Brownie Cupcakes

Who doesn't love a rich chocolaty cupcake? This cupcake is the perfect combination of cake and brownie mixed into one single-serve treat!  Topped with a cloud of sweet vanilla fluff that will make anyone smile, these cupcakes are sure to please!

Brownie Cupcakes
2 cups boiling water
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
2 1/4 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat over 350 degrees.  Line your muffin tins with cupcake liners

In a medium bowl, pour boiling water over cocoa powder, whisk until smooth.  Let mixture cool.  Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.  Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.  Add the flour mixture alternately with the cocoa mixture. 

Fill cups about 2/3 full
Bake in preheated oven about 21 -23 minutes.  Allow to cool.  Pipe with fluffy vanilla frosting.

 

People are loving this frosting.  So much so, that I thought I should share the recipe!

Fluffy Vanilla Frosting
2/3 cup sugar
2 large egg whites
1 1/2 cup salted butter (yes, THREE sticks of butter) room temperature, cut into 2inch chunks
1 2/3 cup powdered sugar
2 Tbsp milk
1 Tbsp vanilla

In a heat proof bowl, whisk granulated sugar and egg whites together. Place over a pot of simmering water and continue to whisk for 3-5 minutes, until mixture is hot to the touch and thinned.

 

Remove from heat and pour into the bowl of a mixer. Beat on medium high with the whisk attachment for about 7 minutes, until it forms a white meringue that is cool to the touch. Reduce mixer speed to low and slowly add the butter. Beat another 5 minutes or so until the butter is completely incorporated.

 

Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is satiny.

 

Pipe onto cupcakes and enjoy!!