Description
Delight in these rich and moist Chocolate Cupcakes topped with a refreshing and tangy Blackberry Buttercream. Perfectly balanced with sweet cocoa and vibrant berries, this recipe combines classic baking with a flavorful, fruity frosting to create an irresistible dessert ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 2 1/2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 6 tablespoons unbleached flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 + 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
Blackberry Buttercream
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 drop almond extract
- Handful clean blackberries (12-15 berries)
- 1/4 teaspoon lime zest
- Lime juice, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with 4 paper liners arranged along the outside edge.
- Melt Chocolate and Oil: Place the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and canola oil in a medium bowl. Melt together in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each until fully melted. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Once the chocolate-oil mixture is cooled, whisk in the sugar and vanilla extract until well blended and smooth.
- Incorporate the Egg: Add the large egg to the mixture and whisk thoroughly to combine.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the unbleached flour and baking powder. Add this dry mix to the chocolate mixture and stir until just blended.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove and let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Buttercream: Gather all buttercream ingredients before starting.
- Beat Butter and Flavors: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter, almond extract, and lime zest together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter mixture, beating well to combine and achieve a fluffy texture.
- Incorporate Blackberries: Add the blackberries and beat vigorously to break them up and incorporate into the buttercream. For a smoother frosting without seeds, mash and strain the berries before adding.
- Add Lime Juice and Chill: Adjust the frosting sweetness by adding lime juice to taste. For best flavor and texture, chill the buttercream in the refrigerator for a few hours before spreading on the cooled cupcakes.
Notes
- Ensure the chocolate mixture is cooled before adding the egg to prevent cooking it.
- For seedless buttercream, mash and strain blackberries before adding to the frosting.
- Chilling the frosting enhances its flavor and texture before application.
- Use fresh clean blackberries for best taste and color in the buttercream.
- The cupcake pan is lined with only 4 liners along the edge to ensure even baking and presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American