Wednesday, June 22, 2011

ChOcOlAtE StRaWbErRy Cupcakes!!!!

Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes



I had a blast making these little guys - we were going on a spring picnic and I wanted something that was light and refreshing but also CHOCOLATE! Strawberries are so fresh right now that i knew i had to include them somehow in this recipe and adding them as a garnish was just enough as they pack a powerful flavor - I would recommend holding off on adding the strawberries until right before serving as they will not last for more than two days - fresh is always best in my mind!!! ENJOY! If you try these let me know i would love to hear your feedback!

Ingredients


1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup buttermilk

Frosting of your choice (see recipe below - Love this recipe so easy to make)

Directions

In a small bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture alternately with water and buttermilk, beating well after each addition.

Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 375° for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Frost cupcakes. Yield: 16 cupcakes
 
Frosting:
1 stick Butter unsalted
2/3 Cup Hershey's Cocoa
3 Cups Powdered Sugar
1/3 Cup Milk
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
 
Melt butter and stir in cocoa mixing until combined and even consistency. Alternate adding in the powdered sugar with the milk. Beat on medium speed (also mixing by hand is fine too) If you need more milk feel free to add or vice verse with the powdered sugar! Then add vanilla (i always add a little more than required to give it a boost). Then i load in a baking bag and pipe onto the cooled cupcakes then cut and slice the strawberries. I garnished these with white bakers chocolate and gave it a nice little bonus - the white shavings also give a little something extra. Then place the strawberries on top and SERVE! These are so yummy!