Some Like it Hot: Hot Cocoa Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting

Summer is totally awesome and all, but it seems to me as if there are way too many light, fruit-based and altogether too-virtuous desserts that prevail during those hot and sunny months. But as the days gradually start to get shorter and cooler, there's a sure-fire antidote, which can be summed up in three beautiful words: Hot Cocoa Cake. This is not a cake for wimps: it's unimaginably rich and decadent. Often, recipes for it call for a fudge-like frosting to be applied directly to the still-hot cake; however, as I've always preferred chocolate desserts that have a flavor contrast, I tried them with cream cheese frosting on a whim. The flavor combination works like a dream; when served at a party, they disappeared rather quickly.

Hot Cocoa Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting

For the cakes (makes about 18; adapted from this recipe):

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons cocoa
• 2 sticks (4 oz. ea) butter
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 eggs, beaten

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Mix together flour, sugar, and salt. 
3. In a saucepan, bring the butter, cocoa, and water to boil and pour over flour mixture. 
4. Add the rest of the ingredients to the mixture and stir well. 
5. Fill cupcake cups 3/4 full.
6. Bake for about 20 minutes. Because you won't see the cakes browning at the edges, use a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake to test doneness.
7. Once cool, frost generously with cream cheese frosting; if desired, garnish with walnuts.

For the frosting:

Ingredients

• 1 (8)-ounce package of cream cheese, softened (do not substitute low-fat; it just doesn't work the same way)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 to 6 cups confectioners' sugar (depending on your desired consistency)

Directions
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, vanilla and salt until the butter is completely incorporated into the cream cheese and it has a smooth consistency. Add the confectioners' sugar cup by cup, stirring after each addition, until it has reached the desired consistency.

Comments

[Mini Baker]

yummm! im sitting in a freezing room and some hot cocoa cupcakes aka SUGAR would really warm me up!

[Eliana]

This looks divine!!! Can't wait to try it for myself.

[T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types]

Bring on Fall! I'm ready for a little decadence!

[the southern hostess]

Yum! Such a good idea.

[Justin From Bitchin' Kitchen]

The description, "unimaginably rich and decadent" seems right on the money. Put cream cheese frosting on anything and you've basically won me over. I'm easy that way.

[Palidor]

I like the contrasting flavors too. I don't like to be overwhelmed by chocolate flavor. The cake looks fantastic, and bet it's perfect with the cream cheese icing.

[Emily]

Oh, Yes! So very decadent. Must save this recipe for a special dinner night.

[.philip]

I wonder if it would work with a marshmallow frosting?

[LB Kovac]

Really, the only thing you need to entice me is "cream cheese frosting." Yum. Hot cocoa cake is just, well, what go under the icing. On the cake.

[We Are Not Martha]

Mmmm I'm loving the sound of this. But I agree, marshmallow frosting would also be divine!

Sues

[Cakelaw]

Rich and decadent sounds perfect to me ;)

[JB.]

Wonderful post... Very informational and educational as usual!

Acai Optimum

[msplte]

I made these last night, and I added some bourbon and cocoa to the frosting to give it a bit of a kick-- turned out DELICIOUS!

[Dracofangxxx]

Thinking about modifying these more to make them christmassy- putting little marshmallows in them and sprinkling crushed peppermint sticks on top. So excited! They sound delicious!