| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 365 | 18g | 6g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 25g | 3g | 5g | 0.2g |
When I first came across the recipe for Chocolate Cupcakes with Cayenne Pepper, I was captivated. Here was a dish that held true to the essence of Colorado’s mountain spirit and brought together different flavor profiles in a tantalizing way. There is something intriguing about the blend of sweet and spicy; it’s almost like a culinary reflection of our region’s rugged, breathtaking landscape and heartfelt warmth.
Where the Wild meets the Gourmet
As someone who has spent countless hours around the campfire, preparing game meats and trout dishes, it delights me to bring something different to the table. These Chocolate Cupcakes with Cayenne Pepper carry a taste of the unexpected, yet they stay true to the heartiness we crave during those chilly evenings. Think of them as the dessert equivalent to a cozy, roaring fire in the midst of snowy peaks — surprising, but perfectly fitting.
Finding the Balance in Flavors
In this recipe, the robustness of cocoa and the vibrant heat of cayenne pepper find a harmonious balance. It’s an adventure for the palate, similar to the famous Mexican Chocolate Chile Cake, but unique in its own right.
Yet, this is not just about enjoying a delicious, heartwarming treat. These cupcakes also come with a dose of health benefits. Dark chocolate is known for its antioxidant properties, and it may help improve heart health. Additionally, cayenne pepper is celebrated for boosting metabolism and aiding digestion.
Should you wish to learn more about the health benefits, check out this informative piece from Healthline.
These cupcakes would be a perfect end to a meal featuring some earthy, slow-cooked game meat, or perhaps, a pan-fried trout dish. After all, the best meals are those that take your taste buds on a journey, and this delicious dessert promises an exciting detour.
Give this recipe a try and let the flavors whisk you away to the heart of the Rocky Mountains, where gourmet delights and wild spirit meet.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Step Two
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until they are well combined.
Step Four
Gradually add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract to the sugar and egg mix, continuing to whisk as you do so.
Step Five
Alternate between adding the dry ingredients and the whole milk to your wet ingredients, ensuring to begin and end with the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture until it’s just combined.
Step Six
Slowly add the boiling water to your batter, stirring continuously. Once the batter is smooth, fold in the semisweet chocolate chips.
Step Seven
Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds of the way full.
Step Eight
Bake the cupcakes for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step Nine
Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Cupcakes with Cayenne Pepper!
