1/2cupVERY hot coffee OR hot water (I prefer just boiled water or coffee here)
1stick unsalted butter, cut into small cubes and brought to room temperature
1/2cupsemi-sweet chocolate chips
2large eggs + 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
1cupgranulated sugar
1teaspoonvanilla
3/4cup+ 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, not packed
1/2teaspoonbaking soda
1teaspoonbaking powder
1/2cupunsweetened cocoa powder
1/2teaspoonsalt
1/2cupfull-fat sour cream
2tablespoonscoconut OR canola oil
For the Fudgy Buttercream:
1stick unsalted butter
3cupsconfectioners sugar
3/4cupunsweetened cocoa powder
2tablespoonssour cream
3tablespoonshalf and half (this is sold in the dairy aisle in most stores)
1/4teaspoonsalt
1/2teaspoonvanilla
Instructions
For the Cupcakes:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F). Line a 12-cup cupcake/muffin tin with cupcake liners and lightly spray the liners with non-stick spray (optional but it does help them peel right off).
In a large bowl combine the hot liquid (coffee or water) with the softened cubes of butter and chocolate, whisk vigorously until completely combined. *The chocolate and butter need to be completely melted into the liquid before moving onto the next step.
Whisk in the eggs and yolk, one at a time, then whisk in the sugar and vanilla.
Place a fine-mesh strainer over the wet ingredients and to it add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt; stir together and allow it to fall into the wet ingredient - you're basically sifting the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir with rubber spatula until *just combined.
Add the sour cream and oil and fold into the batter, stirring until combined.
Divide the batter among the 12 liners in your prepared pan, filling each cup 3/4 of the way full. Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool *completely before frosting.
For the Fudgy Buttercream:
Sift together the confectioners sugar and cocoa powder, whisking well to ensure it's bump and lump free!
Using a handheld mixer OR a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until creamy; about 2 minutes.
Reduce speed to low and slowly add the sifted sugar/cocoa powder, alternating with the sour cream and half and half, then add the vanilla and salt. Once all of the ingredients have been added, beat on high speed until light and creamy and combined; beat for at least 1 minute on high.
Frost cooled cupcakes and top with any decorations if desired.
Cupcakes stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Tried it and loved it?Snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @Bakerbynature and by using the hashtag #BakerByNature