Chocolate Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream

I haven't tried many cupcake recipes yet, but I think this chocolate cupcake recipe is the best so far. The cupcakes are very moist and rich! And, also try them with the strawberry buttercream together. They are just like heaven^^



And today is my husband's birthday.
Happy Birthday, B!

Chocolate Cupcakes

(Makes 12)

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (recommend to use "Ghirardelli")

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup sour cream

Sprinkles (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 12-cup standard muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Into a medium bowl, sift together cocoa, flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each, then beat in vanilla. With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture in two batches, alternating with sour cream and beginning and ending with flour.
3. Pour batter into cups, filling each 3/4 full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes.
4. Cool in pan 5 minutes; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, then spread with Easy White Icing using a table knife or small offset spatula. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired.

Strawberry Buttercream

(Makes about 5 cups)

4 large egg whites, room temperature

1 1/4 cups sugar

3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, cut into small pieces

1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed

1. Place whites and sugar in a heatproof mixer bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Whisk until sugar dissolves and mixture registers 160 degrees on a candy thermometer.
2. Remove from heat, and attach bowl to a mixer. Whisk on medium speed for 5 minutes. Increase speed to medium-high, and whisk until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 6 minutes. Reduce speed to medium, and add butter, 1 piece at a time, whisking well after each addition.
3. Switch to a paddle attachment. With mixer on low, add strawberry puree, and beat until smooth, 3 to 5 minutes. Use immediately, or cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. (Bring to room temperature, and beat on low speed until smooth before using.)

The original recipes are from www.marthastewart.com