My sisters and I have probably shared that we are true birthday celebrators. What is that, exactly? A birthday celebrator showers the birthday boy or girl with love, affection, gifts and chocolate. If nothing else matters, the chocolate does. Today happens to be a birthday in the family! Today, Chelsea is 17!!!
As a big sister, I can hardly believe it. I distinctly remember the day when I was 7, running home from school with pure excitement, because my mom and my little baby sister were home from the hospital. Not to get too sweet on you, but I think she is absolutely amazing.
So in the spirit of celebrating, I thought it was only right that today’s post be a birthday treat. The sad fact that she is in D.C. and I am not gives me all the more reason to send my love through my baking. I just knew she’d be okay about chocolate cupcakes with a rich chocolate buttercream frosting?
Buttercream frosting sure makes me feel loved. How about you?
These cupcakes, of course, are great anytime of year but a cupcake made with love is especially appropriate for a sister’s birthday. Obviously because you can’t go wrong with chocolate! You can even give her a birthday wish! (Chels, make a wish!)
And enjoy a birthday cupcake.
Made with love from me to you. Happy Happy Birthday!
Birthday Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Chocolate Cupcakes:
1 cup plus 2 teaspoons Wheat Flour or White Wheat Flour
1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
1 cup Cocoa Powder
1/4 teaspoon Salt
3 Tablespoons Butter, softened
3 Tablespoons Applesauce
1 3/4 cups Coconut sugar
2 Large Eggs at room temperature
2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
1 cup 2% Milk or Almond Milk
Line a cupcake pan with liners. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa and salt in a medium sized bowl. Set aside.In a large bowl, cream together the butter, applesauce and coconut sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition. Add the vanilla. Combine the flour mixture with the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Beat well until combined. Preheat your oven to 350. Fill the cupcake liners 3/4 of the way full. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes. Let cool.
Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
2 2/3 cups Coconut Sugar
1 1/2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
1 2/3 cups Cocoa
2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla
6-7 Tablespoons Heavy Cream
1/8 teaspoon Salt
In a blender- blend coconut sugar and cornstarch for at least 5 minutes, scraping in inside bowl occasionally to get a real fine powder.Pour the blended mixture into a large bowl. Add all other ingredients and whip until smooth and creamy. Pipe or spread onto cooled chocolate cupcakes. Top with natural sprinkles (don’t judge, but the ones in my pictures aren’t!), nuts, or shaved chocolate.
Yields 17 cupcakes
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Sophie says
Hi these look great! I was wondering if i Could use spelt flour instead? Thanks ?
JD says
Made these last night. Such a different texture than I had expected. It’s more muffin than cake, but still very yummy. A few things… If you’re making these with a standard cupcake pan this recipe doesn’t make 17. I only got 10 so I had to make another batch. Also 13-15 min wasn’t enough time to bake. After coming out of the oven and sitting for a few minute, although my tooth pick came out clean, I cut the cupcake as a test and it’s gooey guts spilled out. My oven is new so that might make a difference, but 18- 20min was perfect. It will be interesting to see how ppl react to these, very different from your regular vanilla cupcake.
Annie says
Thank you for your comment and feedback, JD! We really appreciate you taking the time to share. I am sorry the recipe didn’t bake up as written. Did you happen to change any of the ingredients? We have made this recipe a few times (in different altitudes even) so we were hoping all the little glitches were tested out! I am glad you enjoyed these cupcakes, but am sorry they were not what you expected. Please let us know if you made any changes so we can maybe figure out what may have gone wrong. Also, I hope you tried the buttercream frosting, that will surely make them more cupcake-like! :)
Anonymous says
These have me staring with my mouth wide open and salivating! Yummmy! And what a sweet post!
Chelsea says
Thank you for all the birthday wishes!
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
Happy belated birthday to your sister! Sometimes nothing beats chocolate on chocolate:-)
Hannah says
That frosting especially looks so fudgy and delicious- A real treat, indeed!
katie says
Happy Birthday Chelsea!
Yummy! I love cupcakes, and especially frosting!
Annie says
Thank you! Coconut sugar is great- very similar to brown sugar. Who knew that caramel flavor would go so well with chocolate?
girl in the pink says
Your photos are lovely and these look delish!! I have never heard of coconut sugar, I will have to give it a try!!
I am glad I found your blog!
Ari@ThE DiVa DiShh says
I love chocolate cupcakes :) Yumm! Happy bday to your sister! I have heard of coconut sugar, but never used it before! Always wanted to try it tho!