Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Butterceam

Now, this recipe did not come from one of our cupcake battles, but its too good not to share with you. The cupcake is moist and fudgey and the buttercream is sweet and rich. Hope you enjoy! - Remi

Chocolate Cupcakes
     *Yields about 3 1/2 dozen cupcakes


Ingredients:


2 cups sugar
1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder (Dutch Processed is best)
1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil 
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water


Instructions: 


1. Pre heat the oven at 350F


2. Sift the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a large bowl


3. In a mixer beat the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla on medium speed (around 3 minutes)


4. When the wet mixture is sufficiently beaten, add in the dry mixture in roughly four parts (mix slowly to avoid splatter)


5.  Add the boiling water and mix on low (the batter will be very thin)


6. pour the batter in the cupcake tin and bake for 20-25 minutes


** 22 minutes was best 


Vanilla Buttercream


Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter
3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream

Instructions:

1.Beat butter for a few minutes with a mixer with the paddle attachment on medium speed

2.  Add 3 cups of powdered sugar and turn your mixer on the lowest speed (so the sugar doesn’t blow everywhere) until the sugar has been incorporated with the butter

3.  Increase mixer speed to medium and add vanilla extract, salt,  and 2 tablespoons of milk/cream and beat for for 3 minutes. 

** If you prefer the frosting to be thicker or sweeter, add the remaining sugar 

 Enjoy!