FAMOUS CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

Famous Chocolate Cupcakes image

We could tell you this is the best chocolate cupcake you will ever try, or you could serve it at your next holiday event and see for yourself. With its tender texture and perfect, intentional chocolate flavor, it's a classic dessert for casual and elegant affairs. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

4 ounces milk chocolate,chopped
1/4 cup hot water
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup baking cocoa
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
PEANUT BUTTER FROSTING:
1-1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup butter, softened
2-1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
24 miniature peanut butter cups

Steps:

In a small bowl, combine chocolate and hot water. Whisk until smooth. Cool slightly., In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. , Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Whisk buttermilk into chocolate mixture. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture alternately with chocolate mixture, beating well after each addition. Fill paper-lined muffin cups half full. , Bake at 350° for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., For frosting, combine the peanut butter, butter and confectioners' sugar; beat until smooth. Frost cupcakes. Garnish with peanut butter cups.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 332 calories, Fat 20g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 39mg cholesterol, Sodium 250mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (26g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.