Ultimate Death By Chocolate Cupcakes
Ingredients:
For the cupcakes:
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
2 large eggs
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
⅓ cup vegetable oil
½ cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup hot water or freshly brewed hot coffee
¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
For the chocolate ganache filling:
4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
½ cup heavy cream
For the chocolate buttercream:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup heavy cream (add more if needed)
Optional: ½ cup melted and cooled dark chocolate for extra richness
Instructions:
1. Make the Cupcakes:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with liners.
In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
Slowly mix in the dry ingredients. Add hot water or coffee last and stir until fully combined.
Fold in chocolate chips or chunks.
Fill cupcake liners ¾ full and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before filling or frosting.
2. Make the Ganache Filling:
Heat heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Let cool slightly until thickened but still pourable.
3. Make the Buttercream:
Beat butter until creamy and smooth.
Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, and mix slowly at first.
Add vanilla and cream, beating on high until fluffy.
For extra chocolate intensity, beat in the melted chocolate.
4. Assemble:
Cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake and fill with cooled ganache.
Pipe or spread buttercream on top.
Garnish with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or a drizzle of ganache.