(vanilla bean cupcakes with lemon cream cheese frosting, pink sugar and fresh raspberries)

We made these little yummies last week. So funny how something so simple can bring such delight. They were very, very tasty but I have to admit I was even more enchanted by how they looked.

Vanilla Bean Cupcake
I 'cheat' and use Trader Joe's Madagascar Vanilla Cake mix for the cupcakes. I could do it myself from scratch but these are so good and so eeeeasy...just follow the directions on the box and make sure to let them cool fully before frosting with...

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
3 TB butter, softened
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
1 (16 oz.) box powdered sugar, sifted
2 TB fresh lemon juice (or to taste)
zest of 1 lemon

Combine softened butter and cream cheese, beating until smooth and fluffy (I use my Kitchenaid mixer). Add sugar, lemon juice and zest in several phases until incorporated. This makes more than enough frosting for cupcakes but there is no such thing as too much right?

Decorate.
Smile.
Take photos.
Eat.
Smile.
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ALSO:

I just realized that I never shared my moo cards with you. I love how they turned out and cannot recommend them more highly. The card stock they use is thick and weighty. Combine that with the matte surface used and you have a very professional and hip little product. I have been using them as business cards and am close to needing more already.