Craft beer and cupcakes: they can be fabulous together. Really. That was the case at a recent cupcake-and-beer pairing event at Craft and Growler in Exposition Park. The growler bar teamed up with Maxine's Killer Creations -- a new cake catering business that makes alcohol-infused cupcakes -- to offer four 5-ounce Texas brews, each paired with a different beer-laced cupcake.
Maxine's killed it. The sweetness of the beer-infused cupcakes was tempered to perfection by a touch of beer in the batter and buttercream. The cakes were even better with their beer partners. It was no surprise that a cherry-topped chocolate cupcake iced with chocolate ganache paired perfectly with the bold Deep Ellum Cherry Chocolate Stout.
The true test of Maxine's prowess was the creation of a cupcake to pair with a more subtle, honeyed blonde ale. Her vanilla cupcake filled with a white chocolate and honey ganache was a heavenly match with Guadalupe Brewing Co.'s Texas Honey Ale. Try that if you're looking for something new for a wedding reception.
Rabbit Hole Dark Snark, a rich stout brewed with strawberries, tangoed with a strawberry-topped red velvet cake. The decadent duo of (512) Imperial Stout and a yellow cake, topped with chocolate ganache and a stout-infused truffle, was also magical.
Stay tuned to Craft and Growler's Facebook page; husband-and-wife owners Kevin Afghani and Catherine Kinslow plan more cupcake and beer pairing nights. Meanwhile, you can grab a big growler of your favorite brew and order up a dozen or so gorgeous cupcakes from Maxine's Killer Creations. Owner Maxine Medina says she will customize cupcakes to suit your tastes.
"Just tell me what you like to drink, and I'll create a cake with it," she says.
Maxine's Killer Creations takes orders through its Facebook page, or by phone (214-278-4487).
Tina Danze, Special Contributor
