Chocolate Cupcakes with Flaming Strawberries

By

The strawberries are hollowed out and filled with a bit of liquor, then ignited with a match.

Notes for flaming strawberries:

* Any alcohol below 80 proof will not ignite well. I used 80 proof which makes a small blue flame. I've been told that using an over-proof liquor (anything above 100) will give you a real fire, or a full yellow flame.

* You can add a little sugar to the inside of the strawberry to sweeten things up. However, the flame seems to last longer without the addition of sugar.

* Make sure to use a liquor that you like. Vodka is a good choice if you want very little flavor.

* Alcohol evaporates, so light the strawberry soon after you spoon the liquor in.

View complete recipe

  • 20

Ingredients

  • Cupcakes:
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 3/4 cup hot water
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp canola or other vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Frosting:
  • 2 sticks softened butter
  • 4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • Strawberries:
  • 18-24 Strawberries - you'll need as many as you have cupcakes
  • Vodka, rum, or your choice of liquor 80 proof or higher (over-proof such as 110 will give you a yellow flame)

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line muffin tin with cupcake papers and set aside.

Cupcakes:

Sift together cocoa, flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt into a large bowl. Add eggs, water, heavy cream, oil and vanilla. Mix with a hand held mixer until smooth.

Divide batter among muffin cups, filling each half full. Bake for 20 minutes. Let cool before frosting.

Frosting:

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, cream together sugar, cocoa and butter; beginning on low speed then increase to high. Beat until fluffy and lightened in color. Transfer mixture to a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip. Frost cupcakes.

Strawberries:

Hollow the strawberries carefully. If you pierce the side of the strawberry accidentally, start with a new one. Since you'll be setting the liquor aflame, it is important that the strawberry is leak-proof.

View complete recipe