Have you heard the exciting news? We have a new Fashion & a Cupcake loving staff member on the team. Her name is Victoria and she will be dedicated to bringing you cupcake decorating ideas, recipes, cupcake shop interviews and more. We thought to celebrate her arrival we would do a little interview on our new social media cupcake lady so you could get to know her a bit more.

1. What was your first childhood memory involving cupcakes? My Mother always threw me big Birthday Parties and always baked a cake.  I was born in late October, so it was ALWAYS a Pumpkin. It was yummy and everyone loved it, but I got pretty tired of having Pumpkin over and over again.  Then one yr she surprised me with cupcakes covered in roses. I don’t think I’ll ever forget how special I felt. I think that started my love for baking.
2. What is your top 3 favorite cupcake flavors? My Favorite has always been Coconut, next Lemon then of course CHOCOLATE!
3. What is your favorite event organizing tip?   Hire someone for all the little details. Then go bake!
   
4. What’s your favorite baking tip?If you don’t feel passionate while baking, you’re not making the right thing! I follow my heart.
5. Is there an innovation you’d like to see made to the cupcake that would improve it for you? One of the biggest innovations to me is  gluten free baking. It’s made a world of difference for large group of people dealing with gluten-intolerance AND they can taste amazing.
6. What’s the most memorable cupcake event you’ve gone to? My first cupcake event and the one that will ALWAYS stand out for me for a number of reasons was Cupcake Camp Seattle. Loved it!
7. Just for fun; what is your favorite Bella Cupcake Couture cupcake wrapper design? While I love them ALL, I find Hannah adorable! 
8. Anything else you’d like to add? Only that I’m so excited to be here and look forward to spreading the love about everything Fashion & a cupcake! There are just too many cupcakes that need a little fashion! 

Welcome again Victoria! So happy to have you on the team.

To join the fun with us on our Social Media sites | Click ONE or ALL the links below.
Website
Facebook Page
Twitter
Pinterest

Interested in being featured?
We love sharing other businesses who make and adore cupcakes like we do. If you’re a cupcake shop, event planner, etc, just email us by clicking HERE and say “I’d like to be featured” and we will respond with details.

We’re honored to share today’s Interview with a Cupcake Shop owner of Elé Cake Company. We’ve worked with the ladies of this adorable shop for a couple years now and they are always so wonderful to work with. We’ve included the Q & A below as well as some photos from Elé Cake Company. We hope you enjoy today’s featured interview. Enjoy!

1. Tell us a little bit about your bakery and how you got your start? Elé Cake Co. has been in business for 16 years now.  My business partner and I started with a home based business in 1997 and opened our first storefront in 2000.  We now have two retail storefronts as well as an online company selling cakes and brownies that ship nationwide.  I had always wanted to learn to decorate cakes from my grandma and after she passed away I decided to take a cake decorating class at a cake supply store where we live.  A few months after taking that class I got my first job as a cake decorator at a small local grocery store.  I was only 14!

 2. What was your first childhood memory involving cupcakes? I remember making and decorating cupcakes with my grandma for school functions.  Back then the cupcakes weren’t super special but I always had fun!

 3. What is your top 3 best selling cupcakes? Buckeye Bliss, White Chocolate Raspberry, and Red Velvet

4. What is your favorite cupcake flavor? My favorite cupcake flavor is usually whatever is new at the moment!  You kind of get used to the same old flavors all of the time so when we create a new flavor I find myself eating it more than I should!

 5. Is there an innovation you’d like to see made to the cupcake that would improve it for you? Hmmm…that’s a really good question.  I can’t say there’s anything that really pops out for me here.

Ele Cake Company uses our Paper Straws to decorate their Cake Pops.

 6. What’s the most memorable cupcake event you’ve done? It was a very small event but earlier this year I made a cupcake tower for a friend’s baby shower.  They had a Harley Davidson theme and the shower was even being held at Quaker Steak and Lube.  Each cupcake had super cute cupcake toppers.  I used things like a baby face with a bandana, the Harley bar & shield, and baby biker boots.  I had so much fun making those cupcakes and they were of course placed in Bella Cupcake Wrappers!

 7. Just for fun; what is your favorite Bella Cupcake Couture cupcake wrapper design? I love all of the damask wrappers.  Very classic, pretty, and useful for almost any occasion.

A Favorite Cupcake Wrapper by so many.. our Lu Lu Black & White Damask Cupcake Wrap!

Valentines Day is FAST approaching! Our thoughts turn to giving gifts of Love & Cupcakes! What better way to say “I adore you” with a little bling & a cupcake decorated in Valentines Day Cupcake Wrappers for this lovers holiday! 

Diamonds, Pearls & Cupcakes ARE a Girls Best Friends!
Photo credit: Whipped Cupcakes

Let’s face it, we all LOVE things that go Bling and if my special Valentines pressie is in a little blue box, wrapped neatly with a Satin ribbon…even better. However my heart also sings for Chocolate Cupcakes. A small perfectly sized cake that is all mine. One I do not  have to share with anyone. Secondly I can hold this little treat in my hand for a moment and think to myself “I’m very happy right now!”

When it’s wrapped fashionably in Bella Cupcake Couture Valentines Day Cupcake Wrappers….. all the better. So this year, I’m going to give my Special Someone a few hints that will ensure my Valentine’s Day happiness. Including a link or two that will say “Chocolate – YES” , Strawberries –YES, & “Cupcake – DOUBLE YES”!

Right now you can get 25% OFF all Valentines Day Cupcake Wrappers and Party Supplies. Just enter the code “HEART25″ at check out. Expires 2/14/13. Note: Not valid for cupcake stands.

You know what else I love…Champagne. So here is a Champagne Cupcake & Frosting Recipe to make for this Valentines Day. For more Valentines Day Cupcake Ideas visit our Pinterest Page Here.

Champagne Cupcake Recipe
 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2/3 cup butter
1 1/2 cups white sugar
3/4 cup champagne (the sweeter the better – even strawberry would be great!!)
6 egg whites

Sweet Champagne Buttercream Frosting
3 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1 cup butter, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons champagne, at room temperature

To Make The Cupcakes:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).  Prepare a cupcake pan with liners.  (This recipe yielded about 20 for me.)

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until very light and fluffy. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together, and then blend into creamed mixture alternately with champagne.

In another large clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold 1/3 of the whites into batter to lighten it, then fold in remaining egg whites.  Fill the cupcake liners about 2/3 full.

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.

To Make The Frosting:
With an electric mixer, beat together sugar and butter. Mix on low until well blended, and then on medium for another two minutes.  Add vanilla and champagne, beating on medium for another minute.

Happy Valentine’s Day my Lovelies!  ~Victoria~

Have you been thinking about going into business for yourself?  Do visions of beautifully decorated cupcakes dance in your head night and day?  If so, then perhaps you are ready to follow your passion into the world of selling gourmet treats.  

One of the questions that goes along with owning your own business is how to go about buying wholesale.  Fortunately for you, when it comes to purchasing bulk orders of cupcake liners, wrappers, sleeves, dresses, and more Bella Cupcake Couture can cover all your wholesale needs!

When you buy supplies at wholesale you will save your business money. And at the end of the day, what could be more important than that? There are several things that can be required from a merchandise vendor who offers supplies at a wholesale price.  Some will sell to anyone who asks to be considered a wholesale account.  Others will want to see your tax account number and/or business license before they will be willing to set up an account or sell directly to you. Some businesses may also require a Federal Tax I.D. Number.  This will typically be an Employer Identification Number or your Social Security Number.  An Employer Identification Number is free and can be obtained at www.irs.gov. If you are a sole proprietor, a T/A (Trading As) or DBA (Doing Business As) name may be required by your state or county.  Always check state and local laws to find out the requirements for your particular location.  

There are different rules in every state, so don’t rely on the advice of business owners outside your locality.  It is permissible to get an Employer Identification Number if you do not wish to use your Social Security Number when using a DBA.  This number can be used with suppliers while protecting the confidentiality of your Social Security Number.  A merchandise supplier is mostly concerned that they are selling to an actual business and not to an individual for personal use.  They want those individuals to be purchasing from them at retail prices. Once you have put together the required documentation and are ready to make your first wholesale purchase, you may find yourself wondering how much to order – and spend – on that first wholesale transaction.  Our advice is to be conservative.  You may be tempted to buy in large numbers due to bulk discounts, but this only pays when you know those supplies are going to make it into your customers hands.  Once you have established a sales history that supports large bulk ordering, you can be confident in taking advantage of those deeper discounts.  Our team here at Bella Cupcake Couture loves to help other business owners succeed. So if you’re venturing into the world of professional baking, make sure to let us know how we can help!

Our friends over at Java Cupcake shared their favorite cupcake and dessert recipes of 2012 so we thought we’d pass a long for all you bakers. Check it out here: http://javacupcake.com/2012/12/the-best-of-2012/

Although it didn’t make the list this is actually one of our favorite recipes they’ve shared. http://javacupcake.com/2011/02/very-berry-cheesecake-muffins/ Amazing!!!

Enjoy!

Cheers to you and Happy New Year!

We at Bella Cupcake Couture would like to thank you all for your support and business through out this last year. We wish you and your families a wonderful holiday and a festive New Year.

ENJOY!

SHARE the story about the proposal to enter to win
100 FREE CUPCAKE WRAPPERS of your choice.
Just tell us in the comments below or email us at info@bellacupcakecouture.com by January 30, 2013.

You may wonder why we are so excited about the newly engaged….
1. Well of course, who wouldn’t be?!! AND
2. Because we found out that The Knot will be featuring our Bella Cupcake Couture cupcake wrapper sleeves in their “Real Weddings” feature for one of our clients in their new magazine coming out on the shelves in January!

They will be featuring the wedding dessert cupcake stand and styled table with these three styles:

Olivia Sea Blue

Hannah Red/Sea Blue

Olivia Soft Pink

Have you had a wedding and used our Bella Cupcake Couture cupcake wraps for your wedding cake? We’d love to see your photos as well. Email them to info@bellacupcakecouture.com or upload them on our Facebook page HERE with your comments on how your special day was. Thank you again for being a fan of our “Fashion for Cupcakes”.

A Tier Above the Rest.

Showcase your cupcakes with our new cupcake trees and cake stands in a variety of sizes, styles and colors.

• Brides LOVE the “New Wedding Cake” Cupcake Towers
• Hand-crafted, high Quality, Metal Stands made in the USA
• Set the stage for your sweet treats! Perfect for mini’s and standard cupcakes.

Stands 5-Tiered Carrie Marie Cupcake Tree Square Detachable	Stands Four Tier Banded Cupcake Tree with Lip Square	Stands Mini Banded Cupcake Tree Square Detachable
Stands Mini Contemporary Cupcake Tree Round Detachable	Stands- Banded Cupcake Tree Round Detachable	Stands- Banded Cupcake Tree Square Detachable

Visit HERE for more styles and More Coming Soon!

Reddy Made Cakes shared these cupcake creations with us this weekend from their holiday event via their Facebook page. They made some delectable chocolate cupcakes, topped with fondant ice blue snowflakes and wrapped each one in our Snowman Cupcake wrapper sleeves (now on sale for $3.99– stock up for next years holiday parties). Absolutely adorable!

Reddy Made Cakes won these wrappers via one of our Facebook contests. For more cupcake wrap decorations and party supplies by Bella Cupcake Couture, visit HERE.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday. Enjoy!

If you’re like me, I’m always looking for new and fun ideas to decorate my holiday table. There are lots of new decorations and party supplies to make your guests go Ohh la la over the Christmas and New Years timeframe.

Photo credit to Fearless Homemaker

We put together this video full of cupcake wrappers and Party Supplies for a perfect addition to quickly and easily decorate your cupcakes and dessert table. From snowmen to presents wrapped with bows, our cupcake sleeves will add that festive detail to homemade and store bought cupcakes. From Red & White Striped Candy Cane Party Straws for sipping hot cocoa to adorable cake pops- we hope your holidays will be brighter!

It’s the little things that can make this time of year extra special. We hope you and your guests have a wonderful and memorable holiday together. Enjoy!

Thank you from your friends at Bella Cupcake Couture.
Watch this :58 sec VIDEO HERE for ideas.

For more ideas visit Bella Cupcake Couture.

And We Adore Martha & Her Team!

Look at this beautiful dessert table the Martha Stewart team created featuring our Bella Basics White Cupcake Wrappers. We are so honored to be a part of this gorgeous styled dessert table.

When Darcy Miller of Martha Stewart contacted us to be a part of this styled shoot we were overjoyed. We love working with their team and this “Angelic” table turned out dreamy as usual from this team.

Check out her Pinterest Page HERE for a close up of all the details.

These cupcake sleeves would also be perfect for a White Wedding scheme or a Sweet Baby Shower. To order these classic elegant white cupcake wraps visit HERE. And for other Cupcake Wrapper Styles and Party Supplies visit HERE.

Decorative Cupcake Wrappers and Water Bottle Labels in Damask add a Stylish Flair

New Years is one of our favorite times of the year. It’s a great time to reflect and celebrate your success with friends and family. And sipping champagne makes it even more festive.

Photo credit: Yumsugar.com

But why not nibble on your champagne too? With this tasty Champagne Cupcake Recipe your New Years Eve plans will be even more cheery!

We hope you enjoy this recipe and have a wonderful new years this year.

Champagne Cupcake Ingredients:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2/3 cup butter
1 1/2 cups white sugar
3/4 cup champagne (the sweeter the better – even strawberry would be great!!)
6 egg whites

Sweet Champagne Buttercream Frosting Ingredients:

3 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1 cup butter, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons champagne, at room temperature

Method:

To Make The Cupcakes:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).  Prepare a cupcake pan with liners.  (This recipe yielded about 20 for me.)

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until very light and fluffy. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together, and then blend into creamed mixture alternately with champagne.

In another large clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold 1/3 of the whites into batter to lighten it, then fold in remaining egg whites.  Fill the cupcake liners about 2/3 full.

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.

To Make The Frosting:

With an electric mixer, beat together sugar and butter. Mix on low until well blended, and then on medium for another two minutes.  Add vanilla and champagne, beating on medium for another minute.

For more ideas, visit HERE

All Party Supplies |25% OFF- Order Today

CODE: HOLIDAY25 | Expires 12/31/12
*New Cupcake Stands not valid for discount.

‘Tis the season for delicious cupcakes, cookies and festive gatherings with friends  & family. A perfect time of year to enjoy the fun of baking, sharing recipes and holiday parties. Decorate your cupcakes with these pretty cupcake wrapper sleeves (mini & standard size), package them in clear boxes for a beautiful presentation, share recipe on decorative recipe cards and sip your hot toddy’s with stylish paper straws.

Beverage Bottle Labels	Candy Bar Wrapper Labels	Invitations and Menu Cards
Cupcake Boxes	Paper Straws	Recipe Cards

Visit us at for this special discount today: http://www.bellacupcakecouture.com

Just enter “HOLIDAY25″ at check out to receive 25% off. Enjoy!

We’d like to thank the Fearless Homemaker for incorporating our Happy Holidays cupcake wrappers into her Christmas baking. The perfect gift giving cupcake for everyone on you baking list. Just add a clear cupcake box and ribbon for the finishing touch. Check out the cupcake review and recipe HERE and below.

Hot Cocoa Cupcakes with Marshmallow Buttercream
makes 12 cupcakes, adapted from and cook’s lllustrated + baked bree

ingredients for the cupcakes:

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup dutch-processed cocoa powder
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1/2 cup (4 ounces) sour cream

for the marshmallow buttercream:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 a (7-ounce) jar marshmallow creme
1 cup confectioners sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

to garnish (optional):
12 mini marshmallows
1 oz. dark chocolate

directions

make the cupcakes:
adjust oven rack to lower-middle position + preheat to 350 degrees. (if using a non-stick muffin pan, heat the oven to 325 degrees.) line mini-muffin pan with baking cup liners.

combine butter, chocolate, + cocoa in medium heatproof bowl. set bowl over saucepan of barely simmering water; heat mixture until butter + chocolate are melted + whisk until smooth + combined. set aside to cool until just warm to the touch.

whisk flour, baking soda + baking powder in small bowl to combine. whisk eggs in second medium bowl to combine. add sugar, vanilla + salt until fully incorporated. add cooled chocolate mixture, whisk until combined.

sift about 1/3 of flour mixture over chocolate mixture + whisk until combined, then whisk in sour cream. sift in remaining flour mixture + whisk until batter is homogeneous + thick.

divide the batter evenly among muffin cups. bake until toothpick inserted into center of cupcakes comes out clean, about 12-14 minutes.

cool cupcakes in muffin pan on wire rack until cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes, then transfer each cupcake to cooling rack. cool to room temperature before icing.

make the buttercream:
cream the butter using a stand mixer or a hand mixer until it is light + fluffy, about 2 minutes. add the marshmallow creme + beat for 2 minutes more.

add the confectioners sugar + continue to beat for another 2 minutes. add vanilla extract + beat until combined.

ice the cupcakes using a piping bag + the tip of your choice, or a knife/spatula. top with a bit of shaved chocolate + a mini marshmallow, then enjoy!

You better not shout, you better not cry….Santa is coming to town! And these little cupcakes by from the bakery Cupcakes by E are sure to be a big hit with him.

Elizabeth (owner of Cupcakes by E) put each cupcake into our Bella Cupcake Couture wrappers. She set each cupcake into one of our Olivia Red & White cupcake holders and our Bella Basics in Red Polka Dots cupcake sleeves.  The cupcake flavors from left to right: Peppermint Patty and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.

Wouldn’t you love to be Santa at this house?

Are you planning a birthday party? Well have you heard that cakepops are all the rage? Yes, these sweet mixture of crumbled cake mixed with frosting and then dipped in chocolate (can you say YUM!) are one of the hot treats featured on cupcake and candy displays worldwide.

Today’s cake pops where created by one of our amazing clients Ele Cake Company using a variety of our different paper straw colors; from pink straws to blue straws and purple straws to polkadot straws. The Ele Cake Company makes a variety of baked goods; including specialty cakes, cupcakes, brownies, petit fours and more. They are located in West Carrollton and Beavercreek, OH.

It’s so cute how the decorated each one with glitter and used our paper straw collection to match.

These smiling cake pops will make anyone say “Have a Nice Day”.

These cake pops with polka dot straws would be darling for New Years Eve.

24 Festive Straws are included in each order. Biodegradable Paper straws equals no more plastic! Made with FDA approved Soy Ink and measuring 8″ 5.5mm diameter. Perfect for a Vintage, Modern or Retro party- a signature drink – Shower, Wedding, Birthday or even a hostess gift. To order Paper Straws to make your Cake Pops even cuter visit HERE

Looking for a fun way to decorate cupcakes quickly and easily for your guests? Just bake or buy your cupcakes and set them inside one of our Happy Holiday cupcake wrappers. The design is a perfect way to share the holiday spirit with your friends and family.

Looking for a tasty Peppermint Cupcake recipe?
Well we went searching for one from our friends Java Cupcake and found this one on a guest post from her on Fields of Cake HERE. Enjoy!

For more cupcake wrappers and party supplies, visit our website here: http://www.bellacupcakecouture.com/

Visit us also at:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bellacupcakecouture
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bellacupcakec

Who doesn’t go wild for some cupcakes? And when they are dressed up in these zebra pink cupcake wraps by Bella Cupcake Couture your party guests will really “ROAR” over them!

Today’s we are sharing a cupcake tree display by one of our special clients Sweet Irene’s. They always have an eye for detail in their cupcake tiers and this one doesn’t miss a spot. From cupcakes to cakes to cake pops all decorated in style your party attendees will want one of each sweet treat.

If you’re looking for other Zebra-themed party supplies and ideas; check out our pinterest page HERE

From cupcake wrappers to recipe cards and water bottle labels to candy bar wraps; you’ll find elegant and stylish party accessories all at Bella Cupcake Couture HERE

We hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving with your family and friends yesterday. Today is the day to start shopping for Christmas and making holiday plans with family and friends. A fun, sweet treat to make, buy and give are Cake Pops.

These cake pops where created by one of our fabulous clients Ele Cake Company using our Red & White Striped Paper Straws. The Ele Cake Company makes a variety of baked goods; including specialty cakes, cupcakes, brownies, petit fours and more. They are located in West Carrollton and Beavercreek, OH.

Cake Pops swept the nation the past few years, thanks in part to the adorable and amazing designs of Bakerella who was featured on Martha Stewart making some of her cute creations.

If you are not fortunate enough to be close to Ele Cake Company or can not order, here is a blog post which shares how to make them HERE by the Kitchn.

To order Paper Straws to make your Cake Pops even cuter visit HERE

Wishing all of you a HAPPY THANKSGIVING with your family & friends. Enjoy!
From Bella Cupcake Couture