Spooktacular Chocolate Cupcakes

Spooktacular Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe

| Servings: 36

Introduction

These Spooktacular Chocolate Cupcakes are the perfect treat for Halloween or any spooky-themed party. With a rich chocolate flavor and a creamy peanut butter filling, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

History

The recipe for these Spooktacular Chocolate Cupcakes comes from Hershey's Kitchens, known for their delicious chocolate recipes. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a classic flavor pairing that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
0.75 cup HERSHEY'S cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp baking powder
0.75 cup shortening
0.75 cup buttermilk or sour milk*
0.75 cup water
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
peanut butter cream FILLING (recipe follows)
Assorted candies (optional)
peanut butter cream FILLING
2 packages (3 oz each) cream cheese, softened
0.67 cup REESE'S Creamy peanut butter
0.25 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups powdered sugar

How to prepare

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line muffin cups (2-0.5 inches in diameter) with paper bake cups.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the dry ingredients. Add the shortening, buttermilk, water, eggs, and vanilla. Beat on low speed of an electric mixer for 30 seconds, scraping the bowl constantly. Then, beat on high speed for 3 minutes, scraping the bowl occasionally.
3. Fill the muffin cups halfway with the batter. Bake for 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the pan and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Peanut Butter Cream Filling. Place it into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Insert the tip into the center of each cupcake and pipe the filling into the cake. Remove the tip and garnish the top with a swirl of filling. If desired, decorate with candies. Cover and refrigerate any leftover cupcakes. This recipe makes about 3 dozen cupcakes.
5. * To sour milk: Use 2-0.25 tsp of white vinegar plus enough milk to equal 0.75 cup.
6. Peanut Butter Cream Filling:
7. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and peanut butter until blended. Add the milk and vanilla; beat well. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. If necessary, add additional milk, 1 tsp at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. This should yield about 2-0.75 cups of filling.
8. Recipe from Hershey's Kitchens.

Variations

For a different flavor twist, try using almond butter or hazelnut spread in place of the peanut butter in the filling.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cupcakes for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
Top the cupcakes with chocolate ganache or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to line your muffin cups with paper bake cups to prevent the cupcakes from sticking.

- Make sure to beat the batter on high speed for 3 minutes to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Use a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip to easily fill the cupcakes with the peanut butter cream filling.

- Decorate the cupcakes with assorted candies for a fun and festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Spooktacular Chocolate Cupcakes as a fun and festive dessert at Halloween parties or other spooky-themed events. They pair well with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to properly measure your ingredients to ensure the best results.

- Use room temperature ingredients for the batter to ensure even mixing and a light texture.

- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before filling and decorating to prevent the filling from melting.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have shortening, you can use butter or margarine as a substitute.

- If you don't have sour milk, you can make your own by adding vinegar to regular milk.

- If you don't have cream cheese, you can use mascarpone or Greek yogurt in the filling.

Make Ahead Tips

These cupcakes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply fill and decorate the cupcakes before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate these Spooktacular Chocolate Cupcakes with assorted candies, sprinkles, or edible glitter for a festive touch. Serve them on a platter or cake stand for a fun and eye-catching presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

These Spooktacular Chocolate Cupcakes pair well with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They are also delicious on their own as a sweet and satisfying treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply let the cupcakes come to room temperature or microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of these Spooktacular Chocolate Cupcakes contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of these Spooktacular Chocolate Cupcakes contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of these Spooktacular Chocolate Cupcakes contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of these Spooktacular Chocolate Cupcakes contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

These cupcakes are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

These cupcakes contain dairy (cream cheese) and peanuts (peanut butter) and may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

These Spooktacular Chocolate Cupcakes are a delicious treat that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but moderate in protein. They are best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

These Spooktacular Chocolate Cupcakes are a fun and delicious treat that is perfect for Halloween or any spooky-themed party. With a rich chocolate flavor and a creamy peanut butter filling, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Spooktacular Chocolate Cupcakes. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, able to whip up the most delicious dishes with ease.

One day, while visiting my grandmother, she pulled out an old, tattered recipe book and handed it to me with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "I think you'll enjoy this one," she said. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Spooktacular Chocolate Cupcakes. I was immediately intrigued.

The recipe called for simple ingredients like flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and eggs, but what set it apart was the addition of a secret ingredient - a pinch of magic. My grandmother explained that this magical touch was what made the cupcakes truly special and gave them a spooky, mysterious flavor that would enchant anyone who tasted them.

I set to work following the recipe, carefully measuring out each ingredient and mixing them together in a large bowl. As the batter came together, I could already smell the rich, chocolatey aroma filling the kitchen. I poured the batter into cupcake liners and popped them into the oven, eagerly waiting for them to bake to perfection.

When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the cupcakes out of the oven and marveled at how perfectly they had risen, their tops domed and golden brown. I let them cool before frosting them with a decadent chocolate icing that I made from scratch.

As I took my first bite of a Spooktacular Chocolate Cupcake, I was transported to a world of enchantment. The cupcakes were moist and fluffy, with a rich chocolate flavor that melted in my mouth. The hint of magic lingered on my tongue, leaving me craving more.

From that day on, the recipe for Spooktacular Chocolate Cupcakes became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made them for every special occasion, from birthdays to Halloween parties, delighting friends and family with their mysterious charm.

Over the years, I've shared the recipe with countless people, each of them amazed by the magical touch that sets these cupcakes apart. I've passed down the recipe to my own children and grandchildren, hoping that they too will experience the joy of creating something truly special in the kitchen.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that first time I made Spooktacular Chocolate Cupcakes, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift of cooking that my grandmother passed down to me. It's a gift that has brought me endless joy and fulfillment, allowing me to create memories and moments of magic with every dish I make.

And so, I continue to bake these cupcakes, with a pinch of magic and a whole lot of love, knowing that each batch will bring smiles and enchantment to all who taste them. The recipe may have come from a simple book, but the memories and moments it has created will last a lifetime.