Hot Fudge Sundae Cupcakes {Guest Post from Ashton at Something Swanky: {DIY} Specialty Cupcakes and Desserts}

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend.  I know I did, except for the crazy traffic coming back from Utah.  I actually saw a semi truck that had completely fallen apart and caught on fire!  I apologize for taking a three-day weekend, but we are back with another delicious guest post.  Today we have Ashton from Something Swanky: {DIY}Specialty Cupcakes and Desserts sharing Hot Fudge Sundae Cupcakes.  Is anyone else out there saying "yum"?

Hello! I'm Ashton from Something Swanky: {DIY} Specialty Cupcakes and Desserts. I blog solely about desserts, and I'm super excited to be blogging here at Snips & Spice for CUPCAKE MONTH!!

I'm fanatical about cupcakes and jumped at the opportunity to write this post. Can I tell you something else I'm fanatical about?

Chocolate Ganache.

I love chocolate ganache. Love, love, love-- pure, adoring, unconditional love.

For chocolate ganache.

You know why? It's delicious and decadent, obviously. But more than that-- you can do so much with it. Put it on a cake, put it on your ice cream, or put it on your cupcake that looks like ice cream!

That's right. Hot Fudge Sundae Cupcakes! The beautiful thing about ganache is that once it cools, it's still spreadable-- which means you can still "pour" it over these cupcakes without worry about the buttercream melting or losing shape. Add a pretzel M&M for a cherry on top (I don't do fruit on my cupcakes), and voila-- hot fudge sundae, hold the bowl and spoon!

Hot Fudge Sundae Cupcakes: Recipe

http://www.somethingswanky.com/

Chocolate Cupcakes:

Recipe Source: Betty Crocker Just Cupcakes

2 1/4 c. AP Flour

1 2/3 c. Sugar

3/4 c. Butter, softened

2/3 c. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

1 1/4 c. Water

1 1/4 tsp. Baking Soda

1 tsp. Salt

1/3 tsp. Baking Powder

1 tsp. Vanilla

2 Eggs

1. Preheat oven to 350º.
2. Using a stand mixer, whisk together all ingredients. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full.
3. Bake for 19 minutes. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Buttercream Frosting:

Recipe Source: Allrecipes.com

1/2.c. Butter

1/2 c. Shortening

4 c. Powdered sugar

3 Tbsp. Milk

1 tsp. Vanilla

1. Whisk together butter and shortening in a stand mixer.
2. Alternately add the 4 cups of powdered sugar with the liquids (1 cup sugar, 1 tbsp milk, 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, etc...), whisking thoroughly in between and scraping down the sides of the bowl.

Perfect Chocolate Ganache:

Approximately 2 cups chocolate chips

Approximately 1 1/2 cups whipping cream

The key to this ganache is to not measure anything. Just trust me on this, you can't depend on the measurements! Pour desired amount of chocolate chips (recommended approx. 2 cups) into a microwave safe bowl. Pour the whipping cream into the bowl until it's just level with the chocolate chips (it shouldn't cover the chocolate chips completely). Microwave for 1 minute and whisk until smooth.

Thanks to Malory for inviting me to be a part of Cupcake Month here at Snips and Spice! I hope you've enjoyed this recipe and that you'll swing by Something Swanky and say "hi" sometime!

Thanks Ashton!  I also love ganache.  Ashton hosts a link party on Thursdays for recipes.  Two of my favorite recipes from her blog are pink lemonade cupcakes

and Samoa Bars.

Don't those both look scrumptious?  Add Something Swanky to your blog list for more delicious treats!