Hot Cocoa Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream Frosting
By Vail Bee
"Just A Pinch" website
Made this for my boyfriend's coworkers and from what I hear, there were quite head over heels. The hot cocoa feel and taste from these cupcakes, paired with mini marshmallows really takes you to the fireplace :-)
For the cupcakes:
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 2/3 cups flour
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup very hot water
Icing:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoon vanilla bean scrapings
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
mini marshmallows for decoration
In a large mixing bowl place the whipping cream, vanilla extract, vanilla bean scrapings, and sugar and stir to combine.
Cover and chill the bowl and a wire whisk in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. When chilled, remove items from the refrigerator and beat the mixture with the wire whisk until stiff peaks form.
Coat top of cupcakes with icing once they are cooled. And for an added hot cocoa feel, top with mini marshmallows.