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Gourmet Cupcake Recipes: Dare to Bake Cookbook Review

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Do you love cupcakes? Baking? I really enjoy baking and making cupcakes. I tend to make easy cupcake recipes but, was challenged recently to try a more detailed recipe. Not just a cupcake you mix up and bake. This one had a filling and yummy icing. I got the recipe from a cookbook I tried Dare to Bake by Ady Abrev. Who was a winner on Food Networks’s Cupcake Wars.

On the cover of the book it says cupcake recipes to awaken your sweet tooth. And that is just what this recipe did! Only I have to say everything was going great with the recipe until the cupcakes didn’t rise up all rounded and pretty like hers did in the book. But, I tried to split the recipe as I didn’t need 24 cupcakes. Maybe I shouldn’t of split the baking soda and baking powder? But, I have to say this cupcake was the yummiest Chocolate Banana Cupcake! If you love bananas oh, my! Let me share a few thoughts about the cookbook: overview, it’s cupcake recipes, along with final thoughts.

Gourmet Cupcake Recipes |Dare to Bake Cookbook Cover

Gourmet Cupcake Recipes: Dare to Bake Cookbook Review

Maybe I should of read her 10 commandments of baking section #6 Follow the instructions. I knew it might mess things up to try to split the recipe but, there is only three of us at home and 24 cupcakes didn’t make sense for me at this time.

24 cupcakes for a party yes, yes, yes! The recipes include a few basics but, then have yummy recipes such as Pistachio and Cardamom Cupcakes with a dates and honey filling and orange cream cheese icing.

There are plenty of recipes to pick from for various seasons. Pear and Cranberry Cupcakes with goat cheese and honey icing, Chocolate Stout Beer Cupcakes with a salted caramel filling  and stout beer icing, Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes with coffee icing, Peach Bellini Cupcakes and a few muffin type of recipes such as Corn and Jalapeno Cupcakes. 

Gourmet Cupcake Recipes | Cookbook Review

As I flip through the book all of the recipes are for 24 Cupcakes. These are not your typical flavor combinations but, really nice combinations to catch your eye and entice your taste buds. I definitely feel like if you are going to have a party or are entertaining and you have a good grasp of baking skills you can follow the directions of this book successfully! Any cupcake lover would probably enjoy the cupcake cookbooks recipes in Dare to Bake. 

As a best practice I would highly recommend trying the recipe prior to making them for a party or entertaining. The flavors look amazing and there are many I want to try and I’m sure you’d love. Next time I won’t split the recipe! And I promise to share.

Gourmet Cupcake Recipes | Cupcake Making

I don’t often share my fails but, lets be real here today. Things don’t always go the way we want them to. Do they? But, they were oh, so yummy! The image below shows how they should of turned out!

Gourmet Cupcake Recipes: Dare to Bake Cookbook Review 

Here’s a quick overview of Dare To Bake;

  • Acknowledgement Introduction 2 pages
  • Part 1 Daring Creations
  • Part 2 Crowd Favorites
  • Part 3 Vegetable/Savory
  • Part 4 Cocktail Inspired
  • Index

Gourmet Cupcake Recipes Dare To Bake Banana Chocolate Cupcakes

Gourmet Cupcake Recipes: Dare to Bake Cookbook Review 

Final Thoughts

There are two pages with The Basic Techniques and Tools and also one page with 10 Baking Commandments. Although small, the recommendations and tips are helpful. I think this cookbook will be great for avid bakers who’d love creating some yummy gourmet cupcakes!

For many of the recipes this isn’t a beginner recipe cookbook but, if you have basic baking skills could probably follow along and be successful with being careful when trying the recipes out. There are several recipes that do not include fillings or complicated steps.

I didn’t toss my not so perfect looking cupcakes. I fed the yummy but, not so pretty cupcakes to my family who enjoyed them. The Chocolate Banana Cupcakes with caramelized banana filling and a caramelized banana icing were decadent, divine and oh, so sweet!! Reminder just don’t split the recipe, like I did!!

I can’t wait to try a few more recipes and I’ll be sure to update you by including an updated link to the post. I saw a summery Tomatoes and Basil Cupcake I’d love to try. I’ll just have to freeze a few or go share with the neighbors but, I don’t think they’ll mind do you?

  • I did receive a complimentary copy to share my 100% honest review of the book
  • You’ll find Dare to Bake in bookstores, along with being available on Amazon and with options for Prime for preview, more reviews or purchase 
  • Hardcover only and used copies available on Amazon but, be sure to check used pricing vs new to get the best price!

Are you a gourmet cupcake lover? Do you love trying gourmet cupcake recipes? 

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2 Comments

    1. Oh you would Stacie, The cupcakes were yummy and would be perfect for any sweet tooth lover. Of course there is a nice mix with a section of savory recipes too.

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