Monday, January 23, 2012

Champagne Cupcakes

In thinking ahead for Valentine's Day, some of my favorite treats are Champagne with Chocolate Dipped Strawberries.  Lately, I've been in a cupcake mood so I got creative today and combined all those decadent flavors into a luscious cupcake.  Perfect for a romantic Snack or a stunning Tea or for no special occasion at all.

Champagne Cupcakes

Cupcake Ingredients:
  • 1/2 C unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 C sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 t vanilla bean paste
  • 1 3/4 C cake flour
  • 1 t baking powder
  • 1/2 t baking soda
  • 1/2 t salt
  • 1/2 C sour cream
  • 1/2 C champagne
Directions:   In a large mixing bowl cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.   Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing to incorporate.   Add vanilla.  In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients, sifting well.   Alternate adding the flour mixture with the sour cream and champagne.   Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 20 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven.   Set aside and cool well.

Filling Ingredients:
  • 1 C heavy cream
  • 8 oz Mascarpone
  • 1/2 C champagne
  • 1/2 C confectioners sugar
Directions:   In a large mixing bowl, beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form.   In a separate bowl, mix together the Mascarpone, champagne and confectioners sugar.   Gently fold the Mascarpone mixture into the whipped cream.   Use a piping bag fitted with a large, plain tip and fill the center of each cooled cupcake.

Strawberry Buttercream Ingredients:
  • 1/2 C solid vegetable shortening
  • 1/2 C butter, softened
  • 1/2 t strawberry extract
  • 4 C confectioners sugar
  • 2 T milk
Directions:   In a large mixing bowl, cream together shortening and butter.  Add strawberry extract then gradually add confectioners sugar, 1 cup at a time.  You may need to scrap down the sides.  After all the sugar has been incorporated, add the milk and beat at medium speed until light and fluffy.   If you want a bit more pink tint, add a drop of red food coloring.   Use a piping bag fitted with the tip of your choice and pipe frosting onto each cupcake.

Chocolate Ganache Ingredients:
  • 1 C heavy cream
  • 1 C dark chocolate chips
  • 1 t. vanilla bean paste
Directions:  Place dark chocolate chips in a small bowl.   In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream until just before it boils.   Pour over the chocolate and let sit for a few minutes.   Using a whisk, beat until smooth then add the vanilla.   Cool and place into a squeeze bottle to garnish the cupcakes.

I added some sliced strawberries and little white pearls to make these cupcakes extra special.

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Those look and sound absolutely delicious.

TinaRBK said...

These do look delicious, I have made these type of cupcakes before but not with this delicious filling. Great to find an improved version-I will need to try. I do agree, they are extra special

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

These are just lovely! Perfect for Valentine's Day...so many delicious components~

Stephanie said...

These do look wonderful! Nothing says romance like champagne, chocolate, and strawberries!

Steph said...

YUM!! The cupckaes sound right on the money!

Eileen said...

I like anything with champagne in it. What a classy recipe!