Chocolate Cupcakes

I think sometimes the simple, classic desserts are the best. Don’t get me wrong - I think that eccentric, unique flavors have a time and place but when you want to create something that can be enjoyed by everyone (unless they hate chocolate, which is just blasphemy I say) the classics are the way to go.

 

I made these cupcakes last year. In fact, I think that they were one of the first cupcakes I did that wasn’t for a class. The recipe is a simple doctored up chocolate cake recipe with a simple, very tasty chocolate buttercream. When it comes to chocolate buttercream this is my go-to recipe. It is light, smooth and heaven on the tongue. It also doesn’t get hard, crusty like other buttercreams.

Doctoring up a cake mix is just adding extra ingredients to a cake mix. The cake mix just gives you a base and you go from there. Some people add sour cream, more sugar, pudding, flavorings or Dream Whip to just name a few. I personally have had luck with this method more times than not but I do try baking from scratch as well.

Cupcakes

1 box of chocolate cake mix

Mix the ingredients as stated on the box (oil and eggs)

1 box of chocolate cake mix

Mix the ingredients as stated on the box (oil and eggs)

Add 1 cup of sour cream

Add 1 cup of sugar

Add 1 cup of flour

Generous dash of salt

1 tablespoon of vanilla extract

Mix everything together and pour in a prepared cupcake pan. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or the time stated on the box and depending on how your oven works. When the tops spring back when touched then you will know that the cupcakes are done. Take the cupcakes out and put them on a cooling rack to cool before icing.

This is the type of icing that I can eat right out of the bowl. Its just that good. I don’t remember where I got the recipe, most likely from the Wilton forums or from Cake Central but you have to give it a try.

Chocolate Buttercream

 

3/4 cup Crisco

3/4 cup butter, softened

1 1/4 cups cocoa

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

2 lbs powdered sugar

1/2 cup of water or less depending on how thick or thin you want your icing

Beat the Crisco and butter together with the paddle attachment for your mixer. Add the cocoa. Mix again until the cocoa is all incorporated. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and most of the water. Beat at medium speed for a few minutes.