Prepare to indulge in the decadence of Dark & Dreamy Double Fudge Cupcakes, a dessert crafted for the ultimate chocolate aficionado. These cupcakes boast a rich, dark chocolate base paired with a silky, luxurious fudge frosting, making them the perfect treat for any celebration or a sumptuous pick-me-up on a lazy afternoon.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 3/4 cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon (170 g) superfine sugar (or regular granulated sugar)
- 1/2 cup (60 g) extra dark or dark Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) hot coffee or boiling water
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 egg, room temperature
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (255 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (125 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1/3 cup (40 g) premium dark cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) hot water
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Generous pinch of salt
- 5 ounces (150 g) premium dark chocolate, melted
Directions
- Cupcake Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 360°F (183°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, suitable for either jumbo or standard sizes.
- Sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot coffee or water, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and egg.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just smooth to avoid overmixing.
- Divide the batter among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for about 23 minutes if using a jumbo muffin tin or 18-20 minutes for standard sizes. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely after baking.
- Frosting Preparation:
- If using a food processor: Blend all frosting ingredients except the melted chocolate until smooth, then incorporate the melted chocolate.
- If using a mixer: Beat the butter until fluffy. Sift in the sugar and cocoa, then gradually mix in hot water, sour cream, vanilla, and salt. Finally, add the melted chocolate and beat until the frosting is smooth and glossy.
- Decorating:
- Fill a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip with the frosting. Pipe generous swirls onto each cooled cupcake.
- Embellish with your favorite sprinkles or chocolate shavings for an extra festive touch.
Tips
- Sugar Choice: Superfine sugar dissolves more easily, ensuring a smoother cupcake texture.
- Cocoa Selection: For a deeper chocolate flavor, opt for extra dark cocoa powder.
- Ingredient Temperature: Ingredients should be at room temperature to ensure they mix evenly and produce a smooth batter.
Conclusion
Dark & Dreamy Double Fudge Cupcakes offer a profound chocolate experience that’s both satisfying and sophisticated. Each bite marries the intense flavor of dark chocolate with the creamy richness of fudge frosting, making these cupcakes not just a dessert but a decadent escape for the senses. Whether serving at a party or enjoying as a personal treat, these cupcakes are sure to delight anyone with a penchant for chocolate.