Chocolate Mint Cupcakes
Category: Desserts
Servings: 14
These decadent chocolate mint cupcakes offer a delightful combination of rich cocoa and fresh mint, topped with a smooth, vibrant mint buttercream and garnished with decadent chocolate flakes. They are perfect for any celebration or as a sweet treat for your loved ones.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dark beer | 200g |
| Brown sugar | 175g |
| Butter (for cake) | 115g |
| All-purpose flour | 115g |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 50g |
| Baking powder | 8g |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Butter (for frosting) | 175g |
| Granulated sugar | 150g |
| Egg yolks | 6 |
| Fresh mint | 1 sprig |
| Food coloring | As needed |
| Mint syrup | 50g |
| Water | 50ml |
| Dark chocolate (for garnish) | As needed |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) on static heat.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder.
- Cream butter and sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer (or with a handheld electric mixer), beat together the butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and creamy.
- Incorporate eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Combine with dry ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients, one tablespoon at a time, to the wet mixture until fully combined.
- Prepare muffin tin: Line a muffin tray with paper liners. Fill each liner with batter, leaving about 1 cm of space from the top.
- Bake: Place the muffin tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Mint Buttercream
- Make the sugar syrup: In a small saucepan, melt the sugar over low heat. Bring the mixture to 121°C (250°F) on a candy thermometer.
- Whisk egg yolks: While the syrup is heating, whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl until pale and frothy.
- Combine syrup with yolks: Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the egg yolks, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Add softened butter: Gradually add the softened butter, a little at a time, while continuing to whisk until the butter is fully incorporated.
- Add mint syrup: Stir in the mint syrup for that signature fresh mint flavor.
- Color the frosting: If desired, add food coloring (either powder or liquid), a little at a time, until you achieve the desired minty green color.
- Cool the frosting: Cover the buttercream with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature until it’s firm enough to pipe.
Step 3: Assemble and Decorate
- Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled, fit a piping bag with a star tip and fill it with the prepared mint buttercream. Pipe a swirl of frosting on top of each cupcake.
- Garnish with chocolate: Chop the dark chocolate into small flakes and sprinkle them over the frosted cupcakes for a delicious and elegant touch.
- Refrigerate: Store the cupcakes in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve, keeping them fresh and cool.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cupcakes chilled for a refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of deep chocolate flavor, cooling mint, and creamy frosting makes these cupcakes irresistible.
Enjoy the indulgence of these chocolate mint cupcakes that combine the perfect balance of sweet and minty in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, these cupcakes are sure to delight your taste buds!
