Indulge in a decadent treat with these Nigella Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes. Combining the richness of dark chocolate with the deep, malty flavors of Guinness stout, these cupcakes are a unique and delicious twist on the classic chocolate cupcake. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they offer the perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness, making them an irresistible choice for any chocolate lover.
What Are Nigella Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes?
Nigella Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes are a luxurious dessert that blends the bold taste of Guinness stout with the rich, velvety texture of chocolate. The stout enhances the depth of the chocolate flavor, resulting in moist, flavorful cupcakes. Finished with a creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes are a showstopper for any occasion.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Rich, Unique Flavor: The combination of Guinness and chocolate creates a deep, complex flavor profile.
- Moist Texture: The stout keeps the cupcakes incredibly moist and tender.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: These cupcakes are ideal for celebrations, especially St. Patrick’s Day or any gathering where you want to impress.
- Creamy Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a perfect tangy contrast to the rich chocolate base.
- Easy to Make: Despite their gourmet taste, these cupcakes are straightforward to prepare.
Ingredients Needed to Make Nigella Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes
For the Cupcakes:
- 250ml (8.5 fl oz) Guinness stout: The key ingredient that adds depth and moisture to the cupcakes.
- 250g (8.8 oz) unsalted butter, cubed: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 75g (2.6 oz) cocoa powder, sifted: Provides the deep chocolate flavor.
- 400g (14.1 oz) caster sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes while balancing the bitterness of the stout.
- 140ml (4.7 fl oz) sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang that complements the stout.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help the cupcakes rise.
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle vanilla note.
- 275g (9.7 oz) plain flour: The base ingredient for the cupcake batter.
- 2 ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda: Ensures the cupcakes rise and have a light texture.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 200g (7 oz) cream cheese, softened: Creates a smooth, tangy base for the frosting.
- 100g (3.5 oz) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and structure to the frosting.
- 300g (10.6 oz) icing sugar, sifted: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a light, fluffy texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a hint of sweetness and enhances the flavor.
Equipment
- Cupcake tin
- Cupcake liners
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Saucepan
- Cooling rack
- Piping bag or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Nigella Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes
For the Cupcakes:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a cupcake tin with cupcake liners.
- Prepare the Guinness Mixture: In a saucepan, combine the Guinness stout and cubed butter. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted, then remove from the heat. Whisk in the sifted cocoa powder and caster sugar until smooth.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually pour in the Guinness mixture, whisking continuously until fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the plain flour and bicarbonate of soda into the wet mixture. Fold gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fill the Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each one about two-thirds full.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Icing Sugar: Gradually add the sifted icing sugar, beating continuously until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Mix in Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and beat until fully incorporated.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag or spatula to generously frost each cupcake with the cream cheese frosting.
What Goes Well With Nigella Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes
- A Glass of Guinness: Enhance the flavors by enjoying these cupcakes with a cold glass of Guinness.
- Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh raspberries or strawberries for a fruity contrast.
- Espresso or Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the deep chocolate and stout notes.
- Chocolate Shavings: Garnish the frosting with dark chocolate shavings for an extra touch of decadence.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Nigella Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to avoid dense cupcakes.
- Let the Cupcakes Cool Completely: Make sure the cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Adjust the Frosting Sweetness: Taste the frosting as you go, adding more or less icing sugar depending on your preference.
- Store Properly: Keep the frosted cupcakes in the fridge if not serving immediately, especially in warm weather.
Easy Variations of Nigella Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes
- Bailey’s Frosting: Add a splash of Bailey’s Irish Cream to the frosting for a boozy twist.
- Chocolate Chip Cupcakes: Fold in some dark chocolate chips into the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Spiced Guinness Cupcakes: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Mini Cupcakes: Make mini versions of these cupcakes for bite-sized treats, adjusting the baking time accordingly.
Best Practices to Store Nigella Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes
- Store in the Fridge: Keep the cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for Later: You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 1 month. Thaw them in the fridge overnight and frost before serving.
- Keep Them Covered: To maintain freshness, ensure the cupcakes are covered to prevent them from drying out.
- Avoid Freezing Frosted Cupcakes: The cream cheese frosting may lose its texture if frozen.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 35g
Final Words
The Nigella Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes are a delightful combination of rich chocolate and the distinct flavor of Guinness stout, creating a cupcake that’s both unique and delicious. Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes are perfect for any celebration or just to treat yourself. Try this recipe and enjoy the luxurious taste of chocolate with a twist of stout in every bite!
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Nigella Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes Recipe
Description
Nigella Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes are a luxurious dessert that blends the bold taste of Guinness stout with the rich, velvety texture of chocolate. The stout enhances the depth of the chocolate flavor, resulting in moist, flavorful cupcakes. Finished with a creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes are a showstopper for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cupcakes:
- 250ml (8.5 fl oz) Guinness stout: The key ingredient that adds depth and moisture to the cupcakes.
- 250g (8.8 oz) unsalted butter, cubed: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 75g (2.6 oz) cocoa powder, sifted: Provides the deep chocolate flavor.
- 400g (14.1 oz) caster sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes while balancing the bitterness of the stout.
- 140ml (4.7 fl oz) sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang that complements the stout.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help the cupcakes rise.
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle vanilla note.
- 275g (9.7 oz) plain flour: The base ingredient for the cupcake batter.
- 2 ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda: Ensures the cupcakes rise and have a light texture.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 200g (7 oz) cream cheese, softened: Creates a smooth, tangy base for the frosting.
- 100g (3.5 oz) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and structure to the frosting.
- 300g (10.6 oz) icing sugar, sifted: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a light, fluffy texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a hint of sweetness and enhances the flavor.
Instructions
For the Cupcakes:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a cupcake tin with cupcake liners.
- Prepare the Guinness Mixture: In a saucepan, combine the Guinness stout and cubed butter. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted, then remove from the heat. Whisk in the sifted cocoa powder and caster sugar until smooth.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually pour in the Guinness mixture, whisking continuously until fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the plain flour and bicarbonate of soda into the wet mixture. Fold gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fill the Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each one about two-thirds full.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Icing Sugar: Gradually add the sifted icing sugar, beating continuously until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Mix in Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and beat until fully incorporated.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag or spatula to generously frost each cupcake with the cream cheese frosting.
