I had same problems as Amy and Anonymous. Mine came out gray also, and despite cooking as directed, I had to leave them in another 15 mins. and still doughy on the bottom. :( They tasted pancake-y to me. I really wanted to like them, so I will try baking in tins and assembling in jars for party.

By janine on April 19, 2011

i love paula so much she talt meall that i know abouut baking it just want me to follow mydreams more thank you agin god bless you

By lakhaira on January 04, 2011

i love paula you have inspired me a lot and i want to thank you for being my role model i wis i could see you in person thank you god bless you

By Anonymous on January 04, 2011

Amy - Not sure why they would be gray. Sorry about that. Hope you like how they taste! Anon - Sorry that it took so long to make! Glad it worked out in the end. Great tip on the ribbon, btw! To everyone asking about using different types of recipes - Go for it! Use any of your favorite cupcake recipes! Vikki - Use can use vanilla extract. Use the same amount as the paste. Anni - I don't butter the jars. It's not necessary, because you will be eating directly from the jar - not trying to pop the cupcake out. To everyone concerned about food safety - One tip that I have is to freeze the jars until you are ready to eat them. They freeze really well. Once they are defrosted, be sure to eat them within a couple of days.

By Stef on December 24, 2010

I am making these RIGHT now, but mine turned out GREY!?!?!?!?!? they look like blueberry! any reason why........have not tasted them yet! What a fun idea, though!!

By amy scifres on December 19, 2010

Ok, I made this last night as teacher Christmas gifts. I thought they would be perfect for that! Normally, when I make Paula's recipes, they turn out perfect every time. However, things didn't turn out quite as nice as I'd hoped this time. I baked mine in the jars (sitting in the pan of water just like the recipe said), and they would NOT get done. I mean, I baked them for a good 15 minutes longer than the recipe said. Finally, my toothpick came out clean. But when I tried one after it had cooled, it was still very doughy. Not good. I finally ended up baking some in a muffin pan. (They baked up perfectly this way!). Then after they were done and cooled, I transferred them into the cute little jars and iced them. I guess I kinda cheated, but it was out of desperation. Also, it's a little tricky to get the ribbon to stay on as nicely as the picture shows. You may way to put a dab or two of glue under the ribbon so it won't slip off. All in all they turned out very cute and yummy, but it was a lot more work than I thought it would be!

By Anonymous on December 16, 2010

Can these be made with any type of cupcake?

By Carmen on December 14, 2010

As stated at the end of the recipe: Cupcakes should be eaten within two days of baking. We do not promote eating them after two days.

By Becky E on December 14, 2010

Hello Ms Paula I wanted to ask if I could make regular cupcakes in the jar. This is such a great gift idea. I personally dont like the cherry receipe so I wanted to try something a little plain. Let me know, I'm snowed in today so I have time to bake. Love Rhonda

By Rhonda Franklin on December 13, 2010

I could not find vanilla bean paste at my local grocery store, what else could I use in place of it. Thanks, Vikki Dugger

By Vikki Dugger on December 13, 2010

Can these cupcakes be made with regular cake mix?

By Rhonda Crane on December 11, 2010