Thursday, May 29, 2008

Chocolate Cupcakes with Strawberry Chocolate Ganache




Every time I go to Cupcake Bakeshop by Chokylit, I seem to get this little thought process going and before I know it, I'm in the kitchen checking the larder to see if I have enough of all the ingredients to replicate a particular recipe. This time was no different.

Whipping cream - check
strawberries - check
Unsweetened cocoa powder - check
Do I feel like doing this now? Hmmm... - Check
Am I out of my mind? - Check
Am I sorry I made them - abslutely not - except I have to give them away otherwise I'll eat them.

A chocolate cupcake (not from a mix) filled with diced strawberries mixed with chocolate ganache - are you kidding me??? I only wish I could take credit for this invention.

If you haven't visited her blog, do make a point of checking it out. She has amazing recipes on her site and a real flair for artistry.

Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cupcakes

(this makes 8 regular cupcakes)
Preheat oven to 350 F

1/4 c (1/2 stick butter) room temperature
1/2 cup + 2 tbsp sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 cup high quality unsweetened cocoa powder like the Vahlrona brand
1/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp vanilla

1. Beat butter until softened. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes)
2. Add egg and beat until well combined
3. Measure the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cocoa powder into a small sized bowl. Stir to combine.
4. Measure out the milk and vanilla and stir to combine
5. Add about 1/3 of the dry ingredients to the butter/sugar and beat to combine. Add about a half of the milk/vanilla and heat to combine



Strawberry Ganache Filling and Ganache Glaze

4.5 oz (128 g) Valrhona 85% cacoa (or any bittersweet chocolate)
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp vanilla
pinch salt
1/3 cut strawberrries, dice.

1. Chop chocolate and transfer into a heat proof bowl (I used pyrex and it was fine)



2. Heat cream until bubbles form around the edge of the pan, pour cream over the chocolate.
3. Let sit for 1 minute and then stir until combined.


4. Add vanilla and salt. Stir until combined.
5. Divide the ganache in two approximate equal portions. In he first portion, mix in the chopped strawberries. Transfer to refrigerator to chill.
6. Leave the second portion on the counter to cool down. You want the filling to thicke up before the glaze. Once the filling is thick, fill the cupcakes wih it. Then glaze with the glaze. (see assembly instructions below)

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2-3 cups powdered sugar (I used 2)

1. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter at medium speed until creamy
2. Add the milk, vanilla extract and 2 cups of powdered sugar and beat at low speed, occasionally stopping to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, until light and fluffy. Add more powdered sugar to arrive at your desired consistency and sweetness.

Assembly:

1. Fill the cupcakes with the strawberry ganache filling using the cone method.
2. Spoon a tablespoon of glaze on each filled cupcake and smooth



3. Top with buttercream frosting

StumbleUpon

30 comments:

Mike of Mike's Table said...

These look spectacular! And who could say no to chocolate and strawberries? Yum!

OhioMom said...

Oh yeah ... strawberries and chocolate, dynamic duo !

Larissa said...

You keep topping yourself with these baked goodies!

Anonymous said...

Are those gorgeous, or what?! Yum, yum. I'm sure I'd have to give them away as well. . . if any made it that far.

Jersey Girl Cooks said...

These look awesome!

Elly said...

These look perfect! So pretty and no doubt they taste great. I love the strawberry-chocolate combo. Can't go wrong there!

Vicarious Foodie said...

Oh my gosh this sounds so awesome. Chocolate ganache with strawberries . . . wow. I'm speechless.

RecipeGirl said...

You frosted them so prettily! I love the pretzel touch :)

Heather said...

Those look incredibly worth it. All that trouble! Ganache, strawberry filling, all after you've already baked? And you think my food is complicated? :D

I love the decorative touch, too. Very well done.

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

After making and eating Opera cake..I can see my hips expanding just looking at these photos. That buttercream is OH SO good I can't so no to chocolate and strawberries:D

grace said...

just seeing the words strawberry, chocolate, and ganache together revved up my drool-maker. the pictures only made matters worse--they look sensational. :)

Anonymous said...

GAH! This recipe = heaven!

Lot-O-Choc said...

These look so yummy, I love the way youve done the frosting as well! Mmm.

Nic said...

Ooooh, look at that delicious buttercream ribbons on the top of that! These are VERY naughty!

Anonymous said...

Wow, these cupcakess look too delicious to eat! You have some nice pictures. Thanks for leaving a coment at my blog. Can you please send the link to Peanut Butter Boys blogroll? :-)

NĂºria said...

Only by looking at your fantabulous Cupcakes I gained 3 Kilos!!!!! OMG! I could have the whole tray :D

Are you sure you give them all away? ;-)

That Girl said...

chocolate and strawberries?????? Sounds perfect to me.

How To Eat A Cupcake said...

I love Chockylit's blog. I think it was the very first cupcake blog I ever found before I started mine.

Ruth Strong said...

You know I read that thinking do I have all those ingredients too, might just have to make these now!
I absolutely love strawberries and chocolate. these look deliciously delightful!

Anonymous said...

Those cupcakes is super delicious. My oh my ... I'm drooling right now.

Lori said...

Hmmm. they look so cute. I have to say I love her site as well.

You are baking up a storm ladies!

Anonymous said...

Awesome, just awesome! Love em'.

Jessy and her dog Winnie said...

Looks amazing! Beautiful presentation!

Elle said...

Cupcakes scare me. I don't know why, but mine always seem to deflate after cooling. These look so good, and I love the way you've decorated them!

Cakebrain said...

These cupcakes look so decadent! yum!

Rosie said...

Your cupcakes are awesome!! What a great combo, strawberries and chocolate!!

Rosie x

test it comm said...

Those cupcakes look so good with all of that buttercream frosting!

Laura Paterson said...

Please please please tell me you haven't given them all away? Save one for me - I'll be there in time for tea!

This is a whole new level of cupcake!

Deborah said...

All of a sudden, I'm feeling an urge to bake some cupcakes!!

Ruth Strong said...

I just made these!!!! Taking them to youth group now and I'll blog it later tonight!

LinkWithin Related Stories Widget for Blogs
Share/Bookmark