German Chocolate Cupcakes with Ganache Filling

Step 1

Ganache: Add heavy cream and butter to a large microwave safe bowl and heat for 1 1/2- 2 minutes (until simmering), stir to combine. Add chopped chocolate and vigorously whisk until chocolate is melted. Place in the refrigerator to thicken and cool.

Step 2

Toast Coconut and Pecans (for frosting): Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Add coconut to one half of a baking sheet and pecans to the other half. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until coconut is golden, stirring occasionally and watching closely towards the end as coconut turns very quickly. Once golden, remove to a large bowl/platter, or any cool surface.

Step 3

Cupcakes: Grease 17 cupcake liners in a cupcake/muffin pan. Set aside.

Step 4

Heat 1/4 cup water in a medium microwave safe bowl until simmering (about 1 minute on high). Add chopped German and semi-sweet chocolate; whisk until smooth. Set aside to cool.

Step 5

Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 6

With a hand or electric mixer on medium-high speed, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing just until incorporated after each egg. Beat in melted chocolate followed by vanilla.

Step 7

Turn mixer to low and slowly add the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Fold in chocolate chips.

Step 8

Pour batter into greased cupcake liners. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 9

Frosting: Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks, evaporated milk and brown sugar together in a large saucepan. Add butter and cook over medium high heat until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer then turn heat down to medium. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, salt, coconut and pecans. Allow to cool before frosting (you can place in the refrigerator to spread up this process.)

Step 10

Assemble: Insert a knife at 45 degrees approximately 1/4 inch from the edge of each cupcake, and proceed to cut a cone shape. Remove cone and cut away all but the circular top (“Top”) – or just eat the bottom of the cone. (see How To Pics HERE). Fill each cupcake with a heaping 1/2 teaspoon Ganache and replace Top.* Scoop the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes with a heaping 1/2 ounce ice cream scoop.

Step 11

Chocolate Drizzle (optional): Add chocolate, heavy cream and vegetable oil to a medium microwave safe bowl. Melt chocolate in microwave, mixing at 30 second intervals until melted. Drizzle over cupcakes by placing chocolate in a Ziploc bag, and cutting off the corner.

Step 12

Store Cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days then refrigerate.

Step 13

I like to warm my cupcakes for 10 seconds or so before eating- so good!