After being hit hard with a food borne illness a few weeks ago I needed a task to help cheer me up. So what better way to get past feeling ill than by making cupcakes. I have a slight obsession with cupcakes, you can ask my family. I found this recipe on Pinterest one day and decided to give it a try. All of my test subjects gave me rave reviews so I decided to share it with you!
When I say rave reviews, my mom told me I should sell my half of the cows and start baking cupcakes from scratch. But do not fret friends, I am not going anywhere. My feet are still firmly planted on the farm. Back to the recipe, it is completely from scratch, but don’t let that scare you. It is not difficult and honestly, I was done frosting and everything in two and a half hours.
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 heaping Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
- 2 sticks unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 sticks butter, melted
- 4 heaping Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
- 6 Tablespoons buttermilk (or milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups confectioners sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- Begin by preheating the over to 350 degrees and line a muffin pan with paper liners and set aside. In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, and salt; set aside. In a microwave safe bowl, melt butter. Stir in cocoa powder and boiling water and mix. Add to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- In a small bowl combine buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla and whisk. Stir into the chocolate/flour mixture and mix until fully incorporated. Fill prepared muffin pan and baking for 18-20 minutes. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- While the cupcakes are baking, it's time to make the icing. Melt butter in a saucepan and once melted pour it into a large mixing bowl. Add in the cocoa powder, buttermilk and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth then add in confectioners sugar and pecans if you wish.
- For nut allergies: Just do not use the pecans or simply put them on top and save the extra frosting just in case.
