Since I’ve been single, I have been having THE WORST luck with guys EVER.
I’ve given a couple guys my number and they haven’t called. I would chalk it up to some Cosmo-esque “dating mind game” thingie, but it’s been like 3 months and I’m pretty sure they would have called by now, or this is an exceptionally long game/method of torture.
And I’ve tried just talking to guys and being friendly with pathetic results. At the store, I’ll say “hi” to someone and flash a friendly smile, only to get those weird dude head nods back. I’ll make eyes with people in public, clearly inviting them to come say hi, but they just scurry away like I’m a big hairy oaf or something.
Just so we’re clear, I make double-sure that I’m NOT a big hairy oaf before leaving the house each day. This means I dress in a presentable manner, I smell hygienic, and I wax all of my body hair as to not be mistaken as a Bigfoot. Normal, everyday precautions for a girl fresh into the dating world.
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Anywaaaays, a few days ago I was at the gym doing my stretches (aka, a nice way of saying ‘pretending to workout’) when I noticed this guy walk into the free weights area I was in. He smiled at me as he walked past, set down a yoga mat, and went back to grab some more exercising accessories, again smiling as he passed by. Of course I returned the grin, made eye contact, and continued to stretch. Operation Make Sure He Knows You Exist was successful.
While planking, I had to do something so I wouldn’t keel over and die, so I kind of watched him secretively in a non-creepy person way and he was really cute. I thought there’s no reason why I shouldn’t say anything, so as I was cleaning up my spot, he began cleaning his. We met at the accessory rack where I just blurted out with a smile, “Hey! You look really familiar. Did you grow up around here?”
My thinking was that it would be a lame little icebreaker to initiate some conversation between Gym Hottie and I. He would say “no” and I’d improvise some lame “oh well you look like someone I know/what’s your name?” kinda BS.
I was ready with my crafted response when he looked at me weird and said, “I’M FROM LONDON SO YOU CAN’T POSSIBLY KNOW ME” and walked away. I didn’t even have a chance to register the insane response that occurred, so approximately 5.34982349 seconds later I managed to stammer “uhuhhhohhhokaayy.”
Needless to say, it was quite a strange experience being rudely reminded that I could not POSSIBLY know him and that obviously, he did not want to know me. But ya know, I’m okay — while London Boy was cute, he did hike his socks up to his knees and I was a little disturbed by his sock height. Socks can be a serious dealbreaker, you know.. and I had a hankering this guy probably sported some with sandals and that’s a fat no-no.
Anywho, I came home and decided to remind myself of how awesome I am, and how I have many layers to me. Like how I always smell good, have soft skin, and like to bake good food. And that got me thinking about one of my favorite things to bake + eat EVER, seven layer bars. I have made so many versions of seven layer bars, but never anything else. So when my good friend Julianne made an irresistible Seven Layer Bar Frosting, I knew I had to delve into the layered world of cupcakes! Thus, these guys were born.
A “magic” cupcake topped with a seven layer bar frosting. It’s to-die for, and it’s another reminder that you’re awesome — because it’s apparent you have great taste, even if your taste in men isn’t so good 😉
- 1 box chocolate cake mix, plus ingredients on back of box
- 1 small box instant butterscotch pudding mix
- ¾ cup miniature marshmallow bits, divided
- 1 cup miniature chocolate chips, divided
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup chopped pecans, divided
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ⅔ cup butter, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (32 oz) bag powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup butterscotch chips
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 muffin pans with about 18-20 paper liners; set aside.
- In a large bowl, prepare the cake mix according to package directions. Stir in the butterscotch pudding mix to combine. Lastly, add in ½ of the marshmallow bits, ½ of the mini chocolate chips, ½ of the graham cracker crumbs and ½ of the chopped pecans, stirring to blend.
- Divide batter evenly among liners and bake until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean, about 15 minutes. Cool completely.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the softened butter, vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk until creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually begin adding powdered sugar, about a cup at a time, until frosting is light and fluffy.
- Gently mix in the remaining graham cracker crumbs, marshmallow bits, miniature chips and coconut.
- Pipe the frosting (using a very large round tip or else your tip will be clogged) high onto the cooled cupcakes; garnish with a couple of butterscotch chips. Serve!
It’s kind of surprising how identical these fluffy, plush cupcakes taste to seven layer bars! The creaminess of the sweetened condensed milk — though a small amount — totally mimics that slightly caramelized, creamy flavor on top of baked magic bars. The assortment of textures — chewy coconut, crunchy pecans, crispy little bits of marshmallow — all merry together to create this harmonious blend of flavors in a unique, innovative way. Most may balk at the idea of a “chunky” frosting, but I just say this frosting is super-packed with all that magical goodness that make magic bars, well, magical.
I hope you enjoy!!
xo, Hayley
Nancy says
i love ur blog- which i recently found btw- but could u pleaaaseeee not use all these mixes all the time??? it’s very difficult to find them in my country…
tanya says
I’m so happy someone made a seven layer bar into a cupcake!! I love those things and I’m thinking I would love these cupcakes! Whats up with London Boy??? If only he’d have known you were going to go home and create these babies!
Heather @ Sugar Dish Me says
Ay yi yi!!! Those cupcakes!!! LOVEEEEEE them. That’s pretty much the smartest thing ever. And then I need you to know that picking up guys at the gym is pretty much like picking up guys at a club: bad idea. But if you are determined to do it, then just familiarize yourself with the free weights and act like a total snotty beotch. That should do the trick. OR! Oh!!! Stand outside the gym with these cupcakes. Best idea ever.
Tieghan says
I love 7 layer everything and these are scream my name! YUMM!!!!
Sarah @ Miss Candiquik says
Oh wow – I bet these taste AMAZING. Forget about that loser at the gym, what a snob – haha. You’re bound to find someone at the right time – I mean, I’d totally date you ;).
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet says
I have never had a 7 layer bar before but these cupcakes, these cupcakes! They look wonderful!
spiffycookie says
Wow what a rude response. And since you mention planking, this story wasn’t the same day your boob popped out was it? haha. But anywho, love that you made 7 layer bars into cupcakes! That guy doesn’t know what he’s missing.
Kelly @ hidden fruits and veggies says
I’d rather have these cupcakes than a boyfriend. Just saying.
Lindsay @ Life, Love and Sugar says
Wow! Brilliant and decadent!! Love them!
Jennifer @ Not Your Momma's Cookie says
Seriously, what a jerk! 🙁 I never understood why people have to be rude in those kinds of situations…it’s the Southerner in me, I guess! Forget him – you’re a total catch 🙂
These cupcakes look incredible! I love 7 layer bars and I bet they taste just as awesome in cupcake form!
Faith @ Pixie Dust Kitchen says
Wow. Rude. But at least you have delicious cupcakes to feel better! Maybe it would help if you just started carrying these around and throwing them at cute guys!
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says
Rude guys…don’t need ’em. But, these cupcakes with chunky frosting? Need! They’ll put some junk in your trunk, totally, fer shure. Have a great weekend, Hayley!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
Whatever to that guy, whatever! You will go home to these cupcakes and they will give you a joy that he will never be able to! Take that mean guy.
Cathy Pollak ~ Noble Pig says
I am continually amazed at your ability to weave together a story about life and what you are cooking. That London boy missed out…not that you wanted him.
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
First of all I could live off that frosting…or die for it. Either way it’s serious devotion.
Seconldy, you my friend are A MILLION layers of awesomeness!!! You’ll find a guy who recognizes and worships all those layers as is your right 😀
Mimi @ Culinary Couture says
LOL I would have been like UHHHHH rude. Or made up something like actually my aunt lives there and ive visited her before and stayed there for a couple months, I never forget a face! And if he asked where, I would be like sorry important phone call, see ya tomorrow! That way I’d be in the power position, OH YEAH.
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says
Trust me any man that doesn’t appreciate a women as rocking as you deserves to get smack in the back of his head. No Seven Layer Bar Cupcakes for him!
Jessica@AKitchenAddiction says
This frosting is incredible! I would have a hard time saving it for the cupcakes!
Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats says
Ohhhh you are brilliant! Any guy should know that after these bars. Oh and Men Suck. Period. Until you find your husband. Well then again he still sucks sometimes 😉 (Hopefully my hubby doesn’t read this) 🙂 PS I’m totally joking mostly I love my husband most of the time!
Kate | Food Babbles says
How rude!! Dating stinks but these cupcakes are amazing! Love that you turned awesome 7-layer bars into crazy god cupcakes. Yum! I need these in my life
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
LOL, really? Weirdo. Gym guys are weird. They’re all sweaty and stuff. And crazy, obvi.
I love how you positioned the cupcake in that last photo. That, like, solves 1,000 of my problems. 🙂
Melanie @ Just Some Salt and Pepper says
He clearly is not worth your time, but I feel your pain. I’m in the same boat.
These cupcakes are such a good idea and they look delicious! I’ll have to bake them next time I have a guy fail.
Julianne @ Beyond Frostimg says
So I totally started reading this story thinking that you were going to talk about your boob falling out while you were planking. Did I or did I not read that on twitter? Or did I just blow the intro to your next post?
I love that you added those ingredients to the cupcake! Isn’t it amazing how a little bit of sweetened condensed milk makes the frosting so amazing? Thanks for linking up my post!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Guys at the gym are just WEIRD, period. Sorry you’re having rough luck though. Ugh!
But these cupcakes would turn it all around for me. Love! 7 layer bars!
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life says
He clearly didn’t understand who you were and how awesome you are! And the sock thing…definitely a deal breaker. Don’t look at him again! Now I’m going back to look at these cupcakes though, because 7 layer in a cupcake form…I die!!! They look incredible girl!
Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says
Holy wow! These cupcakes look beyond amazing! I just want to sneak some of that frosting RIGHT NOW!
Obviously that guy at the gym was a loser as clearly exhibited by his knee socks and his rude comment. Next time you should casually remind him that here in America knee-socks are reserved for field hockey players. Just kidding! You’ll find a sweet guy who treats you right soon!
cquek says
I am totally making these as after school snacks… they are perfect!
Lisa @ Wine & Glue says
Can I say it? Is it wrong to say it? Is your blog to family friendly to say it? I’m going to say it anyway. WHAT A DOUCHE! You rock, which is a given. And you make amazing desserts like this! These look insanely good! Pinning!!!
Heather @ Snookies Cakes says
The gym? What?
At least you got a nice treat afterwards.
Liz says
LOL….socks with sandals – a definite deal breaker! 🙂 As for these cupcakes…..love at first sight! 🙂
Ashley @ Kitchen Meets Girl says
Okay, that guy at the gym? Total loser. But these cupcakes? WINNER!
Megan {Country Cleaver} says
Awkward sock height is a red flag right there!! And so is being a douche. Good riddance. Have a cupcake – it’s nicer and prettier than that guy!!
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Sandra says
Shut the front door. I love anything 7-layer so this will be a must have and make in my life. Love this idea girl! xo
thedomesticrebel says
Same here, San! I adore seven layer bars – there are so many fun and unique combinations of flavors to come up with! Thanks for your sweet comment 🙂 xo!