Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes with Peanut Butter frosting

This post is dedicated to my beautiful niece Aymee, 

who has been waiting patiently for this recipe. 

She is a lover of the chocolate/ peanut butter combo and after tasting these delicious cupcakes,

 I admit that I have discovered a new favourite too!

With a hint of coffee and pumpkin, they are an unbeatable taste sensation,

 and surprisingly easy to make.

Chocolate pumpkin Cupcakes

2 cups plain flour

2 cups castor sugar

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup vegetable oil

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup cold mashed pumpkin

1  cup strong coffee ( I use 2 coffee bags)

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs

Method

~ Preheat oven to 180 C. Place cupcake liners in two muffin trays.

~ In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Mix on low  speed  to combine.

~ Add the sour cream, oil and pumpkin puree. Mix on low until combined.

~ Slowly add the coffee, vanilla and vinegar. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary. 

~ Add eggs one at a time. Mix slowly until completely combined.

~ Pour into prepared muffin trays. Fill each tin about 2/3 full.

~ Bake for 25-30 min or until firm to touch.

~ Remove trays and let sit for 5 min before placing cupcakes onto wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

 Peanut Butter Frosting

~ 1 1/4 cup icing mixture

~ 1 cup crunchy peanut butter *

~  100 g  unsalted butter, room temperature

~ 3/4 teaspoon good quality vanilla extract

~ 1/4 teaspoon salt

~ 1/3 cup cream

Place icing mixture, peanut butter, butter, vanilla and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium - low speed until creamy, scraping down the bowl with a rubber spatula as necessary. Add the cream and beat on high until the mixture is light and smooth. Fill piping bag with frosting and decorate as desired.**

*   Note- You may substitute smooth peanut butter for crunchy, but I personally like the texture and extra favour of the peanut pieces.

** Note- when piping the frosting onto cupcakes you will need to use a large open star or  large open hole tip, as the peanut pieces will clog up a smaller tip. 

Enjoy!!! 

....and try stopping at one!!!!

XXX