Brownie Inspires Cupcake Recipes

The allure of the cupcake has gone beyond children's party fare. All the world, it seems, has a passion for cupcakes these days. Cupcake bakeries are opening across the country. Cookbooks devoted to the art of the cupcake are turning up in bookstores. 

Just enough to satisfy a sweet craving, the cupcake is an indulgence of the right proportions. The cupcake has arrived and with more variations on the cake theme than ever. 

When a cupcake crosses with a brownie, a satisfying, deep chocolate flavor is presented in the form of a little cake. Brownie cupcakes make a deliciously dense cake, especially tasty with a sweet addition of natural raisins. The recipe comes together quickly in a single pot on the stovetop, a great option for quick cleanups. 

Top the cupcakes with a sprinkling of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze, excellent for lunchboxes. For the full cupcake effect, traditional buttercream frosting dresses up the brownie cupcakes for a party.

Brownie Cupcakes

• 3 oz. (3 squares) unsweetened chocolate
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 11/2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 11/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup Sun-Maid Natural Raisins

Buttercream Frosting

• 1 stick (8-oz.) butter, softened
• 1 box (16-oz.) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Dash of salt
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease or line 12 (23/4-inch) muffin cups with paper baking cups.

In large saucepan, over very low heat, combine chocolate and butter; heat just until melted, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in sugar; blend well. 

Blend in eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour, walnuts and raisins. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling almost full. 

Bake at 350°F. for 30 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or frost as desired. Makes 12 cupcakes.

Frosting: 

In small mixing bowl, combine first four ingredients and 2 tablespoons of milk. With electric mixer, combine on low until blended. Continue to beat on high until fluffy, adding additional milk as needed for spreading consistency.

Vanilla Cupcake Recipe

Vanilla cupcakes are a sure winner for anyone wanting a great cupcake.  They are by far my kids favorite type of cupcake.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour

• 1 1/2 cups sugar

• 3 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 4 egg whites from large eggs

• 1/2 cup shortening

• 1 cup 2% milk

• 2 large eggs

• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Vanilla Cupcake Recipe Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pans with paper liners.
2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, shortening, milk and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Mix at low speed for 2 minutes. Scrape bowl. Add egg whites and mix at high speed until fluffy and smooth, approximately 2 minutes.
3. Fill liners 1/2 to 2/3 full of batter. Do not overfill. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
4. Cool 10 minutes in pans then remove from pan, and place on wire racks to cool completely.
5. Frost and decorate your vanilla cupcakes as desired.

Cupcake Tip:

Cupcakes are wonderful individual treats for co-workers. You can use them to celebrate any occasion such as a promotion.

Chocolate Cupcake Recipe

This chocolate cupcake recipe is sure to please the chocolate lover in you.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 3/4 cup water
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 ounces melted unsweetened baking chocolate

Chocolate Cupcake Recipe Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pans with paper liners.
2. Combine all ingredients into large mixing bowl. Mix at low speed for 30 seconds, and scrape bowl. Mix at high speed for 3 minutes.
3. Fill liners 1/2 to 2/3 full of batter. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
4. Cool 10 minutes in pans then remove from pan, and place on wire racks to cool completely.
5. Frost when chocolate cupcakes are completely cool.

Cupcake Tip:

Cupcakes are easy to transport making them an ideal dessert for tailgating parties or picnics in the park.

Source: http://www.cupcakerecipes.com/chocolaterecipe.htm