Grandpa Joe's favorite
Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes

Grazie mille to Ina Garten for this wonderful creation!

About this recipe

Normally, I am not a big fan of cupcakes.  For some reason, however, this particular recipe caught my eye many years ago.  These cupcakes, you will discover if you try them, are just different than all others.  They are decadently rich and chocolatey, and about as moist and delicious as anything can be. 

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
  • 16 ounces chocolate syrup
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 5 ounces all-purpose flour
  • 4 ounces heavy cream
  • 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules

Directions

  1. Line a muffin pan with 12 paper liners, or grease a non-stick pan with unsalted butter.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment  until light and fluffy. 
  3. Add the eggs, 1 at a time. 
  4. Mix in the chocolate syrup and vanilla. 
  5. Add  the flour and mix until just combined.  Don't over beat, or the cupcakes will be tough.
  6. Scoop the batter into the muffin cups and bake for 30 minutes in a preheated 325° F oven, or until  just set in the middle.  Don't over bake!  Let the cupcakes cool thoroughly in the pan.
  7. For the ganache, bring the heavy cream to a boil, remove from the heat and pour over the chocolate chips and instant coffee.  Let the mixture stand for one minute.  Gently mix to combine thoroughly.
  8. Dip the top of each cupcake in the ganache.
Posted: November 2014.