Indulge in a chocolate lover’s dream with these decadent chocolate cupcakes filled with a luscious chocolate mousse frosting. Each bite is a delightful combination of moist chocolate cupcakes with a light and airy crumb, a rich chocolate mousse filling, and a velvety ganache frosting.
These chocolate mousse-filled cupcakes are a perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. The fluffy 3-ingredient mousse frosting, topped with refreshing Andes Mints, elevates these cupcakes to a whole new level of deliciousness.
If you’re a fan of the classic pairing of chocolate and mint, these Mint Chocolate Mousse Cupcakes are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Easy to make and irresistibly indulgent, these cupcakes are a showstopper that will impress any chocolate mint enthusiast.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cupcakes
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup hot coffee
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Andes Mints (for garnish)
Equipment Needed
For Making Chocolate Cupcakes:
- Cupcake/muffin pan
- Cupcake liners
- Large mixing bowl
For Chocolate Mousse Frosting:
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk attachment
- Measuring cups and spoons
For Chocolate Ganache Frosting:
- Saucepan
- Heatproof bowl
- Andes Mints
Gathering all the necessary equipment beforehand will ensure a smooth and efficient baking process.
Prep Work
Preparing the Cupcake Batter
- Set out all your ingredients on the counter to ensure nothing is missed during the preparation.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Line 10 standard-size muffin cups with paper liners to prevent sticking.
- Combine the chocolate, butter, and espresso powder in a saucepan over low heat until melted. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Beat the egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale, then add the chocolate mixture and vanilla extract.
- Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter for perfectly sized cupcakes.
- Ensure your cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- Finely chop fresh strawberries and mix them with the cream cheese for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Whip heavy cream with lemon juice and sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture for a light and fluffy frosting.
- Once the cupcakes are cooled, fill the center with the strawberry cream cheese frosting generously.
- Top each cupcake with a slice of fresh strawberry for a delightful finish. Enjoy!
Directions
Baking the Cupcakes
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a cupcake/muffin pan with cupcake liners, ensuring each cup is filled with a liner.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the oil, white sugar, and melted chocolate. Add the egg and beat for a couple of minutes until well combined. Mix in the sour cream until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Sift in the dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
Step 4: Divide the cupcake batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Step 5: Bake the cupcakes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 6: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Chocolate Mousse Frosting
Step 1: Prepare the chocolate mousse frosting by whipping up heavy cream until foamy. Slowly add powdered sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped strawberries, and red food coloring, if desired. Mix until well blended.
Step 3: Fold half of the whipped cream mixture into the cream cheese mixture until combined. Then fold in the remaining half of the whipped cream.
Step 4: Fill each cupcake with a generous dollop of the strawberry cream cheese frosting, topping it with a slice of fresh strawberry for garnish.
Step 5: Enjoy the cupcakes immediately or refrigerate them until ready to serve.
Assembly
Assembling these chocolate cupcakes with chocolate mousse frosting is a delightful process that brings together all the delicious components for a decadent treat. Let’s fill the cupcakes with the luscious chocolate mousse and then frost them to perfection.
Filling the Cupcakes
To fill the cupcakes with the heavenly chocolate mousse, we’ll first prepare the cupcakes by creating a cavity in the center for the filling. Using an apple corer or a small knife, gently remove part of the cupcake’s center, being careful not to pierce the bottom. This step ensures that the mousse stays securely inside the cupcake without leaking.
Once the cavities are ready, fill a piping bag with the chocolate mousse mixture. Insert the tip of the piping bag into each cupcake cavity and gently squeeze to fill it with the velvety mousse. Repeat this process for all the cupcakes, ensuring that each one is generously filled with the delectable chocolate goodness.
Frosting the Cupcakes
After the cupcakes are successfully filled with the delightful chocolate mousse, it’s time to frost them with a rich ganache frosting. Prepare a piping bag with a large star tip and fill it with the ganache frosting. Starting from the outer edge of the cupcake, pipe swirls of frosting on top of each cupcake, working your way towards the center. This technique creates a beautiful and luscious finish to these indulgent chocolate treats.
Once all the cupcakes are frosted to perfection, feel free to top them with additional garnishes like chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or even fresh berries to add a touch of elegance and flavor. The final result will be irresistible chocolate cupcakes with a decadent chocolate mousse frosting that are sure to impress any chocolate lover.
Decorating Tips
Now that your chocolate cupcakes with chocolate mousse frosting are ready, it’s time to make them look as good as they taste! Here are some decorating tips to take your cupcakes to the next level:
1. Perfect Piping:
Use a piping bag fitted with a large star tip to pipe the chocolate mousse frosting onto the cupcakes. Start from the center and swirl outwards in a gentle, steady motion for a professional-looking finish.
2. Garnish Galore:
Enhance the visual appeal of your cupcakes by adding extra garnishes. Consider sprinkling chocolate shavings, crushed nuts, or a dusting of cocoa powder on top of the frosting for an elegant touch.
3. Fresh Fruits:
Fresh fruits not only add a pop of color but also a burst of freshness to your cupcakes. Try topping each cupcake with a strawberry slice, a raspberry, or a few blueberries to complement the rich chocolate flavors.
4. Creative Drizzles:
For a sleek and sophisticated look, drizzle some melted chocolate or a chocolate ganache over the chocolate mousse frosting. Use a spoon or a piping bag with a small tip to create intricate designs on top of the cupcakes.
5. Play with Patterns:
Have fun decorating your cupcakes by experimenting with different piping techniques. You can create rosettes, swirls, or even piped flowers on top of the frosting to show off your creativity and attention to detail.
Storing and Serving Recommendations
After creating these decadent chocolate cupcakes with chocolate mousse frosting, it’s essential to know how to store and serve them to maintain their freshness and taste. Here are some helpful recommendations to ensure you enjoy these delightful treats to the fullest:
Storing Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chocolate mousse frosting and ganache topping will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Separation: For optimal taste and texture, it’s best to add the chocolate mousse frosting just before serving. If you need to store frosted cupcakes, keep the frosting and cupcakes separate until ready to serve.
- Topped Cupcakes: If you have already topped the cupcakes with ganache and frosting, keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. This will help maintain the cupcake’s freshness and prevent the toppings from melting or losing their form.
- Cupcake Carrier: Consider using a cupcake carrier for storing and transporting decorated cupcakes. This will keep them secure and intact, especially if you’ve decorated them with delicate garnishes or intricate piping designs.
- Immediate Serving: For the best taste and presentation, serve the cupcakes immediately after decorating. This ensures that the toppings are fresh and visually appealing.
- Room Temperature: If you prefer serving the cupcakes at room temperature, you can keep them covered for up to 1 day before consuming. This allows the flavors to meld together for a more delightful eating experience.
- Garnishing: Feel free to embellish the cupcakes further before serving. Add chocolate shavings, fresh fruits, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
- Piping Patterns: Experiment with different piping patterns for the frosting to elevate the cupcakes’ visual appeal. Try loops, swirls, or any design you fancy to create a beautiful and inviting presentation.
Conclusion
Creating chocolate cupcakes with chocolate mousse frosting is a delightful experience that elevates any occasion. The decadent combination of rich chocolate flavors and light, fluffy mousse frosting is sure to impress your taste buds. Whether you choose to top them with ganache and Andes Mints or explore the strawberry cream cheese frosting option, each bite is a heavenly treat. Remember to follow the storing and serving recommendations to maintain the cupcakes’ freshness and presentation. Experiment with different garnishes and piping patterns to add a personal touch to your creations. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to indulge in the irresistible charm of chocolate cupcakes with chocolate mousse frosting. Enjoy every bite!