Brownie Burger Cupcakes

My Google Reader is in a sad state. It has 78 recipes starred, just waiting for me to make them. 78. That's a lot. My go-to excuse is that many of them need a "reason" or "occasion" to make. Take these cute little hamburger cupcakes for instance. They just scream picnic or BBQ to me, which is why they have slowly found themselves farther and farther down on the "to make" list.

Until Adam came home a couple weeks ago and asked if I was interested in going to a picnic for his group at work. Um, yes? That was an easy question. His section of the group got assigned to bring desserts, and upon hearing this, my mind when straight to these cupcakes. My excuse had arrived.

Brownie Burger Cupcakes
From: Bakerella

1 batch vanilla (yellow cake) cupcakes (I used this recipe)
1 batch brownies (I used this recipe)
1 batch vanilla buttercream, divided
Sesame seeds

Remove cupcake liners from cupcakes, if used. Slice each cupcake in half so it resembles a hamburger bun.

Using a 2" round cookie cutter (or in my case the top to the Pam cooking spray), cut 24 rounds from the brownies. Place the brownie round on the bottom half of the sliced cupcake.

Place the buttercream in three separate bowls. Color one red, for ketchup; one yellow, for mustard; and one green, for lettuce. Using a squiggle pattern, layer the buttercream on top of the brownie.

Cover with the top half of the cupcake. Using a pastry brush (or your fingers), slightly wet the top of each cupcake and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Makes: 24 cupcakes

If you are really feeling daring, Bakerella also made rolled sugar cookie fries to go with these uber cute burger cupcakes. And she has templates for fast food holders if you're going for an authentic look. If you have time to put all of it together. Which I didn't. Sad day. Regardless, these turned out super cute and quite tasty!

Note: As I did not make the cupcakes or brownies to be enjoyed separately, and there is no set recipe for either one, I am not posting any nutrition facts for this "recipe". I'm sure we wouldn't want to see it anyways.