Description
Delight in these rich semi-sweet chocolate cupcakes topped with a tangy and creamy blackberry buttercream frosting. Perfectly moist with a subtle hint of lime, these cupcakes combine a luscious chocolate base with a vibrant, fruity buttercream featuring fresh blackberries and lime zest for a refreshing twist.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 2 1/2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 6 tablespoons unbleached flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 + 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
Blackberry Buttercream Frosting
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 drop almond extract
- Handful of clean blackberries (12-15 berries)
- 1/4 teaspoon lime zest
- Lime juice, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 4 outer cavities of a cupcake pan with paper liners. Gather all cupcake ingredients.
- Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine chopped semi-sweet chocolate and canola oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. Allow to cool slightly.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Once cooled, whisk in the sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well blended.
- Incorporate Egg: Add the large egg to the chocolate mixture and whisk thoroughly to combine.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the unbleached flour and baking powder. Add this dry mixture to the chocolate batter and stir until just blended.
- Bake Cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Buttercream: Gather frosting ingredients: softened butter, almond extract, lime zest, powdered sugar, blackberries, and lime juice.
- Beat Butter Mixture: Using an electric mixer, beat the unsalted butter with almond extract and lime zest until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter mixture, beating well to incorporate.
- Incorporate Blackberries: Add the fresh blackberries to the frosting and beat vigorously to break them up. For a smoother frosting without crunchy seeds, mash the berries and strain them before adding.
- Adjust Flavors with Lime Juice: Add lime juice a little at a time to bring out the natural sweetness and enhance the berry flavor. Optionally refrigerate the frosting for a few hours to improve texture and flavor before spreading on cupcakes.
Notes
- Ensure the melted chocolate cools slightly before mixing to avoid cooking the egg.
- You can substitute canola oil with a mild vegetable oil if preferred.
- For a smoother buttercream, strain blackberry pulp to remove seeds.
- Chilling the frosting enhances the flavor and makes it easier to spread.
- The recipe yields 4 cupcakes, perfect for small gatherings or tasting sessions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American