Take 5 Cupcakes

by Jamie on November 16, 2011

Post image for Take 5 Cupcakes

If you read MBA on a regular basis, you may recall me mentioning that I teach junior high. Some of my students know that I’m a food blogger as well – in fact, one came back after summer break saying that I shouldn’t be his teacher anymore because he saw my show on Food Network. I laughed it off, but his grandma further explained that he confused me with Rachel Ray and told everyone that his teacher is a famous TV cook! I assure you that Food Network is not in my current or near future, but I sure did get a chuckle out of that one.

I teach in an alternative school, where many of the students in my classroom have made their way to our program because they struggled with maintaining appropriate behavior in a typical setting. However, they are a great group of kids that are willing to learn, we just need to be a little more creative with our approach.

At the beginning of the year, I hung a large illustration of a jar on the wall and told them that once they filled up the jar with 100 marbles I would let them plan a party – my treat. Well, they did it in record time, so one morning I allowed them to compile a list their party ideas. After tallying up their lists which included items such as pizza, popcorn, a movie, and Hot Cheetos, we noticed a definite trend. These kids wanted cupcakes and they specifically stated that store bought cupcakes would not do – they wanted homemade cupcakes with lots of frosting – made by yours truly!

I scanned my pantry and realized that I still had a bag of Take 5 candy bars that I purchased for another project. Immediately I had the idea for Take 5 Cupcakes – what kid doesn’t love chocolate, peanut butter, pretzels and caramel? And combine that awesomeness with cake and frosting – how could they be bad?

I used my favorite doctored up cake mix because it’s easy, delicious and yields a nice, thick batter that is perfect for baking candy bars into. Then I added on a big swirl of peanut butter buttercream, a drizzle of chocolate glaze and finished them off with a piece of a Take 5 candy bar. Pure chocolate peanut butter heaven! The kids loved them and are already eagerly planning their next marble party and more importantly – the next cupcake flavor!

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Take 5 Cupcakes

Yield: 24 Cupcakes

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes

1 (18.25 ounce) package devil’s food cake mix (I use Betty Crocker Super Moist)
1 (5.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup warm water
24 Fun Size Take 5 Candy Bars; cut in half

For the Peanut Butter Butter Cream

3 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 pounds confectioners’ sugar, sifted
6-8 tablespoons heavy cream (if using milk, amount will be less)

For the Chocolate Glaze

4 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped into very small pieces
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions:

For the Cupcakes

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line muffin tin with paper liners or spray with non-stick cooking spray.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat together the cake and pudding mixes, sour cream, oil, eggs, vanilla and water. Beat for about two minutes on medium speed until well combined.

3. Using a large cookie scoop, distribute the batter between 24 muffin wells; about 3 tablespoons of batter per well. Press 1/2 Fun Size Take 5 candy bar into the center of each cupcake. Use a small spoon to spread the batter over the candy bar.

4. Bake in preheated oven for 20-24 minutes or until the tops of the cakes spring back when lightly touched. There may be a small sink hole in the top of the cupcakes from the candy bars, that’s okay - you’ll cover that with frosting. Allow cupcakes to cool inside muffin tins for about 10 minutes.

5. Remove cupcakes from muffin tins and allow to fully cool on a wire rack. Once cupcakes are cool, prepare your frosting.

For the Peanut Butter Buttercream

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, cream butter and peanut butter on medium speed until fluffy. Turn your mixer down to low speed and slowly add in the confectioner’s sugar, and continue mixing until well blended.

2. Add vanilla and 4 tablespoons of heavy cream. Blend on low speed until moistened. Add an additional 1 to 4 tablespoons of heavy cream until you reach the desired consistency. Beat at high speed until frosting is smooth and fluffy

3. Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Prepare Chocolate Glaze.

For the Chocolate Glaze

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream until very hot, but not boiling.

2. Place chocolate pieces in a heat safe bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes. Whisk the cream and chocolate until smooth and thoroughly combined. Whisk in the honey, corn syrup, and vanilla. Allow to cool for about 15 minutes. Do not let the glaze sit for too long or it will harden up before you spoon it over the frosting.

3. Spoon the glaze on the tops of the frosted cupcakes, allowing it to drip down the sides a little bit. Don’t add too much glaze or it will drip all over your liners.

4. If desired, finish each cupcake with a piece of a Take 5 candy bar.

Notes:

Storage

Store cupcakes in the refrigerator. Remove them to room temperature one hour before serving.

Source: My Baking Addiction | Cake adapted from allrecipes, Chocolate Glaze from Confessions of a Cookbook Queen.

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{ 52 comments… read them below or add one }

avatar 1 Cassie November 16, 2011 at 5:15 pm

What a fun story…I love the innocence of children! Your passion for what you do really shines through!

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avatar 2 Tracy @ Sugarcrafter November 16, 2011 at 5:24 pm

What a great incentive for the kids! These cupcakes look heavenly!

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avatar 3 Kathryn November 16, 2011 at 5:31 pm

Awesome cupcakes and your love for the kids really shines through :)

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avatar 4 Heather @ Bake, Run, Live November 16, 2011 at 5:35 pm

I had a third grade teacher that would do popcorn parties- and we loved them (and her)! What a great idea with getting the kids involved in planning their own party. And having a teacher that makes such yummy cupcakes…SCORE!!!!!

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avatar 5 Rachel @ Bakerita November 16, 2011 at 5:37 pm

Yum! Take 5′s are my favorite candy bar and I always buy them intending to make something…but they tend to disappear before they end up in a baked good. Oops!
I’ll definitely be making these though…they look too good to resist!

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avatar 6 Tessa @ Handle the Heat November 16, 2011 at 5:52 pm

Loved this post! Your students must love you :)

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avatar 7 nicole {sweet peony} November 16, 2011 at 6:02 pm

wow those photos are great! and these cupcakes sound amazing! i’ve never had a take 5 bar, but it sounds like i would love it… thanks jamie!

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avatar 8 Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen November 16, 2011 at 6:43 pm

Kids aren’t the only ones who love chocolate, peanut butter, pretzels and caramel. ;-)

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avatar 9 Ann P. November 16, 2011 at 6:50 pm

First off I want to say that I was so touched by this post! I have a heart for teaching/education, especially for kids who need “extra attention,” so you are my HERO in more ways than one (baker + blogger + teacher = awesome)! I want to thank you for your commitment to your kids, and for meeting their needs. All teachers have so much impact on the future of their kids, which can be very overwhelming for the teachers, so I definitely think they deserve MUCH more appreciation than what they currently receive. It was so good to hear about your party for them! What a DELICIOUS way to connect with them and reinforce good work habits and behavior. :D

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avatar 10 Julie @ Willow Bird Baking November 16, 2011 at 7:00 pm

For some reason it totally slipped past me that you were a middle school teacher too! I teach 6th and 7th grade language arts and sometimes cooking classes/camps. Aw, love connecting with other teachers :)

I so relate to have the kids want to TASTE the fruits of your labor — my students have been hinting (okay, begging) that they need some dessert for months now (since about the time school started.) I always tell them that it’s hard to bake for so many, but that I will someday — and I think this year someday will actually come :) They’re the fuel behind so many of my stories and posts that they really deserve a treat.

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avatar 11 Sneh | Cook Republic November 16, 2011 at 7:19 pm

Chocolate & Peanut Butter is always a win win! Love theses, so gorgeous!

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avatar 12 Aimee November 16, 2011 at 7:20 pm

What a wonderful incentive for the kids! It sounds like it was a lot of fun and props to you for doing all that. :)

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avatar 13 Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar November 16, 2011 at 7:28 pm

These are absolutely lovely! Nothing like a candy bar cupcake!

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avatar 14 Sara Cate November 16, 2011 at 8:23 pm

These are the most gorgeous and delicious looking cupcakes I have seen in a very long time!

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avatar 15 Cookbook Queen November 16, 2011 at 8:24 pm

Jamie, these cupcakes are BEYOND gorgeous. And those kids are so lucky to have you as a teacher!! It sounds like you really care about them a lot.

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avatar 16 Chris November 16, 2011 at 8:39 pm

Can you come to teach at my school? I promise I am a nice administrator! :)

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avatar 17 Ann November 16, 2011 at 11:03 pm

What a great story! Congratulations on your kids filling up the jar so quickly – you must have been so proud! …and these cupcakes are worthy of such an accomplishment….they’re amazing!

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avatar 18 notyet100 November 17, 2011 at 1:30 am

Mmmm this looks so delicious,…:)

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avatar 19 shirley@kokken69 November 17, 2011 at 4:38 am

It’s not difficult to see why they are asking specifically for your cupcakes! Whether it is teaching or baking, it is obvious that you do both with alot of passion.

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avatar 20 linda November 17, 2011 at 7:31 am

great posting…great!
i have fond memories of my art teacher & the influence she had on me…
kudos to you & your class!!

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avatar 21 Savorique November 17, 2011 at 7:52 am

These chocolate cupcakes are so gorgeous, I would want to keep them rather than eat them!
Kids need to get exposed to a large array of activities, this is how they get inspired and find their own path to career success and life fulfillment. Bravo!

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avatar 22 Jenni November 17, 2011 at 7:59 am

That is too cute about your student thinking you were Rachel Ray! And these cupcakes look great, I like the Take 5 bars!

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avatar 23 Jill R. November 17, 2011 at 7:59 am

These look amazing!!! I want one. :)

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avatar 24 Chris @ TheKeenanCookBook November 17, 2011 at 8:26 am

These look decadent!

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avatar 25 Si November 17, 2011 at 8:58 am

Love your cupcake creation! PIN!

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avatar 26 Jaime {sophistimom} November 17, 2011 at 8:59 am

Wow, Jamie. That’s all I was going to say, but it told me the comment was too short, and to try again, so I’ll say this, too:

Those are the most beautiful, stunning cupcakes I have ever seen.

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avatar 27 Heidi November 17, 2011 at 9:03 am

One of the things that I loved to do was bake homemade treats for my kids to take to school. We now live in a district that doesn’t allow ANY homemade treats in the school at all. Everything must be store-bought and labelled so that the ingredients can be checked for food allergies. Sigh. :-C Your post brought back nice memories and I loved the story. Good on you.

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avatar 28 Melissa @ Kids in the Sink November 17, 2011 at 9:14 am

Oh my goodness! Take 5 candy bars are on of my favorites, although I almost always forget about them because they’re not the typical candy bar. It’s wonderful that you’ve made something so good out of an already good candy bar!

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avatar 29 Tickled Red November 17, 2011 at 9:31 am

Awww…go kids, congrats on making the goal in record time! I’m so glad that they requested your homemade cupcakes, fab recipe :D

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avatar 30 Lori @ RecipeGirl November 17, 2011 at 10:06 am

Um, wow!! That’s a cute story. I admire you working in an alternative school. That isn’t always easy!

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avatar 31 Jodi November 17, 2011 at 10:24 am

These look amazing! I really want to try your recipe for the cupcakes especially because I am curious on the doctored up recipe!

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avatar 32 Marlina @ Baker Princess November 17, 2011 at 11:44 am

*droooling* these look ahhhmazing!! My guy would definitely love these, such a good idea!

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avatar 33 Kasia November 17, 2011 at 11:59 am

LOveeee YOU !!! :D

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avatar 34 Kayle (The Cooking Actress) November 17, 2011 at 12:56 pm

I want these in my tummy right now!! I love Take 5, yum! Also, I think your party idea is so great-my grandma taught at an alternative high school in my hometown (Massillon, OH) for most of her life and she loved it. :)

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avatar 35 AmyRuth November 17, 2011 at 3:30 pm

I haven’t read thoughts from your previous commenters, so I don’t know what they generally are thinking. However, I don’t care what kind of food you lovingly planned, paid for, prepared and carried to school with you. The fact that you “gave” to them and taught them trust and rewarded them for whatever behavior skills or academic skills were learned, you are a bright and shining star! Oh yea, you are a great blogger as well and your food photos are beautiful and creative. Just remember what you leave with and in those kids in that school is the best gift you are leaving in this world. Kudos! Yes, we do need to be good to ourselves, and continue with the things or actions that maintain balance and keep us happy so that we can “just keep swimming.” Right? Thanks for sharing such a sweet story with all of us. Its good to be reminded of important things in life.
AmyRuth

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avatar 36 JulieD November 17, 2011 at 4:56 pm

I love this! They are so beautiful, Jamie!

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avatar 37 Jen at The Three Little Piglets November 17, 2011 at 5:30 pm

Lucky kids! I want a party like that! What a great way to reward them.

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avatar 38 Jen @ Savory Simple November 17, 2011 at 8:21 pm

What a decadent, perfect cupcake!

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avatar 39 Anna November 17, 2011 at 8:33 pm

The world needs more teachers like you. Committed, creative and passionate about their craft. I bet your students love to learn because they enjoy while doing it. Your cupcakes mirror your positive attitude and passion for food. You are an inspiration to many of us…and a generous one at that, for sharing your recipe! Thanks!

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avatar 40 Steph November 18, 2011 at 12:02 pm

OMG these look amazing….Take 5 is one of my fave candy bars so this is pure genius!!!

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avatar 41 Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction November 19, 2011 at 7:59 pm

Wow, these cupcakes look incredible. Take 5 candy bars were one of my guilty pleasures in college… and, now I’m totally craving them. And, I’m craving a cupcake!!

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avatar 42 Lauren at Keep It Sweet November 20, 2011 at 7:30 am

Your students must have adored these cupcakes, everything about them sounds amazing!

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avatar 43 AnnMarie November 20, 2011 at 5:57 pm

I must be missing something because others get it–how did the kids fill the picture of a jar with marbles?

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avatar 44 Jamie November 20, 2011 at 6:09 pm

AnnMarie-
The kids filled up this jar by displaying appropriate behaviors. They were able to earn 4 marbles per day. Hope this helps.
-Jamie

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avatar 45 Bob November 21, 2011 at 10:22 am

I just made this last night, except I replaced the Take 5 with Reese’s minis. This has got to be the best cupcake I have ever had, bar none.

Thanks so very much for the hard work you put into this recipe…

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avatar 46 Evelyn November 22, 2011 at 2:53 am

I made these tonight. Wow! I think these are the best cupcakes I’ve ever had :)

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avatar 47 angela@spinachtiger November 22, 2011 at 9:06 am

Wow I’m impressed. How do you do this gorgeous blog and teach a full time job? And, it’s not just a blog. You put out a very professional display of yummies. Like this one. Wow, again.

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avatar 48 Kathy November 23, 2011 at 2:18 pm

I don’t think reading dessert blogs are helping me maintain my weight…
especially ones that contain chocolate…and caramel…and cupcakes…and the sweet-and-salt combo….

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avatar 49 Nicole G. December 11, 2011 at 4:35 am

These look truly amazing. I’m a take 5 fanatic & your pictures…my mouth is watering.

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avatar 50 Kayla May 27, 2012 at 10:24 pm

I absolutely love these cupcakes. I made them for my sisters birthday party. They were a huge hit. Some people (my sister) didnt like the candy bar in the cupcake so I made some with them and some without. The frosting was amazing!!! So smooth and light.

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avatar 51 Lisa Cornely October 7, 2012 at 11:09 am

I made chocolate cupcakes with my go to chocolate cupcake recipe and really wanted to make peanut butter frosting, and I came across your beautiful cupcakes on your site. Thanks for the wonderful peanut butter buttercream recipe. I made it with natural creamy peanut butter and it turned out delicious. I used my cupcakes and your amazing peanut butter buttercream and drizzled with chocolate ganache, and it was amazing. Definitely the best peanut butter buttercream I have ever tried. Thanks so much for the recipe.

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avatar 52 Jamie October 8, 2012 at 7:19 pm

Lisa-
I am so glad to hear you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks for stopping by and leaving your feedback – have a great day!
-Jamie

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