Chocolate Cupcakes with Whipped Chocolate Cream

Indulge in the rich, decadent world of chocolate cupcakes topped with a luscious whipped chocolate cream. These cupcakes are perfect for any chocolate lover, with a moist and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth. The recipe is straightforward, ensuring that even a novice baker can achieve delightful results. The star of the show, the whipped chocolate cream, adds a velvety touch that's both satisfying and elegant. Whether you're hosting a party or simply enjoying a sweet treat at home, these cupcakes will impress. The combination of cocoa and cream cheese creates a well-balanced frosting that's neither too sweet nor overpowering. With a short bake time, you can have these delights ready in no time. The preparation allows room for creativity in decorating, making them beautiful to look at and delightful to eat. Prepare to amaze your family and friends with this exquisite dessert!

Ingredients

Cupcakes:

• 240 g kefir (room temperature)
• 200 g sugar
• 130 g all-purpose flour
• 90 g neutral oil (such as grape seed oil)
• 50 g cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 3 g baking powder (3/4 tsp)
• 2 g baking soda (1/2 tsp)
• 1/4 tsp salt

Whipped Chocolate Cream:

• 180 g cream cheese (room temperature)
• 150 g heavy cream + 220 g heavy cream
• 130 g milk chocolate
• 20 g invert sugar syrup
• 20 g glucose syrup
• 17 g cocoa butter

Preparation Time

Total Time: 300 minutes (including chilling time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit).
2. In a mixing bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the sugar and stir.
3. In a separate bowl, combine kefir, oil, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
4. Replace the mixer’s attachment with a paddle attachment. Start mixing the dry ingredients while gradually adding the wet ingredients in three parts.
5. Mix until smooth, ensuring the batter has a sour cream-like consistency. Use a measuring cup for easier pouring.
6. Distribute the batter evenly into cupcake molds.
7. Bake for approximately 18 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
8. For the cream, place the chocolate and cocoa butter in a bowl.
9. In a saucepan, heat 150 g of heavy cream, invert sugar syrup, and glucose until warm. Pour over the chocolate and stir.
10. Add cream cheese and the remaining 220 g of heavy cream into the chocolate mixture.
11. Use a hand blender to mix until smooth. The mixture should be light brown and somewhat liquid.
12. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
13. When ready to decorate, remove the chocolate cream from the fridge and transfer it to a mixer bowl.
14. Start whipping on low, then increase to medium speed.
15. Watch the consistency carefully; do not overmix, or it will separate.
16. Once thickened to resemble whipped cream, stop mixing.
17. If desired, add hazelnut paste (optional) for extra flavor.
18. Place the cream into a piping bag.
19. Decorate the cupcakes to your liking.
20. Store decorated cupcakes and leftover cream in the refrigerator.

Tips

• Ensure ingredients like eggs and kefir are at room temperature for the best texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter to maintain a light, fluffy texture.
• For a stronger chocolate flavor, use a higher percentage cocoa chocolate.
• If glucose syrup is unavailable, corn syrup can be used as a substitute.

Variations

• Substitute kefir with buttermilk for a tangier flavor.
• Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer taste.
• Consider adding espresso powder for a mocha twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with fresh berries to complement the chocolate flavor.
• Pair with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee.
• Decorate with edible gold leaf for an elegant touch.

Best Places

1. Magnolia Bakery - Famous for American-style cupcakes and pastries. Location: 401 Bleecker Street, New York, USA.
2. Lola’s Cupcakes - Known for its wide variety of cupcake flavors. Location: 8 Porchester Place, London, UK.
3. Cupcake Central - Offers unique and gourmet flavors. Location: 19 Third Avenue, Burlington, USA.
4. Crumbs & Doilies - Specializes in handmade cupcakes with unique designs. Location: 1 Kingly Court, Carnaby Street, London, UK.
5. Sweet Cupcakes - Provides custom cupcakes for any occasion. Location: 225 Newbury Street, Boston, USA.
6. Koorigohan Café - Known for its fluffy cupcakes and desserts. Location: 4 Chome-9-3 Jinguumae, Tokyo, Japan.
7. Butter Lane Cupcakes - Offers natural-flavored cupcakes. Location: 123 East 7th Street, New York, USA.
8. Baked By Melissa - Perfect for mini cupcakes in a variety of flavors. Location: 109 East 42nd Street, New York, USA.
9. The Hummingbird Bakery - Offers classic American vanilla and red velvet cupcakes. Location: 133 Portobello Road, London, UK.
10. Vanilla Bake Shop - Known for both classic and gourmet cupcake selections. Location: 512 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, USA.