Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

Ingredients and Weight:

• All-purpose flour: 225g (1 ¾ cups)
• Baking powder: 6g (2 teaspoons)
• Baking soda: 4g (¾ teaspoon)
• Salt: 4g (¾ teaspoon)
• Unsalted butter, softened: 113g (½ cup)
• Granulated sugar: 340g (1 ½ cups)
• Large eggs: 2
• Vanilla extract: 10ml (2 teaspoons)
• Buttermilk: 240ml (1 cup)
• Hot coffee: 120ml (½ cup)

For the chocolate frosting:

• Unsalted butter, softened: 113g (½ cup)
• Cocoa powder: 50g (½ cup)
• Powdered sugar: 340g (1 ½ cups)
• Milk: 60ml (¼ cup)
• Vanilla extract: 5ml (1 teaspoon)

Preparation Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

12-15 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot coffee.
6. Add dry ingredients alternately with wet ingredients to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
7. Fill muffin cups about ¾ full.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let cupcakes cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the chocolate frosting:

1. In a medium bowl, beat together softened butter and cocoa powder until well combined.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk, until frosting reaches desired consistency.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.

To assemble cupcakes:

1. Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the chocolate frosting.
2. Decorate with sprinkles or other desired toppings.

Nutritional Information:

Per cupcake:

• Calories: 370
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 5g

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and moist
• Sweet and decadent
• Chocolatey and satisfying
• Perfect for a treat or dessert

User Comments:

• "These cupcakes are amazing! They are so moist and fluffy, and the chocolate frosting is divine."
• "I love that they are homemade and use simple ingredients."
• "These cupcakes are perfect for a birthday party or any special occasion."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• To make sure the cupcakes are cooked through, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are done.
• If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk.
• To make the frosting thicker, add more powdered sugar. To make it thinner, add more milk.
• Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.