20 October 2010

Chocolate Cupcakes


On my recent trip to New Zealand, food was one of the major highlights of the each day. The first thing I reached for at each city's Visitor Centre was the city map; then it's straight for all the food guides I could find. Quickly skimming through the brochures, I would circle all the cafes and restaurants that I'd heard of, and those that received rave reviews.

One restaurant chain quickly became a favourite - Speight's Ale House. And when the dessert arrived on our 2nd visit, its fate was sealed. We were presented with one of the best chocolate desserts ever!

A rich, moist chocolate cake swimming in a pool of decadent chocolate sauce, served with freshly whipped cream and vanilla ice cream. Mmmm.......

Inspired by this heavenly indulgence, I resolved to replicate this back home.
While on the search for chocolate recipes, I chanced upon several promising recipes. Today's project is just one of the many I've saved in my to do list. It's not quite the rich, moist mudcake from New Zealand, but it's still a good recipe to share.

This recipe produces an ultra light chocolate sponge that makes a great base for a multitude of variations.

RECIPE:
4 eggs
220g sugar
200g flour
2 tsp baking powder
4 tbs cocoa powder
200ml oil


1 - Whisk eggs till light and fluffy.
2 - Add sugar and whisk till glossy.
3 - Add the rest of the ingredients and whisk till smooth. 
4 - Fill paper liners 2/3 full.
5 - Bake at 160*C for 13-15 min.


If you're frosting the cupcakes, be sure to let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Enjoy!

10 comments:

DG said...

Hi Eelin,
Frankly speaking, I only know you after the photos taken that actually it is you. I saw you, but too bad didn't got chance to say hello with you at the event. Anyway, it was nice meeting you and hope to see you for the next gathering.

You cupcakes always looks nicely baked with the dome. Please reserve the one with the fudge frosting + walnut for me :)

NEL, the batter baker said...

Hi Doris,
Actually, there was a time when almost all my cupcakes turned out slanted on top. It was only after several trials that I realised it was because of the fan in my oven! So I tried lowering the baking tray and it worked! But I'm still on the quest for the perfect flat top cupcake without any cracks...

I'm looking forward to the next gathering... hope it will be a better chance to get to know fellow bloggers better :)

Unknown said...

Oh I just love these pictures, drooling

Zoe said...

Nice cupcakes! It look as yummy even it is without the icing :D

Joyti said...

Those sound delicious! Especially the fudge frosting!

Passionate About Baking said...

Hi Eelin,
Very nice chocolate cupcake this is! The fudgy topping makes it look rich, which is such an indulgence!

Bakertan said...

hey eelin,

this looks like a good moist fluffy chocolate sponge recipe. you're good at making sponge cakes, especially with whole eggs =]

NEL, the batter baker said...

Jenni, Zoe, Indie, and Jane,
Thanks for your messages. It's always very encouraging to hear from you. I hope, one day, to share my cupcakes with you.

ZY,
It's really just because it's much easier using whole eggs than separates. I usually have limited time to bake after work, so have to find the quickest recipes :) Hope you had a wonderful birthday!

Bakericious said...

Hi Eelin,the cupcakes looks great, cant resist by chocolate lover like me :)

NEL, the batter baker said...

Jess,
I love chocolate too!
I've found some potentially good choc recipes and will be trying them out soon (as long as time permits). Hope that some of them will tempt you enough to try.

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