Chocolate Cupcakes With Chocolate Frosting

 

Ingredients

cupcakes

1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup hot water
3/4 cup milk
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

chocolate frosting

1 cup unsalted butter
3 tablespoons dark corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 pinch salt
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa, sifted
1 lb confectioners' sugar, sifted
1/2 cup whipping cream
candy sprinkles (optional)

Directions:

• Cupcakes: sift the flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt into the bowl of a heavy mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; add sugar.
• Turn the mixer on low and add, in order; water, milk, eggs, oil and vanilla; scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat on medium, briefly, to achieve a smooth batter. 
• Scoop the batter into muffin tins lines with paper baking cups; each cup should be about half full; slide the tins onto a baking sheet and bake at 325° until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. 
• While cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. 
• Frosting: Cream the butter in the bowl of a mixer, using the paddle attachment; beat in the corn syrup, vanilla and salt. 
• With the machine off, spoon in the cocoa; carefully turn the mixer on low so as to avoid death by cocoa inhalement; do likewise for the sugar, in three parts; last, add the cream then beat until fluffy. 
• When the cupcakes are completely cool, frost generously and shake on some sprinkles if you like.

Read more