Chocolate Cupcakes with Strawberry Baileys Frosting

For the Chocolate Cupcakes:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

• 1/3 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 3/4 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar

• 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk

• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup (120ml) hot coffee or hot water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tray with 12 liners.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and both sugars.

3. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, oil, egg, and vanilla.

4. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until just combined.

5. Pour in hot coffee and mix gently — the batter will be thin.

6. Divide into liners and bake for 18–20 mins or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Let cool completely before frosting.

🍓 For the Strawberry Baileys Frosting:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1/4 cup (60g) cream cheese, softened (optional, for tang)

• 2 tbsp Baileys Strawberries & Cream

• 1/4 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen, cooked down & thickened)

• 2.5–3 cups (300–360g) powdered sugar

• A few drops pink food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Beat butter (and cream cheese if using) until fluffy.

2. Add the strawberry puree and Baileys.

3. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until smooth and pipeable.

4. Adjust consistency with more sugar or a dash of milk if needed.

5. Chill slightly before piping for best texture.

To Finish:

• Pipe onto cooled cupcakes.

• Garnish with fresh strawberries or a drizzle of melted chocolate.