Cooking Lesson #920: Royal Bakery’s “Perfect” Chocolate Cupcakes

…from the Perspectives’ Kitchen

How you doin’? Located at Farmer’s Market on La Cienega Boulevard, Royal Bakery was one of the old fashioned Los Angeles bakeries. Their cupcakes were great, and their chocolate cupcakes were perfect—yes, I said perfect… at least to my 12-year old taste. Before Royal Bakery closed, I did get the exact recipe.
 
I found that these chocolate cupcake and frosting recipes are easy to whip up in your own kitchen and are sure to please the crowd no matter how you celebrate birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter gatherings and other fun get-togethers throughout the year.
 
Bake these rich, moist chocolate cupcakes in the oven using unsweetened cocoa powder for a decadent cupcake. Then, try creating homemade frosting to cover each cupcake. Finally, if you’d like an extra visual pop and culinary crunch, consider placing decorations on top in different arrangements and color combinations.
 
Life just got a whole lot sweeter with these simple chocolate cupcake and frosting recipes that will add more joy to your everyday after-school snacking.
 
Prep time:  15 minutes
Bake time:  23 minutes
Cool time:  45 minutes (before frosting)
Yield:  36 small cupcakes

Directions 
2 cups granulated sugar
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I prefer Guittard)
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
2 cups homemade chocolate frosting (see recipe below)
Small candy decorations (optional)
 
Directions

1. Heat an oven to 350° F.
2. Line the muffin cups (2-1/2 inches in diameter) with paper or foil bake cups.
3. Stir together all the dry ingredients in large bowl.
4. Add the remaining ingredients except boiling water.
5. Beat on medium speed of electric mixer for 2 minutes.
6. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).
7. Fill the muffin cups 1/2 full with the batter.
8. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in center comes out clean.
9. Cool completely. Frost with chocolate frosting and garnish with sprinkles, if desired.

ChefSecret:  For a richer, moister cupcake add 1 ounce melted dark chocolate to the cupcake batter.

                                   5 X 5 Chocolate Butter Cream Frosting
With only 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of your time, you can make a delicious chocolate frosting packed with just the right amount of chocolate flavor. This quick and easy homemade chocolate frosting recipe is a great one to dive into with your kids and once it’s ready, the whole family can enjoy a frosted chocolate treat of your choosing including licking the bowl and beaters! Easily spread this soft chocolate icing on cakes, cupcakes, brownies or dessert bars. Awaken your taste buds to a whole new level of chocolate yummmm.
 
Ingredients 
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/3 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
 
Directions

1. Melt 1/2 cup of butter.
2. Stir in 2/3 cup of cocoa powder.
3. Alternately, add 3 cups of powdered sugar and 1/3 cup of milk, beating to spreading consistency.

 
Quip of the Day:  What is the difference between successful bakers and failed ones?  Failed ones only dream of cupcakes while others bake it happen.
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Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/covid-19-survival-guide.
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To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to  Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission and/or American Red Cross.

#Dessert #Baking #Cupcakes #RoyalBakery #ChocolateCupcakes #Guittard #2024Recipes #T2T #URM #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup  
 
                                                                                 ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2024

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