I must admit I was stumped on the name here for a while. “Potato cupcakes” feels misleading. “Grater cupcakes” is patently terrifying. “Cupcakes for a Latke Party” was my runner-up, but it reminded me too much of “Music for a Sushi Restaurant.” You know. “Latke Cupcakes” was my first choice, but I quickly added in the quotation marks after hearing from multiple readers/commenters that they were concerned I’d made cupcakes out of actual latkes.
I should mention, though, that these were, in fact, cupcakes for a latke party—specifically a latke-making party. I hosted one myself this past weekend (more on that over here) and just knew there had to be some sort of delightfully specific and ultra-relevant dessert situation involved. I then spied these miniature graters while searching for regular, full-sized graters, and that was that. (By the way, technically said graters are not even a novelty item—emphasis on technically—because apparently you can actually use them for garlic if you’ve lost your mind more sensible grater.) I did want to make them match their larger counterparts at the party, which also had pretty blue ribbons tied around their handles (all of this ribbon, by the way, is left over from my sister’s wedding five years ago—wish I could link you!) but that meant I did have to paint the purple part white with some basic acrylic paint. Easy enough! It also dried in a matter of minutes (five minutes for a thin first coat, and then I waited another 20 minutes after adding the second coat before I tied on the ribbon).
And the little “potato” here is very much inspired by my mama’s childhood in Philadelphia! She grew up eating “Irish potato candy,” which is precisely what those are—they’re a staple all around Pennsylvania. The rest of the details can be found below alongside a full tutorial. I can’t wait for you to check out every project involved in this party of ours—it’s a fun one! Happy almost Hanukkah to you!
Cupcakes for a Latke Party
Description
These potato-and-grater cupcakes are a very sweet, very relevant addition to any latke-making Hanukkah party. Here’s how to make and assemble them.
Ingredients
- One batch of cooled, iced cupcakes
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 2 1/2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Other supplies
- Miniature graters
- White acrylic paint (optional; if you do end up painting the graters, you’ll also need a paint palette or vessel in which to hold said paint!)
- Small craft paintbrush (optional)
- A few yards of thin ribbon in a color of your choice, if desired
- Scissors (for ribbon)
Instructions
- Make the “potatoes”: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set out a small bowl and fill it with the ground cinnamon (for later). In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat together the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes on medium-high speed); then, scrape down the sides and add in the vanilla and salt; mix again on medium speed until incorporated. Scrape down the sides once more, then add in the powdered sugar and re-beat until incorporated (because the sugar has a tendency to billow into a cloud, you’ll want to start on a very low speed this time and work your way up, and/or incorporate it bit by bit). Add the coconut and stir on low speed once more to combine.
- Scoop teaspoon-sized portions of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet (note that this yields much smaller versions than that of a traditional “potato candy” recipe, but it’s an appropriate size in relation to the cupcakes and mini graters). Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Using your hands, roll each of the now-chilled coconut blobs into potato-like shapes, then roll them in cinnamon until they’re fully covered and look like potatoes. Set aside until ready to assemble.
- Make the graters: This is optional, but you can quickly paint the tops of each grater to match your color’s party scheme, as I did. Paint a very thin layer of white acrylic paint along the handle, then wait at least five minutes before applying a second, equally thin coat; let dry for at least 20-30 minutes before adding on a small length of ribbon and tying with a bow, as pictured (also optional but fun!).
- Assemble the cupcakes: Carefully press one “potato” and one grater into the tops of each cupcake. Serve or enjoy within one day (the “potatoes” will need to be refrigerated—they’ll keep for up to four days in the fridge—so if you plan on making this in advance, either make those last or keep them in the fridge until ready to assemble).
Notes
The “potatoes” will need to be refrigerated (they’ll keep for up to four days in the fridge), so if you plan on making this in advance, either make those last or keep them in the fridge until ready to assemble; then, enjoy the assembled cupcakes within one day.