Kids between the ages of 3 and 7 are pretty amazing. They’re little screaming, snotting, jumping, and crashing balls of honesty. If they don’t like you, you know it. If they recognize you for the poopoo head that you are, they’re not afraid to tell you- to your face, in ear piercing tones. They haven’t yet developed the ability to filter their opinion of you. It’s simultaneously refreshing and completely unsettling.
That’s why, whenever I meet new kids, I come with cupcakes. Not just cupcakes, but cupcakes with sprinkles. It works every time. It’s irresistible. It’s my dirty little trick. Walk into their house with cupcakes and a smile on your face, and you’ve got an instant friend. And when they come and thank you for the cupcake with chocolate all over their face- well, there’s nothing better.
These cupcakes are dinner party perfect. They’re light and delicate with the flavors of almond and fresh raspberry. Great for adults and not too overpowering and strange for kids. The chocolate ganache is not too sweet or heavy and spreads on the cupcake with a beautiful sheen. Kids absolutely love them, but they’re sophisticated enough to enjoy with coffee long after the kiddies have gone to bed. Thank you Courtney, Bill and cutie Macallan for a beautiful dinner.
Raspberry Almond Cupcakes
makes 12 cupcakes
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
5 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup whole milk
1/3 cup fresh raspberries, roughly chopped
Put a rack in the middle of the oen and preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line muffin cups with paper liners.
Sift together flour, baking powder and salt inside a bowl.
Beat together butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in egg and almond extract. Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture and milk alternately in 3 batches, beginning and ending with the flour mixture and beating just until incorporated. Fold in the raspberries.
Divide the batter among lined muffin cups. Bake until pale golden and a wooden pick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Turn cupcakes out onto a rack to cool completely.
Spread frosting on cupcakes once cooled.
Chocolate Ganache
3/4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips (I used chocolate chunks)
1/4 cup heavy cream
Put chocolate chips in a small bowl. Bring cream to a simmer in a small heavy saucepan. Pour cream evenly over chocolate. Let stand for one minute to soften, then stir until smooth. If frosting is too loose to spread, let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, frosting will continue to thicken as it stands.
superluckykitchen
i went to a dinner party and brought cupcakes this past weekend, their three year old said, “i like you, you brought cupcakes last time too”
Shannon
These look delicious! I have found my new favorite blog!!
Hillary
What a gorgeous little cupcake. That ganache looks incredible!
Mike
Just made ’em. Tasty and beautiful. Will have to double the recipe next time. Thanks.
Katie
Ohhh yum. Who could resist such a yummy looking cupcake.
diva@theSugarBar
mmm. i’m gonna have to make this soon! looks so yummy. perfect ganache.
rose
I’m always looking for a new twist for cupcakes. I find they are more fun for both adults and children than cake. Thanks for the recipe it’s great!
Holly
Oh, with your cupcakes, I’ll bet this method would work on the adults too. It is a very good plan of action though. I know my crazy 4 (almost 5) year old would love it!
dawn
Ohh I just love your creations. I love to stop by once a week if I can to check out your perfect culinary creations.
That ganache has such a deep chocolate color.
CB
Nothing says “cool mommy-daddy’s friend” like cupcakes. I starred this recipe to try soon! Sounds yum :)
patsyk
You are a very wise woman! Yep, walk in to a home or gathering with kids and you have cupcakes… you’ll have new best friends within minutes! :) These cupcakes sound absolutely delicious!
joythebaker
You’re so right Alicia- the vanilla extract was supposed to be almond extract! Thanks Aria! Thanks Alicia! I’ve changed it!
mimi
wow, look how dark that ganache is! what a beautiful yummy looking cupcake!
Alicia
Perhaps the vanilla extract is supposed to say almond extract? Looks like a delicious recipe.
Aria
I was just skimming this yummy recipe and I didn’t see the almonds…are they ground? Thanks!