Tall, Dark, And Handsome Chocolate Hazelnut Cupcakes

Serves: 6

Zoie Ernser

1 January 1970

Based on User reviews:

46

Spice

55

Sweetness

39

Sourness

41

mins

Prep time (avg)

4

Difficulty

Ingredients:

2 tsps

Baking Soda

1 tsp

Kosher Salt

3

Eggs

1 cup

Buttermilk

1.5 cups

Whole Hazelnuts

1 cup

Heavy Cream

Directions:

1

Add the eggs, 1 at a time, until each has been incorporated

2

For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F

3

Line 2 muffin pans with 24 cupcake liners

4

Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl

5

Whisk the hazelnut liquor and cocoa powder together until combined

6

In the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes

7

Add the buttermilk and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined

8

Turn the mixer to low, and add the flour and cocoa mixture, alternating between the 2, beginning and ending with the flour

9

Mix until just combined and no streaks remain

10

Set aside while you prepare the filling

11

For the filling: In the bowl of a food processor, grind the hazelnuts until they reach a very fine sand consistency

12

Add the hazelnut spread and process until the mixture begins to clump

13

Add the hazelnut liquor 1 tablespoon at a time, or until the mixture is able to ball easily in your hand

14

With your hands, form the paste into balls about the size of a very large cherry

15

Roll the balls lightly in the flour to absorb any excess liquid

16

To assemble: Fill the cupcake liners about 1/4 of the way full with the cupcake batter

17

Place 1 ball of filling in each liner, and then cover the filling with the remaining batter so each cupcake is about 3/4 of the way full

18

Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 20 minutes

19

Cool the cupcakes completely

20

Dip each cupcake top into the Chocolate Ganache, forming an even layer, and allow to cool

21

In a heat-proof bowl, microwave the heavy cream on high for 1 to 2 minutes

22

The cream should be very hot to the touch

23

While the cream is being heated, place the chocolate chips and espresso powder in a medium heat-proof bowl

24

Once the cream is ready, pour it on top of the chocolate chips and whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture has thickened

25

Whisk in the vegetable oil for extra shine