CONTEST WINNER: Chocolate Cherry-Nut Cupcakes
Time needed
Serving Size / Yield
Ingredients
- Cherry Syrup:
- 1/2 C. granulated sugar
- 1/2 C. cherry cola
- Cupcakes:
- 1 C. granulated sugar
- 1 C. all-purpose flour
- 6 Tbs. cocoa powder
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 egg
- 1 C. cherry cola
- 1/4 C. vegetable oil
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 C. semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 C. white chocolate chips
- 1/2 C. chopped pecans
- 1/2 C. chopped Maraschino cherries
- Chocolate Cherry Frosting:
- 1/4 C. butter, melted
- 1/3 C. cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 C. confectioner's sugar
- 3 Tbs. cherry cola
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- Valentine candy hearts, optional
Directions
For Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and the cherry cola. Cook and stir over medium-high heat. Let mixture come to a boil, then cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and set aside.
For Cupcakes:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in large bowl. Add egg, cherry cola, oil and vanilla extract; beat on medium speed of mixer for 2 minutes. Fold in chocolate chips, white chips, pecans, and chopped cherries. Line 15 muffin cups with paper baking cups. Fill cups 2/3 full with batter. Bake 22 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven. Brush tops liberally with cherry syrup. Cool completely before frosting. Frost with chocolate cherry frosting. Top each with Valentine candy hearts, if desired.
For Frosting:
In a small mixing bowl, stir butter and cocoa until blended. Alternately add confectioner's sugar and cherry cola, beating with an electric mixer to spreading consistency. Stir in vanilla extract.
