Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

Whether you’re a baking novice or an experienced cook, there’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own versions of classic treats. Today, I’m excited to share with you how to make homemade Hostess cupcakes—those iconic chocolate cupcakes filled with a creamy center and topped with a rich chocolate ganache. This recipe is not only straightforward but also yields delicious results that might just surpass the store-bought version. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cupcakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup boiling water

For the Cream Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Directions:

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to ready it for the batter.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry mixture, add milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Then, stir in the boiling water until the batter is well combined. Note that the batter will be quite thin.
4. Bake: Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool slightly in the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Make the Cream Filling: Using a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth. Incorporate the heavy cream and beat for another 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Transfer the filling to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
6. Fill the Cupcakes: Insert the tip of the piping bag into the center of each cooled cupcake and gently squeeze to fill them with the cream mixture.
7. Prepare the Ganache: Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream and butter in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer. Pour this hot mixture over the chocolate chips, let sit for a few minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
8. Top the Cupcakes: Let the ganache cool slightly before spooning it over the filled cupcakes. Allow the ganache to set before serving.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Calories: 280 kcal per cupcake
• Servings: 12 cupcakes

Making these homemade Hostess cupcakes is not just about recreating a beloved snack; it’s about taking a trip down memory lane and enjoying every bite with a sense of accomplishment. These cupcakes are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply as a treat to brighten your day. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!