Sunday, February 7, 2010

Chocolate Buttermilk Cupcakes


My bloggy friend, Kim, from The Ungourmet, is a cupcake and muffin maven.  Honestly, she's got it all  and is such an inspiration to me. Every time I see one of her posts, I think, "I have must do this!"  And then I chicken out.  I have a shameful past.

I can't tell you the last time I made cupcakes.  I love the idea, that single serving cakelet all to myself, with all the frosting and goodness of a slice of cake.  Except cupcakes are tactile ~ I can eat it with my hands, grins.  That is, unless you've had one of my earlier cupcakes.  Dry, dry, dry and disappointing overall; I understood why people wanted a glass of milk.  With my cupcakes, you needed  several glasses of milk.  That's the honest truth. So I gave up on cupcakes.  And then I tried this recipe from Food Network TV.  My mind is changed.  My cooking horizons have been opened.  I can make cupcakes that are actually, well, in a word, wonderful!

By all rights these were going to be ganache covered, creamed filled, chocolate cupcakes. I wanted the cake recipe but was going to swap out the cream filling from another; I didn't want to use all that corn syrup.   Someone (who shall remain nameless) left two swirls of the marshmallow fluff  I needed as an ingredient for the filling, leading me to believe I had a full jar.  Since I was making these for Mr. Nameless because he's the chocolate lover, and because he was the one who was giving me the big pleading blue eyes, and because the cupcakes were already made, I decided to just frost them and save the cream filled ones for another day. 

 

Moist, fluffy, and chocolaty delicious.  

Chocolate Buttermilk Cupcakes
(from the Foodnetwork TV)

1 1/4 cupcs cake flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder***
1/2 teaspoon salt
10 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup strong coffee, hot

Generously grease a 12-cup muffin-cupcake tin and set aside (or use paper liners). I found that I made 12 standard sized cupcakes and had enough  remaining batter  to make 3 super-sized cupcakes.  Preheat over to 350*F. 

Sift the flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt together three times.  Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together at high speed for 15 seconds.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated. Continue beating until light and fluffy, about 6 minutes more.

With the mixer on its lowest setting, beat in a third of the flour mixture.

Beat in the buttermilk and vanilla, then another third of the flour.

Beat in the coffee and then the remaining flour.

Fill the cups of the muffin tin two-thirds full and bake for 15 minutes, or until the centers spring back when lightly pressed and a cake tester comes out clean. Set the pan on a rack to cool.

Remove cupcakes from tin before frosting, and frost as desired.

***I was working with two recipes simultaneously, and they were quite similar in ingredients, forgot where I was supposed to be looking and inadvertently added 1/2 teaspoon baking powder instead of 1/4 teaspoon called for in the original recipe.  No way to take it out so I forged ahead.  Fortunately, it worked just fine.




This time I swapped heavy cream for the milk in the original recipe.  Add additional cream as necessary to make a desirable spreading consistency and don't be afraid to beat this well.  It makes for a luscious, creamy frosting and is a dream to pipe.

61 comments:

  1. Chocolate cupcakes are rough. The cocoa powder tends to dry things out. My secret to moist chocolate - sour cream. Works every time.

    They look delicious either way!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I really love this and the frosting is so beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  3. These cupcakes look absolutely perfect and the frosting looks so light and fluffy! I am going to try this recipe!

    My kids do that same thing, leaving just a bit of something in the bottom of the jar or bag. Grrrr!

    Thanks so much for the kind words and linky love. I love coming over to your blog, too. I know I've said this before, but coming over here makes me feel like I'm sitting down in the kitchen with a dear friend. :)

    Have a wonderful day, Katy.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Dear. Let me post my son's comment first, he said tell aunty they look so yummy that I want to eat them from the picture.
    Genuinely dear I have been drooling over those lacy cupcakes. I have loved your recipe and I always use oil and yogurt in mine and they turn out just fine.

    ReplyDelete
  5. My kids are ready to jump in the computer screen for one of these cupcakes Katy!!! They are beautiful. I can't imagine anything chocolate tasting any less than perfection :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh, how beautiful those cupcakes are. I've always wanted to try to frost cupcakes like that but I'm intimidated by all that. Beautiful job, Katy.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Perfect cupcakes.... just love the color of the cakes.... I am sure this would taste heavenly...

    ReplyDelete
  8. The beauty of the cupcakes caught me. Stunning, Katy, stunning.

    I bet the Mr. liked them for the taste more than the beauty.

    ReplyDelete
  9. They look great Katy! I just made a sour cream chocolate cake this morning. I love trying all different chocolate cake recipes. You had me cracking up when you said how dry your cupcakes had been in the past. Oh I can relate!!! Those look terrific though!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Gosh Katy...that is some great shot you took there! That pic a day is paying off...you are really getting to be such an expert! Lovely. Now...down to serious business...the recipe. Looks like a great one to keep and that frosting is really scrumptious as we witnessed in your post on the lovely cake. I can't believe you did not make cupcakes that were out of this world. But I know I know, I have a few of those 'don't touch again' items too....until the right recipe comes along. Happy Sunday Katy dear.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh my gosh... your cupcakes look heavenly. Too tempting to have around my house right now though but they definitely are making my mouth water. Yum.

    ReplyDelete
  12. These look fantabulous! I can never pipe on frosting like that..mine ends up looking like a giant blob of a mess..lol Well done!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Beautiful job, they look perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Yummy cup cake Katy...liked the swirl piping ,so perfect...

    ReplyDelete
  15. These are just perfectly gorgeous cupcakes! :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. These cupcakes are gorgeous, and the frosting is perfect, I love the swirl piping. The last picture , wowwww what a shot! Speechless.
    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow. Those look AMAZING. You frosted them beautifully too! Chocolate cupcakes are my absolute favorite dessert food. I usually make an Ina Garten recipe, but I will have to try this one next time.

    ReplyDelete
  18. They look awesome! I love cupcakes - never was one for them before, but I fell in love with the fact they were easier to serve than cake!

    ReplyDelete
  19. oh my goodness, i don't think i've ever seen anything so tempting! these are to die for katy!

    ReplyDelete
  20. My mouth is seriously watering over those cupcakes. I'm off sweets until 2/17 so may try them after that. I'm glad you found a recipe that worked out for you. :O)

    ReplyDelete
  21. That's too funny about needing a glass of milk - but these look ever so good! I left a little something for you on my blog - stop by when you get a minute and pick it up!
    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  22. These turned out perfect Katy! They look so rich and moist and delicious. A chocolate dream!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Those are beautiful and look delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Oh Katy! These look incredible....that frosting, that picture...ah! Heaven!

    ReplyDelete
  25. These look sensational, and that chocolate frosting looks heavenly. I still want the glass of milk (although for another reason...the kid in me).

    ReplyDelete
  26. The cupcakes look fabulous - I agree that a good, moist cake (or cupcake) recipe is hard to find! Looks like you hit the goldmine with these!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I too, am always so impressed by Kim's cupcake/muffin combos with frosting or icing. I practically drool over them.

    These chocolate cupcakes look wonderful. I'm the chocolate lover in this house, so I'd probably devour 2 or 3...before noon. lol.

    So frustrating when you think that you have an ingredient and it's not really there. My husband and kiddos are always swiping my goods from the fridge and pantry. Ugh.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I have a weakness for cakes, these cupcakes are absolutely droolicious!

    My first time here, truly, your blog is a treasure trove!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Such gorgeous cupcakes and your frosting looks super light and delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Katy - thank you for your sweet thoughts on my blog. I know your policy on awards, but I just wanted you to know you are appreciated! Thank you for sharing your world with us!
    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  31. Katy....your cupcakes look SO yummy! Almost too pretty to eat....you notice I said almost?...I don't think I could resist walking by the plate without snitching one! :)
    I should give cupcakes a whirl again..I so stink at making them and having them look nice.
    I need to do some catch-up reading here...you've posted SO MANY wonderful dishes.

    ReplyDelete
  32. yum yum...I too have been intimidated to making a "great" cupcake...yours look so delicious! I am going to have to give it another try too!! Blessing, K

    ReplyDelete
  33. wow wow.....I just can't take my eyes off from the screen! The frosting is perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I hope mr. nameless learned a lesson! Your cupcakes are absolutely beautiful!!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. I have the same problem with dry cupcakes. I'm definitely trying this recipe next time! They look scrumptious!

    ReplyDelete
  36. These are gorgeous cupcakes, Katy! I love the way you make the frosting so pretty, just wish I could reach through the screen and grab one, or TWO, hehehe.
    I think buttermilk adds moisture to baked goods, so I love to use it for that reason. Wonderful job and an A+ to you!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Perfect choclte cupcakes.i will bookmark this for sure.:)

    ReplyDelete
  38. Sooo soft and moist choc cup cakes...

    ReplyDelete
  39. I have such a hard time with cakes too, but my 12-year-old daughter is bound and determined to master them. She makes us homemade cake once a week, trying a new recipe every time. I think I'll hand her this one for next week!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Oh my goodness, Katy. I too would like to put my wanting hands right through my screen and grab one. They look heavenly!!! Thank you so much for sharing...

    ReplyDelete
  41. Oh Katy - I'd take two - one for each hand. And have frosting on my face and crumbs down my shirt. They are worth the calories! I think you have overcome any cupcake challenges you had before!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Wish I had one of those right now. What size tip did you use for the icing? Thanks for another great recipe.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Gorgeous cupcakes. You used both buttermilk and coffee, two things I think are a must for good chocolate cake. What a beautiful plate you have them on.
    Mimi

    ReplyDelete
  44. That frosting look uh-mazing. I so wish I had one of those in front of me right now!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Very well done, looks so beautiful i am wishing if they will come true off the screen.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Thank you everyone for your wonderful comments. I feel that I have found the "perfect" chocolate cupcake.

    Peggy Clyde, the tip I used was a Wilton 2D, I think it was one of the largest stars tip I could find. You can use a smaller tip, but you'd have to make more swirls. With this, I think it was just three or four turns of the cupcake.

    Hugs, Katy

    ReplyDelete
  47. Woo hoo! I'm your new follower. The chocolate buttermilk cupcakes sold me ;).

    ReplyDelete
  48. Your cupcakes look moist and the frosting so light and fluffy. I would love a hot cup of coffee with one of your cipcakes. Coffee really intensifies the flavor of chocolate.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Oh my Katy these look fantastic, I'm absolutely loving the look of that frosting sitting so proud on those cuppies, FANTASTIC!!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Well done, Katy! Finally....! What to worry about? The cupcakes look great. You should make them more often Have a nice day!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Those look perfect and wonderful. I'll bet the coffee in there gives it a nice something different.

    ReplyDelete
  52. They do look wonderful Katy.

    I am taking a Wilton baking class. I am using this opportunity to find the perfect chocolate cake. I think I need to try this one. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Wow, wow, wow! Those cupcakes look incredible!

    ReplyDelete
  54. So wonderful cuppys Katy...u have so muc of delicious recipes up here and have been late in coming over to drool maybe i jus need to add u to my reader so that i miss none of ur fantastic posts on ur lovely blog....

    LOVE IS IN THE AIR,SO IS ROMANCE,WISH YA LOADS OF IT@ 365

    ReplyDelete
  55. these are gorgeous looking cupcakes.
    looks delicious...
    thanks for visiting and leaving a sweet comment on my blog which brought me here...

    ReplyDelete
  56. Wow! These are so my kind of cupcakes, and the frosting is not only beautiful but looks so luscious! Great recipe.

    Thanks for being such a wonderful, constant visitor to my blog. Your comments are always really appreciated! And I love everything you cook and bake on yours!

    ReplyDelete
  57. These look wonderfully moist & chocolatey, Katie--how perfect--no fluff filling necessary!

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.