Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter softened (85g)
- 3/4 cup sugar (150g)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (50g)
- 1 large egg room temperature preferred
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (150g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk room temperature referred (175ml)
- Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (170g)
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature (226g)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (320g)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons heavy cream (30ml)
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line a 12-count muffin tin with paper liners. Set aside.
Combine butter and sugars in the bowl of a stand mixer (or in a large bowl -- and use an electric hand mixer) and beat on medium speed until well combined and light and fluffy.
Add egg, beat well.
Stir in vanilla extract.
In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Remove butter/sugar mixture from stand mixer and use a spatula to gradually fold in about 1/4 of the flour mixture until just combined.
Add about 1/4 cup of the buttermilk and use spatula to fold in until just combined.
Continue to alternate until flour mixture and buttermilk are completely combined -- be sure not to over-mix.
Fill cupcake liners 2/3-3/4 of the way full with batter and bake on 350F (175C) for 18 minutes or until tops spring back when gently touched.
Allow cupcakes to cool completely in pans before frosting.
Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave chocolate chips at 15 second intervals, stirring between intervals, until chips are completely melted. Set aside and allow to cool slightly (about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally).
Cream room temperature butter with an electric mixer. Stir in slightly cooled chocolate and beat well.
Gradually add sugar, scraping down the sides and bottom of bowl occasionally.
Sprinkle in salt and vanilla extract, stir well.
Gradually add heavy cream, increase speed to high and beat for 1 minute, pausing halfway through to scrape down sides of bowl.
Spoon frosting into a piping bag fitted with tip of choice (I used a large French tip) and pipe on cooled cupcakes.