We cannot underestimate the importance of canola oil when making shortened cakes or cupcakes. Although some would argue that the final volume of canola oil cupcakes will not be the same as a cupcake batter made with solid fat, we need to set the record straight. There is so very little difference!
Tender, Moist and Flavourful
Canola oil contributes to tenderness, moistness and flavour in cupcakes-all the attributes that make a great tasting cupcake! Canola oil coats the flour proteins, preventing them from adhering to water; this reduces gluten formation resulting in a great cupcake with a crumb that is extra tender.
The majority of cupcakes are made from shortened cake batter, which means that our cupcake batters contain canola oil, and the batter is leavened with baking powder or baking soda. As well, the liquid ingredients, in the batter, contribute to leavening through the generation of steam during baking. Beaten egg whites also contribute to volume.
Scratch Made Simple
It only makes sense to start from scratch. Making cupcakes with canola oil is so very simple. A small hand mixer, a bowl, some measuring utensils, a muffin pan and paper liners are all the basic utensils you will need to make fabulous canola oil cupcakes!
If you want to make cupcakes picture perfect, purchase an ice-cream scoop which will yield standard size cupcakes – or muffins. (If you can do a good ‘eye-ball’ measure, don’t bother to purchase one.)
Check out the following ideas to personalize your cupcakes:
You do not have to be a professional baker to make beautiful cupcakes!
- Toast nuts or coconut before adding to the batter.
- Remove baked cupcakes from paper liners, cut in half cross-wise and frost between the two layers.
- Make a citrus glaze, or another variation of glaze, instead of a frosting.
- Decorate with candies and sprinkles.
What’s Your Cupcake Personality?
If you had to choose one flavour of cupcake to suit your personality, what would you pick? We’ve rounded up nine cupcake flavours, given them a personality and shared the recipe with you to make at home. Visit the Cupcake Personality gallery and tell us “What’s Your Cupcake Personality?” for a chance to win grocery gift cards.
Eat Well…Judy
Judy is a home economist, educator, food stylist, recipe developer & tester, mom, lazy gardener and Zumba enthusiast. She welcomes the opportunity to experiment with new food items and share her passion and creativity with her clients, family and friends.
She is the food stylist for www.canolainfo.org and www.canolaeatwell.com as well as many other clients. If you have a recipe or ingredient question for Judy be sure to send it in to [email protected] or leave it in the comment section below.
