{Mix + Match} Neapolitan Cupcakes

Here's a fun idea, inspired by the classic combo of vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate ice cream: neapolitan cupcakes.

I made these for a girls' weekend that took place over the summer, and they were a perfect, pretty, and playful way to add a feminine touch to the occasion. Using a couple of different cake and frosting flavors was an easy way to provide some variety in dessert choices.

{chocolate + chocolate}

{vanilla + vanilla}

{vanilla + strawberry} 

{vanilla + chocolate}

{chocolate + vanilla}

{chocolate + strawberry}

For this particular batch of cupcakes, I used box mix and made homemade frosting. I'm a big fan of box mixes for the base because they are nearly impossible to get wrong! Here are some simple recipes for your own mix and match cupcakes:

{Vanilla Cake}

{Chocolate Cake}

{Vanilla Buttercream}

{Chocolate Buttercream}

{Strawberry Buttercream}

Although I loved the neapolitan combo, the options here are really endless (think banana + vanilla + peanut butter + chocolate; chocolate + raspberry + orange; or vanilla + oreo + chocolate chip). Just pick a couple of easy base flavors and some fun frostings, and you're on your way!

Swensen's Ice Cream {Russian Hill}

I'd like to introduce you to one of my favorite sweet spots on Russian Hill. It's called Swensen's, and is located on the corner of Hyde & Union.

It's modeled after an old school ice cream shop, and has dozens of the creamiest ice cream flavors I've ever tasted.

My favorite is the Mocha Fudge, but I've been dying to try the Bittersweet Chocolate and Swiss Orange Chip.