Perfect Party Cupcakes

These cupcakes are absolutely heavenly. I found the recipe at Tongue-n-Cheeky, which is one of my favorite places to go for dessert recipes.  These cupcakes are just right for a birthday party or a special occasion. 
2 sticks butter

1 ½ c. brown sugar

3 eggs

2 squares unsweetened baking chocolate

1/2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 c. milk

3/4 tsp. baking powder

½ c. cocoa powder

1 1/4 c. flour

1 tsp. pure vanilla

In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar and eggs until extremely fluffy (this step is CRUCIAL. Don’t skip it!). In a small bowl, microwave baking chocolate and olive oil just until melted (about 1 minute), stir, add to batter. Add remaining ingredients and whip until evenly incorporated but DO NOT MIX. Fill cupcake wrappers 2/3 full with batter, then bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes.

NieNie's Mud Cake Magnifique

I am dying to try and make this. I just don't know if I am brave enough . . .

*I worked up my courage and made it. Use the extra baking power. And it is HEAVENLY. If you like chocolate.

8 oz. unsweetened chocolate (8 squares)

¾ c. olive oil

2 c. sugar

4 eggs

1 c. powdered sugar

½ tsp. salt

½ c. cocoa powder

1 c. flour

1 c. buttermilk

1 tsp. baking powder*

½ tsp. baking soda

In a microwave, melt squares of chocolate with olive oil. Once melted, beat until smooth then add sugars and egg. Beat again until well creamed. Add remaining ingredients. Beat just until all ingredients are incorporated. (If you are baking BELOW 5000 feet altitude, double baking powder).

Pour batter into two 9-inch cake pans that have been generously greased & dusted with cocoa powder. Bake in an oven preheated to 375 degrees for 26-28 minutes, or just until center of cake springs back to the touch. Remove from oven. Allow to cool before inverting on a cooling rack and removing from pan. Before layering cake, use a knife to gently cut away any uneven parts at the top or sides of the cake. You'll want a nice, even surface to begin with in order to have your finished product look amazing.

*Mascarpone Mousse

1 c. whipping cream

¼ c. sugar

1 c. 60% Bittersweet cacao chips

8 oz. mascarpone
In a large bowl, whip whipping cream until fluffly. Add sugar & mascarpone and whip until smooth. In a small bowl, melt chocolate chips in microwave, stirring every thirty seconds until smooth. Chocolate should not be warm to the touch, if it is, allow it to cool just slightly before spooning the melted chocolate into the whipping cream mixture & beating until light and fluffy. Spoon carefully atop one layer of cake. Spread evenly, then top with the second layer of cake. Refrigerate until ready to frost. (Must be refrigerated. The weight of the top half of the cake is too heavy for the mousse. Trust me)

Bittercream Frosting

1 pint heavy cream

11.5 oz. 60% Bittersweet cacao chips

½ c. butter4-5 c. powdered sugar
In a medium saucepan, melt chocolate chips and heavy cream until a thick, smooth ganache forms, to keep the mixture from burning, stir constantly. Put in fridge until chilled. Remove from fridgidaire and beat in butter & powdered sugar until frosting is a spreadable consistency. Frost. Chill cake. To serve, remove from fridge 10-15 minutes before serving.

*Recipe from Conversations with a Cupcake