Marbled Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

Hi Everyone!

I appear to be turning into Ina Garten at the moment with the amount of baking I'm doing! My latest cakes are Marbled Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting. They are basically an ordinary sponge mixture swirled with a chocolate sponge and topped with chocolate frosting and Smarties. They are really easy to make and would be great for kids parties too!

(Recipe makes 18-21 cupcakes).

INGREDIENTS:
For the Sponge
175g (6oz) Unsalted Butter
175g (6oz) Caster Sugar
3 Eggs
2 tbsp Milk
55g (2oz) Melted Plain Chocolate
For the Frosting
225g (8oz) Unsalted Butter
50g (2oz) Cocoa Powder
1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
225g (8oz) Icing Sugar

1 tbsp Milk

METHOD:

For the sponge

1. Pre heat the oven to 180C/ 350F/ Gas Mark 4. Place your cupcakes cases into the bun trays.

2. Beat the butter and caster sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.

3. Add the eggs one at a time and mix until smooth.

4. Add the flour and milk and mix until smooth.

5. Divide the mixture into 2 bowls and add the melted chocolate to one bowl mixing well.

6. Next using a teaspoon alternate the plain and chocolate mixture, put 4 half teaspoons into each case.

7. Bake in the oven for around 20 minutes until the cakes have risen and are firm and springy to touch.

8. Remove the cakes from the oven and leave them in their trays or 5-10 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool thoroughly.

For the Frosting

1. Place the butter in a bowl and beat until creamy.

2. Then add the icing sugar, vanilla extract, cocoa powder and milk and mix together until smooth.

3. Spoon or pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes.

4. Next add a decoration of your choice! Try Smarties, Cherries or sprinkles.

I hope you give these a go as they are great and a change from the usual cupcake.
Maz x