Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Baking Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners to prepare for the batter.
- Step 2: Mix Cocoa and Water: In a medium bowl, combine the ¾ cup natural cocoa powder with 1 cup boiling water. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool slightly.
- Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup sugar, and ½ cup brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the 3 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
- Step 6: Incorporate Buttermilk and Cocoa Mixture: Add the 1 cup buttermilk and the cooled cocoa mixture to the butter mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Step 7: Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
- Step 8: Bake the Cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Step 9: Prepare the Marshmallow Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 cup confectioners' sugar, 1 cup marshmallow crème, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons heavy cream until smooth and fluffy.
- Step 10: Fill the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are cooled, remove the center and fill with marshmallow filling.
- Step 11: Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together 8 oz cream cheese, ¾ cup unsalted butter, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder until creamy.
- Step 12: Frost the Cupcakes: Frost the cupcakes generously with the chocolate frosting and add gold cupcake gems for decoration, if desired.
Notes
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.
- Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months; thaw before frosting.
- Customize with different extracts or toppings for special occasions!
