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In the Oven: Coconut Snowball Cupcakes

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Our next bake is coconut, coconut, and more coconut! Posting date is January 26.

Coconut Snowball Cupcakes
Author: Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito
Serves: 24 cupcakes
Ingredients
  • For the coconut cupcakes
  • 2 cups cake flour
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2¼ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup shortening, at room temperature
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup ice water
  • 2 large egg whites
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
  • ½ cup shredded, sweetened coconut
  • For the coconut pastry cream
  • 2 cups half-and-half
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • For the coconut frosting
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups milk
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, soft but cool, cut into small pieces
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup coconut pastry cream
  • to assemble the cupcakes
  • ½ cup shredded, sweetened coconut
Instructions
Make the coconut cupcakes
  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line two 12-cup cupcake pans with paper liners.
  2. Sift the flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together into a large bowl and set aside.
  3. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and shortening together until creamy, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the sugar and vanilla and beat on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, add the egg, and beat until just combined. Turn the mixer to low. Add the flour mixture, alternating with the ice water, in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Scrape down the bowl, then mix on low speed for a few more seconds.
  4. In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Do not overbeat. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter. Fold the shredded coconut into the batter.
  5. Fill the cupcake liners about three-quarters full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through the baking time, until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Transfer the pans to a wire rack and let cool for 20 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the pans and place them on the rack to cool completely.
Make the coconut pastry cream
  1. Set a fine-mesh sieve over a medium bowl.
  2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, bring the half-and-half to a simmer. Add the unsweetened coconut, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes to let the coconut steep. Strain and discard the coconut.
  3. In another medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar, flour, and salt until the mixture is pale, about 1 minute. Whisk half of the warm half-and half into the egg yolk mixture, then pour that mixture into the remaining half-and-half in the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 6 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the vanilla. Strain the pastry cream through the sieve and press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the coconut pastry cream for about 1 hour, or until chilled.
Make the coconut frosting
  1. In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk the sugar and flour together. Add the milk and cream and cook over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil and has thickened, about 20 minutes.
  2. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on high speed until cool. Reduce the speed to low and add the butter; mix until thoroughly incorporated. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and ½ cup of the freshly made coconut pastry cream and continue mixing until combined. If the frosting is too soft, put it in the refrigerator to chill slightly, then mix again until it is the proper consistency.
Assemble the cupcakes
  1. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a medium tip with the remaining coconut pastry cream. Puncture the center of a cupcake with the tip and squeeze approximately 1 teaspoon of coconut pastry cream into the cupcake. Repeat for all cupcakes.
  2. Frost the top of each cupcake with the coconut frosting and sprinkle with shredded coconut.

 

In the Oven: Almond Green Tea Cupcakes (Fortune Cupcakes)

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Enjoy our good fortune and bake up a batch of these delicate almond cupcakes with matcha frosting! Posting date is October 21.

Almond Green Tea Cupcakes (Fortune Cupcakes)
Author: Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito
Serves: 24 cupcakes
Ingredients
  • For the almond cupcakes
  • ½ cup sliced almonds
  • 2 cups cake flour
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2¼ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup vegetable shortening, at room temperature
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon pure almond extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup ice cold water
  • 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
  • For the green tea frosting
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • ¹/³ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon unsweetened matcha powder
  • 1½ cups milk
  • ¹/³ cup heavy cream
  • 1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, soft but cool, cut into small pieces
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • To assemble the cupcakes
  • 4 ounces (¾ cup) white chocolate, coarsely chopped
  • 24 white-chocolate-dipped fortune cookies
Instructions
Make the almond cupcakes
  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line two 12-cup cupcake pans with paper liners.
  2. In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the almonds until they are a fine powder. Put the powdered almonds in a small bowl and set aside.
  3. Sift the flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together into a large bowl and set aside.
  4. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and shortening together on medium speed until creamy, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the sugar, vanilla, and almond extract and beat on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl, add the egg, and beat until just combined. Turn the mixer to low. Add the flour mixture, alternating with the ice water, in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Scrape down the bowl, then mix on low speed for a few more seconds.
  5. In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Do not overbeat. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter. Fold in the powdered almonds.
  6. Fill the cupcake liners about three-quarters full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through the baking time, until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Transfer the pans to a wire rack and let cool for 20 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the pan and place them on the rack to cool completely.
Make the green tea frosting
  1. In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk the sugar, flour, and matcha powder together. Add the milk and cream and cook over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil and has thickened, about 20 minutes.
  2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on high speed until cool. Reduce the speed to low and add the butter; mix until thoroughly incorporated. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  3. Add the vanilla and continue beating until combined. If the frosting is too soft, put it in the refrigerator to chill slightly, then mix again until it is the proper consistency. If the frosting is too firm, set the bowl over a pot of simmering water and mix again.
Assemble the cupcakes
  1. There are many ways to frost a cupcake. If you have a pastry bag, simply fit the bag with the largest tip, fill the bag with the frosting, and pipe enough frosting to cover the cupcake. If you do not have a pastry bag, use an ice cream scoop with a release mechanism to scoop the frosting and dispense it onto the top of the cupcake. You can also use an offset spatula to frost the cupcakes. Top with a fortune cookie.

 

In the Oven: Banana Cupcakes with Vanilla Pastry Cream

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Next up on the schedule: banana cupcakes topped with vanilla pastry cream, aka the “sexier, silkier French cousin to good old American pudding.” Posting date is October 8.

Banana Cupcakes with Vanilla Pastry Cream
Author: Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito
Serves: 24 cupcakes
Ingredients
  • For the banana cupcakes
  • 2 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1⁄4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
  • 1⁄2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1⁄4 cup vegetable shortening, at room temperature
  • 1 3⁄4 cups sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1⁄2 cups mashed very ripe bananas (about 4 bananas)
  • 1⁄2 cup buttermilk
  • For the vanilla pastry cream
  • 3 cups half-and-half
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 1⁄2 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • To assemble the cupcakes
  • Fresh banana slices or dried banana chips
Instructions
Make the banana cupcakes
  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line two 12-cup cupcake pans with paper liners.
  2. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together into a large bowl and set aside.
  3. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and shortening together on medium speed until creamy, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the sugar and vanilla and beat on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl, add the eggs, and beat until just combined. Scrape down the bowl again and add the bananas. Beat until just combined. Turn the mixer to low. Add the flour mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Scrape down the bowl, then mix on low speed for a few more seconds.
  4. Fill the cupcake liners about three-quarters full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through the baking time, until a toothpick in- serted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Transfer the pans to a wire rack and let cool for 20 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the pans and place them on the rack to cool completely.
Make the vanilla pastry cream
  1. Set a fine-mesh sieve over a medium bowl.
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring the half-and-half to a simmer and keep warm.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt together until the mixture is pale, about 1 minute. Whisk half of the warm half-and-half into the egg yolk mixture, then pour that mixture into the remaining half-and-half in the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla. Strain the pastry cream through the sieve and press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming. Put in the refrigerator for about 1 hour, or until chilled.
Assemble the cupcakes
  1. There are many ways to frost a cupcake. If you have a pastry bag, simply fit the bag with the largest tip, fill the bag with the pastry cream, and pipe out enough pastry cream to cover each cupcake. If you do not have a pastry bag, use an ice cream scoop with a release mechanism to scoop the pastry cream and dispense it onto the top of the cupcake. You can also use an offset spatula to frost the cupcakes. Top with a single slice of fresh banana or a dried banana chip.

 

In the Oven: Salted Caramel Chocolate Cupcake Shakes

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Time to get out your blenders, bakers — Salted Caramel Chocolate Cupcakes Shakes (or whatever cake/cupcake + ice cream combination strikes your fancy) are next up on the schedule. Posting date is June 4!

Salted Caramel Chocolate Cupcake Shakes
Author: Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito
Serves: Two mini (but rich) milk shakes
Ingredients
  • 1⁄4 cup (60 ml) very cold whole milk, plus more as needed
  • 3 cups (1 1⁄2 pints/710 ml) salty caramel ice cream (see Baked Note)
  • 2 frosted chocolate cupcakes (we suggest Red Wine Chocolate Cupcakes, page 117)
  • Whipped cream (see page 122)
  • Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
  1. Freeze two (4-ounce/120-ml) old-fashioned glasses for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Pour the milk into the blender. Add the ice cream and cupcakes and blend until thick and creamy, about 10 seconds. A good milk shake should be eaten with a spoon, so if it seems too thin, add a little more ice cream and blend again. Likewise, if the milk shake seems too thick, add a few more tablespoons of cold milk and blend again.
  3. Divide the shake between the two chilled glasses, top each with whipped cream, and sprinkles if you like, and serve immediately.

In the Oven: Black Forest Cupcakes

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Who knew there was a Black Forest Cake Festival? We’re marking the occasion with Black Forest Cupcakes! Posting date is May 7.

Black Forest Cupcakes
Author: Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito
Serves: 24 cupcakes
Ingredients
  • For the Black Forest Cupcakes
  • 1 ounce (28 g) good-quality dark chocolate (60 to 72% cacao), chopped
  • 1⁄2 cup (40 g) unsweetened dark cocoa powder, such as Valrhona
  • 2⁄3 cup (165 ml) hot coffee
  • 1⁄3 cup (75 ml) whole milk
  • 1 1⁄3 cups (170 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 5 ounces (11⁄4 sticks/140 g) unsalted butter, cool but not cold, cut into 1⁄2-inch (12-mm) cubes
  • 1 cup (220 g) firmly packed dark brown sugar
  • 1⁄2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • For the Filling
  • 1 scant cup (7 ounces/ 200 g) cherry preserves
  • 2 tablespoons kirsch
  • For the Frosting
  • 5 large egg whites, at room temperature
  • 1 1⁄2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • For the Assembly
  • Chocolate sprinkles
  • 24 fresh cherries with stems
Instructions
MAKE THE BLACK FOREST CUPCAKES
  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line two 12-cup cupcake pans with paper liners.
  2. Place the chocolate and cocoa powder in a medium heatproof bowl. Pour the coffee directly over them, let sit for 1 minute, and whisk until combined. Add the milk and whisk until smooth.
  3. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  4. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and both sugars on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, then add the vanilla and beat until incorporated. Scrape down the bowl and mix again for 30 seconds. Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the chocolate mixture, and beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
  5. Fill the prepared cups about three-quarters full. Bake, rotating the pans halfway through the baking time, until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer the pans to a wire rack and let cool for 15 minutes. Turn the cupcakes out onto the rack, place them right side up, and let them cool completely.
MAKE THE FILLING
  1. In a small bowl, combine the cherry preserves with 1 tablespoon kirsch. Mix and set aside.
MAKE THE FROSTING
  1. Place the egg whites in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, stir together 1 1⁄4 cups (250 g) of the sugar, the corn syrup, and 1⁄4 cup (60 ml) water. Once the sugar is dissolved, increase the heat to medium-high and clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pot. Without stirring, heat the mixture to almost 235°F (113°C; almost the soft-ball stage). Remove the pan from the heat and let the syrup fully reach 235°F (113°C), but not higher.
  3. Sprinkle the remaining 1⁄4 cup (50 g) sugar over the soft peaks of the egg whites and turn the mixer to low. Slowly stream in the hot sugar syrup. Once all the syrup has been added, increase the speed to medium-high and beat the icing until it is thick and shiny, about 7 minutes. Add the vanilla and beat again for 10 seconds. Set aside.
ASSEMBLE THE CUPCAKES
  1. Line up the cupcakes on a sheet tray. Stick a large round pastry tip (the kind you usually use in tandem with a pastry bag) into the center of each cupcake, pressing it about halfway down, essentially coring the cupcake. (Alternatively, you can use a small paring knife.) Remove the excess cake.
  2. Using a pastry brush, spread the remaining tablespoon of plain kirsch on each cupcake top. Spoon a teaspoon of the cherry preserves mixture into each cored cupcake.
  3. Transfer the frosting to a large pastry bag using the same large round pastry tip you used to core the cupcakes. Generously pipe frosting onto each cupcake.
  4. Sprinkle each with chocolate sprinkles and top with a cherry. Serve immediately.
Notes
[i]How to Store[/i]: The frosting used on these cupcakes tastes best when eaten within 24 hours (even better within 12 hours); however, if you have leftovers, you can cover them tightly and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.

 

In the Oven: Mini Chocolate Brownie Cupcakes

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With the kids going back to school, it’s time for mini chocolate brownie cupcakes! Posting date is September 25.

In the Oven: Mini Chocolate Brownie Cupcakes
Author: Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito
Serves: 48 mini cupcakes
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1½ cups (150 g) walnuts
  • 8 ounces (225 g) good quality dark chocolate (60 to 72% cacao), coarsely chopped, or mini dark chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon (25 g) unsweetened dark cocoa powder
  • 1½ teaspoons instant espresso powder
  • 1 cup (240 ml) very hot water
  • 2 cups (255 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup (220 g) firmly packed dark brown sugar
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) canola oil
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two mini cupcake pans with liners. (Alternatively, use one pan and bake in batches.)
  2. Place the butter in a medium bowl and set aside.
  3. Spread the nuts on a rimmed baking sheet and toast until fragrant, tossing and flipping the nuts halfway through, approximately 10 minutes. Transfer the hot nuts to the bowl with the butter. Wait approximately 1 minute, then turn to coat the nuts in the butter as it melts. Let the nuts cool completely, then chop them into fine pieces. Return to the bowl. Add the chocolate and toss with the walnuts until combined.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, espresso powder, and ½ cup (120 ml) of the very hot water. Set aside.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside.
  6. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat both sugars, the canola oil, and vanilla on medium-low speed until combined. Add the egg and egg yolks and continue beating until the mixture is uniform and completely combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the cocoa-powder mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, then mix on low speed for a few more seconds.
  7. Stir the baking soda into the remaining ½ cup (120 ml) hot water to dissolve. Pour the mixture into the batter and mix on low speed until incorporated. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the batter into each of the prepared cups, then spoon about 1 tablespoon of the walnut-chocolate mixture directly over the batter. Bake, rotating the pan halfway through the baking time, until a toothpick inserted into the side of the cupcake (not the melty chocolate topping part) comes out with a few moist crumbs, 19 to 22 minutes. Do not overbake.
  8. Allow the cupcakes to cool for 15 minutes in the pan on a wire rack, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Serve at room temperature.
Notes
[i]How to store[/i]: The cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

 

 

In the Oven: Individual Baked Alaskas with Vanilla and Coffee Ice Cream

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In honor of our 49th state, we’re making Baked Alaskas! Posting date is October 25.

Individual Baked Alaskas with Vanilla and Coffee Ice Cream
Author: Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito
Serves: 12 individual baked Alaskas
Ingredients
  • For the Baked Alaska Bases
  • 1 pint (473 ml) coffee ice cream, slightly softened
  • 12 unglazed, unfrosted chocolate cupcakes (see Baked Note)
  • 1 pint (473 ml) vanilla ice cream
  • For the Baked Alaska Meringue
  • 7 large egg whites
  • 1¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Baked Alaska Bases
  1. Pull one or two very large pieces of plastic wrap across the top of a 12-cup muffin tin. The plastic wrap should cover the entire tin, plus there should be overhang (6 to 8 inches/15 to 20 cm) on either side. Press the plastic wrap into the bottoms and sides of the cups. Don’t worry if it doesn’t adhere to the sides of the tin; you just want to make sure it conforms to the general shape of the cups.
  2. Equally divide the coffee ice cream among the prepared muffin cups. Use your fingers to press it into a compact, even layer. Cover the pan loosely with more plastic wrap and freeze for 1 hour.
  3. Slice the cupcakes horizontally through the exact middle. Remove the pan from the freezer, and fold back the plastic wrap on top. Take the bottom piece of each cupcake (right side up is fine) and place it directly over the coffee ice cream, smushing the cake a little to create an even layer. Cover again and freeze for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, remove the vanilla ice cream from the freezer to soften.
  4. Remove the pan from the freezer, and fold back the plastic wrap on top. Equally divide the softened vanilla ice cream among the 12 frozen cupcake layers. Use your fingers to press it into a compact, even layer. Immediately cover each with the top piece of cupcake (dome facing up) and press gently to adhere to the ice cream. Cover again loosely and freeze for at least 5 hours or overnight.
  5. Invert the cupcake pan, pulling gently on the plastic wrap to help release the Alaskas. Remove all of the plastic wrap and divide the Alaskas onto two separate, parchment-lined baking sheets or 9-by-13-inch (23-by-33 cm) pans (this will make it easier to brown the meringue on just 6 at a time, which is ideal) and freeze for another 30 minutes.
Make the Baked Alaska Meringue
  1. After the Alaskas have been frozen for 30 minutes, whisk the egg whites and sugar together in a nonreactive metal bowl (ideally from your standing mixer) until combined. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture registers 140°F (60°C) on an instant-read thermometer, 6 to 8 minutes.
  2. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the mixture on high speed until stiff peaks form, adding the cream of tartar when the mixture begins to thicken, after about 3 minutes. When it holds stiff peaks, after about 6 minutes, add the vanilla and beat to incorporate.
  3. Working quickly, remove 6 of the baked Alaska bases from the freezer. Cover each base in a thick coating of meringue—from top to bottom—taking care that no part of the base is showing, swirling and spiking the meringue as you like. Return to the freezer and repeat with the remaining bases. Freeze for 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
Finish the Baked Alaskas
  1. Position a rack in the middle of the oven. Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C).
  2. Bake just 6 meringue-covered bases at a time (do not bake one tray on the top shelf and one below), until the meringue starts to brown, 1 to 3 minutes. Keep the remaining bases in the freezer until the oven is free, then bake them at once. Alternatively, you can brown the meringue with a kitchen torch; just a few passes of the flame should do the trick. Plate individually and serve immediately.

 

In the Oven: Red Wine Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Glaze

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Let’s celebrate National Wine Day with some cupcakes! Posting date is May 24.

Red Wine Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Glaze
Author: Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito
Serves: 18 to 20 cupcakes
Ingredients
  • For the Red Wine Chocolate Cupcakes
  • ½ cup (40 g) unsweetened dark cocoa powder, such as Valrhona
  • 2 ounces (55 g) dark chocolate (60 to 72% cacao), coarsely chopped
  • 1¼ cups (300 ml) hearty red wine
  • 2 cups (255 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1¼ teaspoons baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 8 ounces (2 sticks/225 g) unsalted butter, cool but not cold
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup (165 g) firmly packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
  • For the Chocolate Glaze
  • 4 ounces (115 g) dark chocolate (60 to 72% cacao), chopped
  • 1 tablespoon corn syrup
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • For Décor
  • White sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
Make the Red Wine Chocolate Cupcakes
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line one 12-cup cupcake pan with paper liners and another with only 6 to 8 paper liners (or bake in batches with one pan).
  2. Place the cocoa powder and chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl. Heat the wine in the microwave in a glass measuring cup (or on the stovetop in a pan) until almost boiling. Pour the hot wine directly over the cocoa powder and chocolate and whisk until the chocolate is melted and completely combined with the wine.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  4. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until smooth. Add both sugars and mix on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs and egg yolk, one at a time, beating well after each addition, then add the vanilla, if using. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and beat again for 30 seconds.
  5. Remove the bowl from the mixer and, using a rubber spatula, fold in the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the wine mixture in three parts, beginning with flour and ending with wine.
  6. Fill the cupcake liners about three-quarters full with the batter. Bake, rotating the pan halfway through, until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean, 20 to 24 minutes.
  7. Allow the cupcakes to cool for 20 minutes in the pan, then turn them out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
Make the Chocolate Glaze
  1. Place the chocolate in a shallow, heatproof bowl. Drizzle the corn syrup on top of the chocolate.
  2. Heat the cream in small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to bubble along the edges. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and wait 30 seconds. Whisk from the center out until the mixture is completely smooth.
Assemble the Cupcakes
  1. Dip the top of each cupcake into the glaze. Allow the excess glaze to run off back into the bowl and return each cupcake, right side up, to the cooling rack. Add a stripe of white sprinkles, if using, right along the center top of each cupcake, and allow to set for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
[i]How to store[/i]: The cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow to come to room temperature before serving.