 😛
Wow… oh my gosh… I just realised now I sound like a twelvie… awkward.
Moving on… :P, so I was going through some old diaries, and I found an entry from a sweet little 10 year old me.
Shall I describe my diary at this point? Well, it was a shockingly hot pink hello kitty creation, garnished with a halo of extra fluffy pink… stuff. A sequinned border on the front around a slot in which you could put little hello kitty cards you coloured in yourself (ooooh)
Best of all? It came with one of those crayon pencil things in which, if you kept pulling at the top till your finger bled, it eventually came out, pushed down from underneath the pencil, and a new colour would appear on top! Exciting right? Well, this meant that I wrote each sentence in a different colour.
I must have had fingertips of absolute steel. Iron Man, come at me bro? I will throw you back with my fingertip!
Ahem.. yes, backtracking from my tangent, in this diary, I was reading through my fabulous lil nonsense, when I came across this post.
Post #1:
Dear Diary,
Papa took me to the Stardust circous today. It was really fun. He won me a necklace, and I actually could eat it! When we went into the massive tent, it was glowing with colour! It was really cool, almost like Paris in the magazine. Before we went in though, papa and I got some food. I got fairy floss, it was super cloud like. Papa got a drink, it was lemonlimebitters. I thought it had alcohol in it, but it didn’t. So I tried it. It was gross….
I won’t bore you with the rest of the entry describe my height causing problems with me riding a shetland pony. No one needs to hear that :PBut here are some p
oints from this:
- I was a very sombre little girl if I called my daddy ‘papa’ before
- Every shiny city in the dark with lights was Paris to me, even if I saw a space needle instead of the Eiffel Tower
- I can’t believe I didn’t like lemon lime bitters (nor couldn’t spell that or ‘circus’)
I would like to remedy this something though. Lemon Lime Bitter is beyond fantastic. It is actually one of the most delicious drinks ever. And my little self should have known better!
Bitters. Cool. But OH. MY. GOSH. Whoever though lemon and lime together would kick lemon right out the window?!
But since I did not know better, I decided that a few years too late, I wanted to honour the drink. Honour the flavour and honour my nostalgia for all things cute, adorable and childish (yet I still enjoy now :P)
What could possibly come out of that?
How about dense, crumby cupcakes with a flair for the dramatic? Buttery, soft and addictive cupcakes with a hint of zing because the secret ingredient in them was lemon lime flavour?
How about adding some cutesy, bubblegum happiness to the zing from the LLB?
Not too shabby right? 😀
In making these cupcakes extra lime-like, I decided to throw in a nice large cupful of lime flavoured jellybeans. These mini candy green jellybeans are from the Splash Candy range available online at Biglolly!
Their lime flavour was extremely strong, and its vibrant flavour became quite addictive fast!
Along with the lime though, nothing screamed out childhood like jaw-breaking gumballs! Swirling patterns of reds, greens and blues waiting in that gumball machine, I can almost hear the ball rolling down the silver ramp as I type!
I knew no kid that could resist bubblegum, hubba bubba gum, gumballs – I don’t understand that fascination/obsession but my jaw is thankful daily that I got over it 😛
Except for when I tried Splash Candy‘s big white candy gumballs! I may have been a little gum happy, because these gumballs while hard shelled, were easily chewable in the mouth, and their hard shell melted into a flavour similar to juicy fruit gum!
A little more artificial in taste than the mini jellybeans no doubt, but no less tasty!
So basically, if I put this entire post into summary.
- I felt nostalgic
- I read my diary
- I was horrified by my past sins
- I made amends by creating cupcakes
Enjoy the fruits of my redemption 😉
Lemon Lime Bubblegum Cupcakes
Ingredients:
Cupcakes:
Adapted from http://girlinthelittleredkitchen.com/2013/06/strawberry-lemonade-cupcakes-sundaysupper/
- 3 cups plain flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 180g butter, unsalted, room temperature
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups caster sugar
- 1 tbs lime zest
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup full cream milk
- 3/4 cup Solo Lemon Lime
- 1 cup Mini Green Candy Jellybeans
- 1 package White Candy Gumballs
- 340g icing mixture
- 130g salter butter, softened
- 40g marshmallow creme
- 2 tsp bubblegum extract (I found none)
- 2-3 tbs full cream milk
- Green food colouring
Frosting
Adapted from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_2541664385&feature=iv&src_vid=vP9rnWMYYUU&v=dPV815p1eAE
- 340g icing mixture
- 170g butter (salted) – 130g, 40g marshmallow crème
- 2 tsp bubblegum extract (if you can find it) – I used vanilla and a hint of strawberry instead
- 2 tbs full cream milk
- Few drops green colouring (light green frosting)’
Method:
- Heat your oven to 180 degrees and line two muffin tins with cupcake liners
- In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
- In the bowl of your stand mixer or using a hand mixer cream the butter and sugar until light and airy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until combined.
- Alternating with the flour and milk, starting with the flour, making sure not to over mix the batter.
- Mix through the jellybeans
- Pour in the lemon lime bitters and beat until completely combined with the batter.
- Scoop the batter into the prepared tins and bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating halfway through or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before frosting
- Pipe the desired frosting on to the cooled cupcakes.
- Decorate with gumballs and little straws.
Disclaimer: Go Bake Yourself was given samples of these lollies courtesy of Savage PR. but all thoughts and opinions are her own.
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These cupcakes are gorgeous!! Too pretty to eat.
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These cupcakes look amazing!! Gorgeous colors!
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gorgeous cupcakes. i love the colours.
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G’day! Great cupcakes and I always think it is fun to be nostalgic reliving much simpler times too!
Cheers! Joanne
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Nancy @ gottagetbaked: I can totally relate to this post, Uru. I’m the most sentimental, nostalgic, reminiscing person ever. I’ve kept all my diaries, every single card anyone has ever given me, even notes from my high school days. When am I EVER going to read those?! I love that you took inspiration for these beautiful cupcakes from your old journal entry. These look fantastic. Btw I totally remember those pencils where you had to change the little nub to a different colour. I poked my fingers so many times with those!
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A very nostalgic post and fun! Thanks for sharing a little bit of your younger self. 🙂 The cupcake are SO CUTE!!!!
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Cupcakes + candies… quite a very good choice ! I have just discovered your blog and all you recipes…and I liked it ! And now I just want to try straight this recipe 🙂
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Thanks so much Melina 😀
Welcome to my crazy life blog!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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this is lovely 🙂 Great stories, too. Enjoying your perspective.
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Such a fun post Uru…the cupcakes are so cute…I love everything about it…the color and the flavor…fun with the jelly beans!
Have a great weekend 😀
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I have tried non of them but I can certainly imagine how good these flavors must have been together.
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This post remnd me that what let from my childhood is my memories…
nothing action figures or cars left since i destroy em in two seconds, lol
my childhood is also far away from sweet tooth since sugar made me act like a crazy…
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These are so pretty Uru. I’ve had cupcakes with Jelly Beans sitting on top of the icing but I haven’t had cupcakes with jelly beans in the cake mix! I wasn’t sure what was on top of them but now I know it’s a gum ball. Gorgeous xx
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I love that you wrote that well when you were only 10! My diary at that age was a total embarrassment. It is LONG gone! And your cupcakes look fantastic!
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The embarrassment is what makes me happy 😉
Thank you!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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I think we’re all nostalgic throughout our lives. The nostalgia just changes as we age! I found my childhood diary a while back and it was quite comical to read.
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Uru, you are too kind re: “a wee bit older.” 😉 I think it’s marvelous that you’ve kept your diaries — your 10-year-old musings were a delight — and, no surprise that you were already reporting on food and flavors at that tender age. xo! Fun post and the cutest cupcakes!
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To me, being nostalgic is timeless! Appreciating everything in the past is what we are today… I’m a nostalgic person and loves your happy days looking cupcakes.
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Love your post Uru! Your sweet diary with cupcakes are heavenly 🙂
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I just cannot even…. WHAT!!! Bubblegum cupcakes – lol. Can you blow a bubble with these cupcakes? ;P
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Wouldn’t that actually be the best? 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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haha love what you wrote !!
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Uru, you never fail to make me smile…you think you’re bad? Ha! I’ve got it all over you.
Out of nowhere last week I received an AG catalog in the mail and was practically on the brink of tears reminiscing about the days I would have tea parties with my collection. I admit, openly, that I still take them out from time to time. I take great pride in the fact that I have kept them all in mint condition…something that probably creeps a lot of people out. *sigh* I miss those days…a part of me wishes I could go back to those days… Ok, I’m done creeping you out now too. Haha. (at this point you’re probably thinking TMI. I agree, so moving along..)
These cupcakes look perfect. I’ve never actually had lemon lime bitters before, but I love sour treats.
Wishing you a lovely day~
xo,
Tammy
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I cry all the time Tammy, you and I are the same – the smallest thing sets me off 😛 (like Titanic music!)
You would love Lemon Lime Bitters my friend, let me know 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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LOL, I love your summary of the post! And how fun do these cupcakes look?! YUM!
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Lovely cupcakes Uru! I love the addition of the jelly beans in the batter!
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Very cute idea!
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What a great colour icing! Love the sound of these, so indulgent.
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A “wee bit older”? Thanks for rubbing it in. 😛
I’ll forgive you if you send me cupcakes….
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This is the best CCU… I am digging out my childhood diaries this weekend. And Gumballs, oh the memories. 🙂
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I loved this post, Uru. I wish I still had one of the diaries I kept in my youth. I wonder what happened to them all. But I love cupcakes and you are so clever with your flavor additions. I know my granddaughters would be mad for the bubblegum. I get very inspired just looking at your delicious photos! 🙂
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I’ve always been sentimental and nostalgic too lol! Love these fun and sweet cupcakes!
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I loved this post, you made me smile. You also made me want to eat cupcakes and jelly beans. Almost to the point that I’m thinking I need to make a store run right now….
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Redemption is yours, Uru! Just look at these delightful cupcakes oozing with sweet goodness!
Cute story too. I don’t think there is a certain age to be nostalgic. We all remember moments of our past with fondness. I still have some of my “old” things too and now that you mention it, I may need to redeem myself for not tasting that Egg Cream the very first time it was offered, lol…Thanks for sharing, Uru…
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Delicious lemon lime bubble gum cupcakes, you made it really beautifully.
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So cute, love taking a trip down memory lane, it doesn’t matter how old or young you are anyone can be nostalgic. I love the excerpt from your diary and of course your candy cupcakes are wonderful.
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i didnt write diary per say but i can relate to your thoughts…life was definitely easier back then..oh the glory of being an adult.
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If Justin Bieber can write an autobiography, you have a perfect right to be nostalgic. 🙂
I’m really enjoying all the unique ingredients you add to your baking. Not that they’re available in Ontario, Canada, I don’t think. In any case, I try to restrain myself from baking too much as I’m cooking for one person (with an ever expanding waistline) but I can enjoy your baking vicariously.
PS: Wanna come over and have some Cherry Cheese Danish?
If Justin Bieber can write an autobiography, you have a perfect right to be nostalgic. 🙂
I’m really enjoying all the unique ingredients you add to your baking. Not that they’re available in Ontario, Canada, I don’t think. In any case, I try to restrain myself from baking too much as I’m cooking for one person (with an ever expanding waistline) but I can enjoy your baking vicariously.
PS: Wanna come over and have some Cherry Cheese Danish?
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Haha I will be right there – just after I finish reading such a wise biography *jokes* 😛
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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My goodness, these cupcakes are so much fun! I would have never thought to turn jelly beans into frosting, but I adore the idea. My dad is especially fond of candies, more so than plain cakes or cookies, so perhaps he would enjoy my baked goods more if I can incorporate the two. As soon as I get home, I’ve gotta try!
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Oh my goodness these are so fun!!! You are never too young to be nostalgic 🙂
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What a great post, sounds like you took a walk down memory lane and came up with these beauties!
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Looks amazing! Yum!
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Fun post! And making amends for past sins by baking cupcakes is always a good policy. 😉
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Not sure if I will agree with that is past sin but for me, its past mistakes. How I wish I also had more time to sleep and do nothing.
The cakes; such a beauty and simply nice in taste and appearance.
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What beautiful cupcakes these are! I’ll bet the lime flavor gets an extra boost from the jellybeans. Love that big gum ball on top! 🙂
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What sweet memories! These cupcakes look gorgeous!
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I think these cupcakes have totally absolved any past sins (what are you talking about ???) and your trek down memory lane. I love your nostalgic soul! (You crack me up!)
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You’re allowed to be nostalgic at any age. And be proud of your Hello Kitty diary. I have a fuzzy pink cupcake journal. That I bought when I was 21. Because I’m an adult. 😛
Candy and cupcakes are a match made in heaven. These are so cute. Even cuter than little Uru who doesn’t know any better. 😀
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Haha the best kind of adult ever my friend 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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I’m a wee bit older (lol) but I see no reason at all why your age would prevent you from being nostalgic at any age. I loved the diary entry.
Lemon lime and bubblegum? The twelvies would think you’re the queen!
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You are so funny. Your post put a big bright smile on my face, I am starting the day happy and care free. Thanks.
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I love lemon lime and bitters! And twelvies is a new term for me! 😛
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Use it in good health 😛
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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Nothing like a techno coloured sugar rush to get your pulse going! Love the play on those lemon-lime flavours too Uru 🙂
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I’m with you, I get nostalgic all the bloomin time! And I’m only in my early 20s! 🙂 I think it’s fun to look back and feel that way, as long as you don’t take the awesomeness of your life now for granted. 🙂 These cakes are awesome, so fun!
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What a lovely post CCU and cupcakes are always my favourite.
Have a lovely day.
🙂 Mandy xo
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