Hostess Cupcakes are a nostalgic treat that brings back childhood memories of sweet, indulgent snacks. These soft, chocolate cupcakes are filled with a creamy, fluffy center and topped with a signature swirl of chocolate ganache, making them the ultimate combination of flavors and textures.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Homemade Goodness: While the classic Hostess cupcakes are delicious, nothing beats the taste of homemade treats. This recipe allows you to recreate the beloved snack with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether you’re hosting a party, packing lunchboxes, or enjoying a sweet treat on a cozy afternoon, these cupcakes are versatile and loved by all.
- Moist and Flavorful: The combination of a rich chocolate cake and a creamy filling makes these cupcakes incredibly moist and flavorful. Every bite is a perfect blend of textures.
- Customizable: From different fillings to variations in toppings, this recipe offers flexibility to make these cupcakes your own.
Tips and Tricks
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother batter and better consistency, ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can result in dense cupcakes. Mix until just combined to keep them light and fluffy.
Filling the Cupcakes: When cutting the center out of the cupcakes, make sure to leave some cake around the edges so the filling doesn’t spill out. You can also use a cupcake corer tool for a neat result.
Make-Ahead Option: These cupcakes can be made ahead of time. Prepare the cupcakes and filling a day in advance, and store them covered at room temperature. Add the ganache topping just before serving.
Ganache Consistency: If your ganache becomes too thick, simply heat it again over low heat until it reaches a pourable consistency.
Variations
- Peanut Butter Filling: For a nutty twist, swap out the cream filling with a peanut butter filling. Mix 1/2 cup peanut butter with powdered sugar and a little milk to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Mini Hostess Cupcakes: Make mini versions by reducing the bake time to around 12-15 minutes and using mini muffin tins.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cupcakes.
- Dark Chocolate Ganache: For a deeper chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate or bittersweet chocolate in the ganache topping.
How to Serve
Hostess cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. They’re great for:
- Parties: Serve them on a dessert table alongside other sweet treats.
- Lunchboxes: Pack them for a sweet snack in your child’s lunch.
- Afternoon Tea: Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
- Gift-giving: Pack them in a cute box as a homemade gift for a friend or loved one.
How to Store
- At Room Temperature: Store the filled cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cream filling and ganache will stay fresh, and the cupcakes will maintain their soft texture.
- In the Refrigerator: If you live in a warm climate, you may want to store the cupcakes in the fridge to keep the ganache firm. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container so they don’t dry out. They’ll last for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the cupcakes on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make these cupcakes without eggs? Yes, you can make these cupcakes egg-free by replacing the eggs with an egg substitute like flax eggs or applesauce. Use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg.
2. Why are my cupcakes too dense? Dense cupcakes can be caused by overmixing the batter, which activates the gluten in the flour. Be sure to mix gently and avoid overworking the batter. Also, check that you’re using fresh baking powder and baking soda for the best rise.
3. Can I use store-bought chocolate ganache? You can use store-bought ganache or frosting, but homemade ganache offers a richer flavor and smoother texture that pairs perfectly with the cupcakes.
4. How can I make these cupcakes more chocolatey? To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding a bit of espresso powder to the batter or using a higher percentage of chocolate for the ganache.
5. Can I use a different filling? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fillings such as whipped cream, custard, or even fruit preserves for a unique twist.
Hostess Cupcakes
Hostess Cupcakes are a nostalgic treat that brings back childhood memories of sweet, indulgent snacks. These soft, chocolate cupcakes are filled with a creamy, fluffy center and topped with a signature swirl of chocolate ganache, making them the ultimate combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 3 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- ⅓ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- ¾ cup brewed coffee, hot
- ¾ cup bread flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 6 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1 cup marshmallow creme
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar
For the Ganache Frosting:
- 2½ oz bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- ¼ cup heavy cream
For the White Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 tbsp whole milk
- Splash of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Cupcakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Combine the chopped chocolate and cocoa powder in a medium bowl. Pour the hot coffee over them and let sit for 5 minutes. Whisk until smooth and refrigerate to cool, about 20 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Once the chocolate mixture is cool, whisk in the oil, eggs, vinegar, and vanilla. Then, add the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups and bake for 15-20 minutes, until firm to the touch. Let cool for 10 minutes in the tin, then remove and cool completely.
- Make the Filling: Beat the marshmallow creme and butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, then beat for 1-2 more minutes until fluffy.
- Transfer the filling to a pastry bag with a large round tip and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Make the Ganache Frosting: Place chopped chocolate in a small bowl. Heat cream in a saucepan until simmering, then pour over the chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
- Let the ganache thicken for 5-10 minutes.
- Make the White Icing: Beat powdered sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Transfer to a pastry bag with a small round tip and refrigerate until needed.
- Assemble the Cupcakes: Using a cookie cutter, cut the centers out of the cooled cupcakes.
- Pipe the marshmallow filling into the holes, scraping off any excess to keep the top smooth.
- Dip each filled cupcake into the ganache, covering the top entirely. Let excess drip off and place on a cooling rack.
- Refrigerate the cupcakes for 20-30 minutes to allow the ganache to set.
- Once set, pipe the white icing in decorative swirls across each cupcake. Let them sit for 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 413Total Fat 24gSaturated Fat 11gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 57mgSodium 175mgCarbohydrates 44gFiber 3gSugar 31gProtein 5g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
These homemade Hostess cupcakes will undoubtedly become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. The combination of moist chocolate cake, creamy filling, and rich ganache is a winning trio that’s sure to please. Whether you’re enjoying them with family, friends, or just treating yourself, these cupcakes will bring a smile to everyone’s face.
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