Description
Craving a delightful blend of rich chocolate and tangy raspberry? Look no further than these delectable Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes. Perfect for special occasions or whenever your sweet tooth calls, this recipe combines moist chocolate cupcakes with a luscious raspberry chocolate ganache filling and a fluffy raspberry buttercream frosting. Let’s dive into the culinary adventure!
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cupcakes:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon (25g) Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp espresso powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup (56g) softened, unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated white sugar
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup (61g) sour cream, at room temperature
For the Raspberry Chocolate Ganache:
- 4 oz (113g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoon (90ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (85g) raspberry preserves
For the Raspberry Buttercream:
- 3/4 cup (168g) unsalted butter, softened
- A pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups (195g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (16g) freeze-dried raspberries, measured then ground
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (85g) raspberry preserves
Instructions
For the Chocolate Cupcakes:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with 12 liners.
- Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder. Set aside.
- Cream together granulated sugar and butter until fluffy. Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla, mixing well.
- Incorporate the milk and sour cream on low speed, then blend in the dry ingredients.
- Fill each cupcake liner ¾ full with batter and bake for 17-20 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
For the Raspberry Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat the heavy cream until steaming. Pour over the chopped chocolate, let sit for 2 minutes, then stir.
- Mix in the raspberry preserves and let cool for 15 minutes before transferring to a piping bag.
For the Raspberry Buttercream:
- Beat the butter and salt until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, then the ground freeze-dried raspberries, raspberry preserves, and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy.
Assembling the Cupcakes:
- Core each cupcake and fill with ganache.
- Pipe raspberry buttercream on top and garnish with a fresh raspberry.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 12 cupcakes
Notes
- Presentation is Key: When serving these Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes, consider placing them on a decorative platter or cake stand to enhance their visual appeal. A sprinkle of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted chocolate over the raspberry buttercream adds a final touch of elegance.
- Ideal Serving Conditions: For the best taste and texture, serve the cupcakes at room temperature. This allows the flavors to fully develop and the frosting to reach its perfect creamy consistency.
- Perfect Pairings: Complement the richness of the cupcakes with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk. The contrast between the chocolate and raspberry flavors creates a harmonious taste experience.
- Storage Guidelines: Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you need to store them for longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving to restore their softness and flavor.
- Freezing Option: If you want to enjoy these cupcakes later, they can be frozen. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and bring them to room temperature before serving.
- Reviving Leftovers: If the cupcakes have lost some of their moisture after storage, revive them by lightly brushing the tops with simple syrup before serving. This will add moisture and freshness back into the cupcakes, making them as delicious as when they were first baked.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes maintain their delightful taste and texture, whether enjoyed immediately or savored over time.
