Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

Why Make This Recipe

Homemade Hostess Cupcakes are a delightful treat that brings a sense of nostalgia to anyone who has enjoyed them as a child. Making them at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. Whether you want a fun dessert for a party or a sweet snack for yourself, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.

How to Make Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

Ingredients:

  • 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine
  • 1/3 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup brewed coffee, still hot
  • 3/4 cup bread flour
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup marshmallow creme
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon whole milk
  • Splash vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
  2. In a bowl, mix the chopped chocolate and cocoa powder. Pour the hot coffee over the mixture, cover it for 5 minutes, and then cool it down.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the bread flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Mix the vegetable oil, eggs, white vinegar, and vanilla extract into the cooled chocolate mixture until smooth.
  5. Combine the flour mixture with the chocolate mixture until it is smooth.
  6. Pour the batter into the muffin cups and bake for 15-20 minutes. Let them cool for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. For the filling, beat the marshmallow creme and softened butter together. Gradually add powdered sugar until the mixture is fluffy.
  8. For the ganache, heat the heavy cream and pour it over the chopped chocolate. Whisk until smooth and let it thicken.
  9. For the icing, mix the remaining powdered sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  10. Fill the cooled cupcakes with the marshmallow filling. Dip the tops into the ganache, let it set, and then pipe the icing on top.
  11. Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How to Serve Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

These cupcakes are best served chilled. You can enjoy them as a dessert after dinner or bring them to a gathering. They make a great addition to any celebration and can be paired with coffee or milk for a delicious snack.

How to Store Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

To keep your cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to defrost them in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips to Make Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

  • Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
  • Use a toothpick to check if the cupcakes are done baking; it should come out clean when inserted.
  • Feel free to customize the filling and icing flavors by adding extracts or flavored powders.

Variation

You can change up the fillings and toppings. Instead of marshmallow creme, try using a chocolate or fruit-flavored filling. You can also experiment with different types of ganache, like white chocolate or flavored chocolate.

FAQs

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but using bread flour gives the cupcakes a better texture. All-purpose flour will still work.

2. Can these cupcakes be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to replace the bread flour.

3. How do I know when the cupcakes are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean, they are ready. If there is batter on the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes.

Enjoy making your Homemade Hostess Cupcakes! They are fun to make and even more delicious to eat.