Decadent Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with Ganache Filling

These Decadent Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with Ganache Filling are the ultimate treat for any chocolate lover. Featuring a soft, fluffy texture from the cake flour, studded with mini chocolate chips, and filled with a rich, creamy ganache, each cupcake is a bite of heaven. Topped with a smooth and airy vanilla frosting, these cupcakes are as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This: The combination of the chocolate chip-studded batter and the semi-sweet chocolate ganache filling provides a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The cupcakes themselves are not overly sweet, which perfectly balances the richness of the ganache and the sweetness of the frosting. This recipe is straightforward yet yields impressive results, making it a great choice for parties, gatherings, or just a special treat at home.

Perfect Occasion: These cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any festive occasion. They are also great for bake sales or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Their elegant appearance and exquisite taste make them suitable for both casual and formal settings.

Decoration Tips: For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips on top of the frosted cupcakes. You can also use decorative cupcake liners to enhance their visual appeal. If serving at a special event, consider using a theme-based topper or coordinating the frosting color to match the event’s color scheme.

Ingredients:

For the Batter:

• 1 3/4 cups cake flour (can substitute all-purpose flour)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar (increase to 3/4 cup for a sweeter taste)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• 2/3 cup mini chocolate chips

For the Ganache Filling:

• 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp heavy whipping cream

Directions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with liners.
2. Make the Batter:
   • In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
   • Sift in the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the creamed mixture, mixing until just smooth. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
   • Divide the batter among the cupcake liners, filling each about 3/4 full.
3. Bake:
   • Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Ganache:
   • Heat the heavy cream in the microwave for 30-45 seconds until hot but not boiling. Add the chocolate chips and let sit for 3 minutes. Stir until smooth and let cool in the fridge for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
5. Fill the Cupcakes:
   • Hollow out the center of each cupcake using a piping tip. Fill a piping bag with the ganache and pipe into the centers.
6. Make the Frosting:
   • In a stand mixer, cream the butter until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream, mixing until light and fluffy.
7. Decorate:
   • Pipe the frosting onto each filled cupcake.
8. Store:
   • Refrigerate the cupcakes to maintain freshness.

Enjoy these sumptuous Chocolate Chip Cupcakes, a perfect blend of textures and flavors that are sure to delight any palate!