For as long as I can remember baking has always been one of my favorite loves. My inspiration to bake comes in a variety of ways and from so many places. The idea of inspiration can be complex or as simple as…..
A trip to the farmers market.
Indulging in a bowl of warm bread pudding and a bit of people watching at my favorite bakery cafe.
Flipping through my favorite food magazines.
Soaking up the soothing colors of the ocean, the sky and the sand.
Fresh juicy summer berries and aromatic autumn spices.
And, of course, I never cease to be amazed by reading your lovely blogs.
These cupcakes were inspired by my boyfriend Dave, a truly sweet and gifted soul, who also happens to be a constant source of inspiration for me. A deep chocolate cake topped with a creamy caramel buttercream, this is a decadent combination for a very special occasion.
Happy Birthday Dave!
Chocolate Chocolate Cupcakes
Adapted from- Baking From My Home to Yours, Dorie Greenspan
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 stick (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 oz bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled
Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Fit the 12 molds in a regular-size muffin pan with paper muffin cups, or butter them with flour and tap out the excess.
Whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Working with a stand mixer, preferably fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the butter at medium speed until soft and creamy. Add the sugar and beat for about 2 minutes, until it is blended into the butter. Add the egg, then the yolk, beating 1 minute after each addition and scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Beat in the vanilla, then reduce the mixer speed to low and add half the dry ingredients, mixing only until they disappear. Scrape down the bowl and add the buttermilk, mixing until incorporated, then mix in the remaining dry ingredients. Scrape down the bowl, add the melted chocolate and mix it in with the rubber spatula. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin molds.
Caramel Buttercream
Adapted from Martha Stewart
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
These are pretty inspiring! I’m always amazed by the things that inspire me. Like you, my inspiration comes from all over. Sometimes in the most random of times. Then when I get an idea in my head, it doesn’t leave until I make the recipe.
Oh my goodness. We just had the most incredible birthday cake from Arizemendi’s – chocolate with salted caramel frosting, and this reminds me of it. If I can still pause and think fondly of that cake 2 weeks later, I see me getting in serious trouble with this one. Happy Birthday Dave indeed – you are a lucky fellow.
These cupcakes look so cute! You did an amazing job
Thanks everyone!
Those are truly gorgeous…and perfect too! Happy belated birthday to Dave! The caramel inspiration just rocks Lisa!
Happy Birthday to Dave! Gorgeous cupcakes! If I were caramel frosting I would be inspired to be on a chocolate cupcake.
Beautiful cup cakes! I think Dave deserve the best since he is the source of your inspiration. Happy birthday to your friend Dave.
I’m sure he had a wonderful b-day with these cupcakes!
These look like a real treat. I love baking too, but we don’t eat cakes that much, so I always have to find (very happy) volunteers! I have been meaning to make American buttercream for ages, but I feel it is a bit too much to put on top of an “innocent” cupcake. Then again, that is the whole point…. especially if you are making decadent ones!
awww. happy birthday dave! what gorgeous cupcakes and i’m totally loving caramel buttercream
x
Caramel buttercream frosting. Sounds great!! Cupcakes look luscious. Happy b’day Dave.
That looks absoultely delicious! I love how all the swirls are perfect, and the colour sprinkles are simple but adds a great touch. I must find an excuse to try out this combination of flavours!
Very pretty. My girls would LOVE these.
Happy Birthday to Dave:-)
Ooh, I’ve never tried caramel buttercream before, but I imagine it’s amazing!
Happy birthday, Dave!
Those cupcakes are so cute and look delicious!
Happy birthday to Dave! These scrumptious cupcakes are a perfect way to celebrate! The caramel buttercream sounds amazing!
Love the treat AND inspiration
those little cup cakes are sooo pretty lisa!! i rili want to have some
my kids vud love them!!
cheers!!
Those looka so pretty and delicious! Fantastic!
Cheers,
Rosa
I never made a caramel frosting…..these look beautiful.