PEANUT BUTTER CUPCAKES WITH CHOCOLATE GANACHE ICING

Steps:

• Preparing the cupcakes:.
• Preheat oven to 375.
• Line a muffin tin with paper cups or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
• Cream the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla in a large bowl until well mixed.
• Gradually add the sugar to the mixture, beating until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
• Add eggs one at a time, beating until incorporated.
• In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together.
• In three alternating batches, add the sifted ingredients and the milk to the batter.
• Scrape down the sides of the bowl in between additions.
• Beat until incorporated.
• Fill the paper cups until just below the rim.
• Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into cupcakes comes out clean.
• Do not overbake, check after 15 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring cupcakes to wire racks to cool completely.
• Preparing the icing:.
• Place the chocolate in a medium bowl and set aside.
• In a heavy 1 quart saucepan, using a wooden spoon, combine the cream, butter, and corn syrup and cook over medium heat until hot but not boiling (little beads will form on the sides of the pot).
• Pour the cream over the chocolate and stir until blended.
• Let the ganache cool for 15-20 minutes.
• One by one, carefully dip the top of each cupcake into the ganache.
• Let the excess ganache drip off before flipping the cupcakes to an upright position.
• If you prefer a traditional frosting, once the frosting has reached room temperature, cover and refridgerate for 30-45 minutes.
• Remove, uncover and whip until creamy.