Nothing Says "Cupcakes" like Hello

Any new neighbor will agree: there is no better "welcome" gift than a Tupperware container chock full of cupcakes. So, forget the casseroles and popcorn balls and accept these decadent little devils as my housewarming present to you. Welcome.

INGREDIENTS

1 3/4 cups flour

2 cups sugar

3/4 cup cocoa powder

2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1/2 cup milk mixed with 1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/2 cup canola oil

2 eggs

1 tsp. Kahlua

1 cup strong coffee

FOR THE BUTTERCREAM

6 oz semisweet chocolate

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

1 egg yolk

2 1/2 tsp. Kahlua

1 1/4 cups powdered sugar

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the milk & yogurt, oil, eggs, and Kahlua (you could substitute vanilla for Kahlua, but... why?).

 

Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and gently mix until just combined. Add the coffee and stir until combined. If you overmix, the cupcakes will become dry and nasty. Just take it easy.

Prepare muffin tins with paper liners and fill 3/4 full with the batter.

Be sure you have enough cupcake liners ahead of time.

Bake 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack until completely room temperature before frosting.

To Prepare the Frosting:

 Melt the chocolate over med-low heat in a thick-bottomed saucepan or, if your attention is limited and you are wont to burning things, in a double boiler. Remove from heat when mostly melted. Stir to melt completely and let cool to room temperature.

 

With an electric mixer (or a high-endurance arm), beat the butter until fluffy and light yellow. Add the egg yolk and continue beating for 3 minutes. 

With the mixer on low, gradually add the powdered sugar. Beat at medium speed until smooth and creamy. Stir in the Kahlua. Spread onto cooled cakes and give to your favorite neighbor. 

Or, you know, just eat them all right then and there... not that I would do that or anything.