Hostess Cupcakes are a beloved childhood treat known for their moist chocolate cake, creamy filling, and distinctive swirl of vanilla icing on top. Recreating these iconic cupcakes at home not only brings a sense of nostalgia but also allows you to enjoy a fresher, more flavorful version of the classic. This recipe for Homemade Hostess Cupcakes features super moist chocolate cupcakes filled with a light marshmallow filling, covered in a rich chocolate ganache, and topped with a swirl of vanilla icing. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a delightful treat for yourself, these cupcakes are sure to impress.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each step of making these delightful cupcakes. From preparing the chocolate cupcakes to creating the marshmallow filling, chocolate ganache, and vanilla icing, you’ll find all the tips and tricks needed to ensure your homemade Hostess Cupcakes turn out perfectly every time. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding, promising a delicious and visually stunning treat.
Ingredients Breakdown
To achieve the perfect Homemade Hostess Cupcakes, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients and understand their roles in the recipe.
Chocolate Cupcakes:
- 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cupcakes.
- 1 cup (207g) sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture.
- 6 tbsp (43g) unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides the rich chocolate flavor.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cupcakes rise.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist.
- 3/4 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) hot water: Makes the batter thin, resulting in a moist cupcake.
Marshmallow Filling:
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, room temperature: Adds richness and helps create a creamy filling.
- 1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling.
- 5 oz marshmallow creme: Provides the classic fluffy filling.
Chocolate Ganache:
- 4 oz (113g) semi-sweet chocolate chips: Creates a rich and smooth ganache topping.
- 6 tbsp (90ml) heavy whipping cream: Adds creaminess to the ganache.
Vanilla Icing:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature: Adds richness and helps create a smooth icing.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing.
- 1 tbsp milk: Thins the icing to the right consistency.
- Splash of vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the icing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chocolate Cupcakes
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (148°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners. This ensures the cupcakes bake evenly and release easily from the pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, 6 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1 large egg, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 3/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Add Hot Water: Gradually add 1/2 cup of hot water to the batter, mixing until well combined. The batter will be very thin.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Fill the cupcake liners a little more than halfway with the batter.
- Bake: Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18-23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to finish cooling.
Preparing the Marshmallow Filling
- Beat the Butter: In a mixer bowl, beat 1/4 cup of room temperature unsalted butter until smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Add about half of the powdered sugar (1/4 cup) and mix until well combined and smooth. It may take a few minutes to incorporate fully.
- Add Remaining Powdered Sugar: Add the remaining 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and mix until well combined and smooth.
- Add Marshmallow Creme: Add 5 ounces of marshmallow creme and stir until well combined.
Assembling the Cupcakes
- Core the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are cool, use a cupcake corer or a knife to cut out the centers of the cupcakes.
- Fill the Cupcakes: Fill the centers of the cupcakes with the marshmallow filling. Replace the core of the cupcake that you removed on top of the filling. You may need to trim a bit of the core off to fit it back in place.
Preparing the Chocolate Ganache
- Melt the Chocolate: Place 4 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a medium-sized bowl.
- Heat the Cream: Heat 6 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream just until it begins to boil, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Allow it to sit for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir the Ganache: Whisk the mixture until smooth.
- Top the Cupcakes: Spread the chocolate ganache onto the top of each cupcake, all the way to the edges. If the ganache starts to cool and get firm, heat it back up for 5-10 seconds until spreadable again.
Preparing the Vanilla Icing
- Beat the Butter: In a mixer bowl, beat 2 tablespoons of room temperature unsalted butter until smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and mix until evenly combined. The mixture will be lumpy and dry at first.
- Add Milk and Vanilla: Add 1 tablespoon of milk and a splash of vanilla extract, then mix until everything comes together and smooths out.
- Pipe the Icing: Using a small round tip (like Wilton tip 3), pipe the classic loop design on top of each cupcake.
Final Steps
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate the cupcakes until ready to serve. Serve cool but not cold.
Serving Suggestions
Homemade Hostess Cupcakes are versatile and can be enjoyed in various settings. Here are a few serving suggestions to make your dessert experience even more delightful:
- Classic Presentation: Serve the cupcakes on a decorative plate or a cake stand to showcase their beautiful ganache topping and vanilla swirl.
- Add Fresh Fruit: Garnish the plate with fresh strawberries or raspberries for added color and flavor.
- Pair with Ice Cream: Serve each cupcake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
- Holiday Touch: Decorate the cupcakes with festive sprinkles or edible glitter for special occasions and holidays.
- Serve with Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a cupcake with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect treat.
Tips for Perfect Hostess Cupcakes
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you begin. This helps them blend more smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Proper Mixing: Mix the batter until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to dense cupcakes.
- Check for Doneness: Bake the cupcakes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking can make the cupcakes dry.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before filling and frosting to ensure the filling and ganache stay intact.
- Refrigerate Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled cupcakes to help set the filling and ganache. Serve them cool but not cold for the best texture and flavor.
Customizing Your Hostess Cupcakes
One of the joys of making homemade cupcakes is the ability to customize them to your taste. Here are a few ideas for variations and additions:
- Different Fillings: Experiment with different fillings such as chocolate mousse, peanut butter filling, or fruit preserves for a unique twist.
- Flavor Variations: Add a hint of flavor to the chocolate ganache or vanilla icing by incorporating extracts like mint, almond, or orange.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle some finely chopped nuts over the ganache for added crunch and flavor.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the chocolate cupcake batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Decorative Touches: Use different piping tips to create unique designs on the top of the cupcakes.
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their dietary intake, here’s a basic nutritional breakdown per serving (approximately 1 cupcake):
- Calories: 261kcal
Keep in mind that the nutritional values may vary based on the exact quantities and brands of ingredients used.
Conclusion
Homemade Hostess Cupcakes are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines the rich, chocolatey flavor of cupcakes with a sweet marshmallow filling and a smooth chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for any occasion, these cupcakes are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
By following the detailed steps and tips provided in this guide, you can create Homemade Hostess Cupcakes that are perfect every time. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a holiday feast, or simply as a treat for yourself, these cupcakes are sure to impress and satisfy.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet and nostalgic, give this Homemade Hostess Cupcakes recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll have a delicious dessert to share with friends and family.
Happy baking!