Perfectly Parchment

The parchment easily peels away like a cupcake paper.

This idea came to me while waiting in line at Starbucks just staring at all the yummy treats lined up before you pay for your drink.  They have these glorious looking muffins that are baked in parchment, instead of a traditional muffin paper.  I thought it would be pretty cute to bake some mini - cupcakes using the same concept.  

Just cut squares of parchment, but big enough to fit your cake batter, and still come out of the cupcake mold.  Push the parchment down into the mold so it keeps a bit of the shape.  Fill with your batter just over half way, and gravity will do the rest to bring everything into a proper position.  Bake at your normal 350º for about 12 - 15 minutes for the mini cupcakes (less in a convection), and about 18 - 20 minutes for regular sized cupcakes.  Test with a toothpick.  If it comes out clean, the cakes are done.  Cool on a wire rack before icing.    

Piping makes icing these babies quick and easy.