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Death by Chocolate Cupcakes

Indulge in these deeply chocolatey cupcakes filled with rich ganache and topped with smooth buttercream frosting, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 52 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the ganache filling
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2/3 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 Tbsp light corn syrup (optional)
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 tsp fine salt
For the chocolate simple syrup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 Tbsp dark or Dutch processed cocoa powder
For the cupcakes
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup dark or Dutch processed cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp instant espresso or coffee (optional)
For the buttercream frosting
  • 1/4 cup dark or milk chocolate chips (melted) For topping
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp fine salt
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream For frosting

Method
 

Prepare Ganache Filling
  1. Heat heavy cream and pour over chocolate chips. Let sit and stir until smooth. Mix in butter and salt, then cool.
Prepare Simple Syrup
  1. Boil water and sugar, add cocoa, and cool.
Bake Cupcakes
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line muffin pan with cupcake liners.
  2. In one bowl, mix dry ingredients; in another, whisk wet ingredients. Combine and fill liners.
  3. Bake for 20–22 minutes. Cool.
Prepare Frosting
  1. Beat butter until smooth, mix in cocoa, vanilla, and salt. Gradually add powdered sugar and cream until desired consistency.
Assemble Cupcakes
  1. Poke holes in baked cupcakes and brush with simple syrup. Fill with ganache and top with buttercream.
  2. Decorate with ganache as desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee or milk. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature, up to 5 days in the refrigerator, or freeze unfrosted for up to 3 months.