Iron Cupcake: San Francisco - Ingredient: Squash

September's Iron Cupcake challenge was squash! WHAT, you might wonder were they thinking? But squash is a very common ingredient in baking, and in fact makes the texture super moist. Think zucchini breads or muffins, pumpkin pies and such.

September Challenge was held again at Leland Tea Co. on Sept. 28, 2009. This time around, there were 20 cupcake entries, and all of them were delicious. (Last time Pepper was the ingredient, which seemed to challenge some tastebuds, particularly with over 30 entries, we got a bit numb at times).

Here is my submission:

P3 - Pumpkin Pie Poppers

Crusted- bottom cupcake, with a layer of pumpkin pie cake, a layer of traditional homemade pumpkin pie filling, topped with a light whipped buttercream.

As always, lots of love goes into baking these cupcakes. Iron Cupcake SF is open to everyone, bakers and foodies, to bake, taste, and judge! Below is the Iron Cupcake site with the contest rules. The next Iron Cupcake challenge is... BEER! http://www.meetup.com/Iron-Cupcake-San-Francisco-Challenge/calendar/11615012/

More Photos of September Challenge, and name of submissions follows...

(Center) Butternut Squash & Pepper Cake

With Curry Cardamom Cream Cheese Frosting

Chocolate Cupcake with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filling and Frosting

Kick-Oss Cupcakes

Pumpkin Cupcake with Butterscotch, maple, and cream cheese frosting

Cinnamon Zucchini

with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Spice Cupcake

with Butternut Squash Risotto "Pudding" Fill and Creme Fraiche Frosting

Pumpkin with Browned Butter Cupcake

with Cream Cheese Frosting

Roasted Butternut Squash

with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting and Toasted Pecans

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

Lemon Raspberry Zucchini Cupcake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Perfection

Pumpkin Spice with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

P3 - Pumpkin Pie Poppers

Crusted- bottom cupcake, with a layer of pumpkin pie cake, a layer of traditional homemade pumpkin pie filling, topped with a light whipped buttercream.

That is a full plate!

Will at Leland's Tea Co. helping to host the Iron Cupcake event.

The Iron Cupcake Team tallying the ballots.

Chelsea announcing the winners.

Our third place winner!

This month's first place winner... from Lake Tahoe!