Death by Chocolate Cupcakes

By 1For_Him

Ingredients

• DARK CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES:
• 1/2 cup (1 stick or 115g) unsalted butter
• 2 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate
• 1/2 cup (64g) unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch processed)
• 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour (Using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour is OK. I find the cupcakes to be slightly softer using cake flour.)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature* (Room temperature eggs are required for this recipe. To bring eggs to room temperature quickly, put them in a glass of warm water for 5-10 minutes.)
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk* (If you do not have buttermilk, make your own by mixing 2 teaspoons white vinegar or lemon juice with 1/2 cup milk. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes.)
• DARK CHOCOLATE FROSTING:
• 2 and 3/4 cup (330g) confectioners' sugar
• 2/3 cup (80g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 6 Tablespoons (90g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 6 Tablespoons (95ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup (60g) semi-sweet chocolate chips for decoration, optional

Details

Adapted from sallysbakingaddiction.com

Preparation

Step 1

For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Line a 12-cup cupcake pan with paper liners.

Melt the butter and chocolate together in the microwave. Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring between each time. Stir until smooth and set aside to slightly cool.

In a medium sized bowl, toss the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together until thoroughly combined. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla together until smooth. Add the cooled butter/chocolate and whisk until smooth. Add half of the flour mixture, then half of the buttermilk. Repeat until everything is added. Stir until *just* combined; do not overmix. The batter will be very thick, like pudding.

Divide the batter between 12 liners in your cupcake pan. Bake for 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

For the frosting: sift together the confectioners' sugar and cocoa powder to assure there are no lumps. With stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy - about 2 minutes. Gradually add the sifted sugar/cocoa powder alternately with the heavy cream and vanilla. Beat on low speed after each addition. Once all has been added, beat on high speed until creamy and combined for at least 2 minutes. Add a pinch of salt if frosting is too sweet.

Frost cooled cupcakes and top with chocolate chips as desired. Cupcakes stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days or covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.