XOXO cupcakes

XOXO cupcakes

 These are amazingly decadent cupcakes! 

Chocolate fudge cake, strawberry whipped cream filling, topped with dark chocolate ganache.  

If you're going to make chocolate cupcakes, they might as well be moist and fudgey right?  And you might as well fill them with a little fruity surprise!  And topping them in ganache not only allows the cute heart shape to be more noticeable, but it is also a super easy and delicious alternative to frosting.

 Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes:

• I used a box of Duncan Hines cake mix and followed their recipe.   I do feel guilty using mixes of any kind, but I don't consider this cheating.  The boxes are way easier and usually taste better than cake from scratch. 

• Bake cupcakes according to the instructions (a toothpick should come out clean when stuck in the middle).
• Let cupcakes cool completely.
• Remove from pan. Cut a small cone from the cakes, not too big or too deep (Make sure the cake is strong enough to hold it's shape)
• Fill the hole with the filling.
• Top entire cupcake with ganache.  Pour small amounts from center outward.  Use just enough so the ganache flows over the sides but doesn't completely cover the sides.  
• Garnish as you like.

Strawberry Whipped Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla 
• Real vanilla beans are always better: cut the bean lengthwise and use a knife to scrape out all the seeds and the good goey stuff.
• 1/2 cup finely chopped strawberries (or as much as you want)
• Optional: 1/3 cup sugar (I omitted this because the cupcakes are sweet enough)

• Whip the cream, vanilla and sugar until it can hold stiff peaks.  Then fold in strawberries.

Dark Chocolate Ganache: 

• 9 ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate (I always like to use Ghiradelli)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Optional: 1 tablespoon dark rum

• Place chocolate in a bowl and set aside.
• Heat cream in small saucepan.  Bring just barely to boil.  As soon as it boils, pour over chopped chocolate and whisk until smooth.  
• Add rum if desired.  
• Let the ganache cool slightly before using.  Don't feel rushed, it will take a while to stiffen up.
• The ganache will harden slightly, but it will stay shiny.
• You can also let it thicken up and then whip it to create a fluffy frosting or filling.

 

Strawberry Garnish: 

•  (Making "x"s and "o"s was my sisters awesome idea)
• The "O"s are just slices.
• The "X"s start as slices and are then cut in half to make two half circles.  Then cut a notch out of the top of one and the bottom of another so they fit together and make an "X".
• I also shaved a chocolate bar to top several cupcakes.

 

Warning: You must love chocolate to enjoy these cupcakes!