How to Mail a Cupcake

I had originally planned out an intricate device with toothpicks jutting inward from all the inner surfaces of a box to stab a cupcake into place and prevent frosting from smearing all over the place during shipment.  A friend informed me that this was a terrible idea because x-ray machines would see it as a bomb. That might be true...

the cupcake that never got mailed...

Here is an easier and cleaner way:

Bake it in a jar!

I have a weakness for vanilla cupcakes, and I am always looking to find a perfect vanilla cake. I think I'm getting there:

Vanilla Cake
1 + 1/4 c sugar
1 stick of butter
1-2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
2 c flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 c milk

Preheat oven to 350º F

-Combine the butter and sugar and mix well for about 3 minutes
-Add the vanilla
-Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition
-In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt.
-Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in about 3 segments, alternating with the milk and mixing ingredients well between each addition
-Bake for about 15-20 minutes

To bake in jars: fill jars halfway, and bake for about 10-15 minutes. The cake will rise to about the top of the jar, and you may have to cut some of the tops off in order to have room for icing (some for you too!) Ice the cakes as usual, screw the tops back on, place in a box and send them on their way!

pre-baked

post-baked

I couldn't possibly tell you what icing concoction I made, or at least the measurements. I will say it was a mix of powdered sugar, earth balance (vegan alternative to butter with no trans-fat or partially hydrogenated oils), vanilla, milk, and mostly white chocolate. I guess I would just encourage you to experiment!