Description
Chocolate-Filled Whipped Cream Cupcakes
Inspired by ice cream sundaes, this version adds sprinkles and a cherry on top.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup chocolate ganache
1 cup whipped cream
Sprinkles
Fresh cherries
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and milk into a batter.
Bake for 18 minutes and cool.
Fill centers with ganache, top with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry.
Tip: Serve with chocolate syrup on the side!
#IceCreamCupcakes
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect cupcakes every time.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate.
- Gradually add the flour and milk in alternating batches, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove a small piece from the center of each cupcake.
- Fill each cavity with a teaspoon of chocolate ganache.
- Pipe or dollop a generous swirl of whipped cream on top of each cupcake.
- Immediately decorate with sprinkles and top with a fresh cherry.
Serving Suggestions
These cupcakes are a celebration on their own, but you can elevate them further. For a true sundae experience, serve each cupcake with a small pitcher of warm chocolate syrup or a drizzle of caramel sauce on the side. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside makes an indulgent dessert. For parties, create a topping bar with additional options like crushed nuts, toffee bits, or rainbow sprinkles so guests can customize their treat.
How-to Summary
Create sundae-inspired cupcakes by baking a simple vanilla batter. Once cooled, core the centers and fill them with rich chocolate ganache. The final touch is a fluffy whipped cream topping, decorated with colorful sprinkles and a fresh cherry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cupcakes 1 day in advance. Store them unfilled in an airtight container at room temperature. Fill and decorate on the day of serving for the best texture.
What can I use instead of homemade ganache? For a quick fix, you can use store-bought chocolate frosting, a chocolate hazelnut spread, or even melted chocolate chips mixed with a little cream.
How do I prevent the whipped cream from deflating? Ensure your cream, bowl, and beaters are very cold. Use heavy whipping cream and whip it just until stiff peaks form. Stabilizing it with a tablespoon of powdered sugar can also help.
Can I use frozen cherries? Fresh cherries are recommended for presentation and texture. If using frozen, thaw and pat them completely dry with a paper towel to prevent soggy cupcakes.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the whipped cream? Absolutely. You can use chilled full-fat coconut cream or a store-bought dairy-free whipping alternative. Just be sure to whip it according to the package instructions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: This develops gluten and leads to dense, tough cupcakes. Mix until ingredients are just combined.
- Filling liners too full: This causes the batter to overflow and creates messy, flat-topped cupcakes. Aim for 2/3 full.
- Filling with ganache while cupcakes are warm: The ganache will melt and absorb into the cake. Always ensure cupcakes are completely cool before filling.
- Decorating too far in advance: Whipped cream can wilt or absorb into the cupcake top. Decorate as close to serving time as possible.
Conclusion
These Chocolate-Filled Whipped Cream Cupcakes perfectly capture the joy of an ice cream sundae in a handheld treat. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you can create a stunning dessert that is sure to impress. The combination of moist cake, rich chocolate filling, and light whipped cream is simply irresistible. Remember the final tip: a side of chocolate syrup takes this delightful creation to the next level of deliciousness. Enjoy baking!
