This Valentines Day treat your sweetie to a Valentines Day cupcake that shows your love from the first bite. You know what I always say, butter him up with buttercream! If the saying is true, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach…” then I think these will do the trick! Rich chocolate cake is topped with a fudge-like chocolate frosting that is perfect for the chocolate lover in your life. Trade in that boring box of chocolates this year and bake something sweet, with that secret ingredient, love.
Every holiday, especially Valentines Day, I love to bake homemade gifts because I really think that people appreciate them so much more than something store bought. There really is a sprinkle of love baked into each gift. Also who dosen’t LOVE cupcakes. As much as I love a fancy box of chocolates, I would totally prefer a box of cupcakes! They’re a fun treat to bring into school with the kids, to bake for your significant other or better yet, make them for yourself, because we all need a little love.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick or 115g) unsalted butter
- 2 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate
- 1/2 cup (42g) unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch processed)
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour*
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature*
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk*
DARK CHOCOLATE FROSTING
- 2 and 3/4 cup (330g) confectioners’ sugar
- 2/3 cup (80g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 Tablespoons (90g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 6 Tablespoons (95ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Valentine sprinkles for decoration
Directions:
- For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Line a 12-cup cupcake/muffin pan with cupcake liners. Set aside.
- Melt the butter and chocolate together in the microwave. Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring between each time. You may also melt the butter and chocolate over low heat on the stovetop. Stir until smooth and set aside to slightly cool.
- In a medium sized bowl, toss the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together until thoroughly combined. Set aside. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla together until smooth. Add the cooled butter/chocolate and whisk until smooth. Add half of the flour mixture, then half of the buttermilk. Repeat until everything is added. Stir until *just* combined; do not overmix. The batter will be very thick like pudding.
- Fill the cupcake liners 2/3 of the way full with batter. Bake for 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting: sift together the confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder to assure there are no lumps. Set aside. With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy – about 2 minutes. Gradually add the sifted sugar/cocoa powder alternately with the heavy cream and vanilla. Beat on low speed after each addition. Once all added, beat on high speed until creamy and combined for at least 2 minutes. Add a pinch of salt if frosting is too sweet.
- Frost cooled cupcakes and top with chocolate chips as desired. Cupcakes stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Store covered in the refrigerator is desired for up to 1 week.
