The Best Chocolate Cupcakes

Hot like Mexico, rejoice!

"Baby, let's make a run for the border,
I've got a hunger only tacos can stop."

I lied. These really aren't Mexican hot chocolate cupcakes. But they could be. The decorations are misleading. The red sugar screams "fun and full of surprises" but they are just normal chocolate flavor. These really should have cinnamon and cayenne in them. It's such a shame.

I made these for my cousin's graduation party. Nobody thought they were Mexican hot chocolate cupcakes. But they did love them anyway. I don't believe my extend family has met the Mexican hot chocolate cupcake. Next time they are in for a spicy surprise.

This is my absolute favorite chocolate cake recipe. Perfect amount of sweetness, lovely brown color, and did I mention how moist they are? They just might ruin all over chocolate cakes for you, but they are worth it. Seriously, I refuse to follow any other recipe. I can't take credit for them, you can click the link below to see their origin and rave reviews.

Chocolate Cupcakes

Yields 12 cupcakes

1 1/2 c white flour
1 c sugar
1/4 c cocoa powder (preferably dutch)
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1/3 c safflower oil, or any vegetable oil
1 t vanilla extract
1 t distilled white vinegar
1 c water

Heat oven to 350F. Line cupcake tin with paper liners

Sift together the dry ingredients, add the wet, mix until smooth (without overmixing).

Pour into liners (about 2/3 full), bake for about 10 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out dry.

Let cool a minute, transfer to wire rack. Wait until completely cool before icing.


Vanilla Icing

1/4 c safflower oil, or any vegetable oil
1/4 c Earth Balance
1 1/2 powdered sugar
1/4 c granulated sugar
1 t vanilla extract
1/8 c almond milk

Beat oil and margarine until smooth, beat in sugars, then the liquids.

Snip tip of plastic sandwich bag and spoon in some icing. Apply even pressure to bag with spiraling around the cupcake, working from the center out. Immediately sprinkle with red crystals. Alternate between clockwise and counter for each cupcake to further ensue fun.