Chocolate Cupcakes with Perfect Chocolate Buttercream

Directions

For the Cupcakes:

Preheat oven to 350degrees F. Line muffin tins with cupcake liners.

Sift together all the dry ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer.

In a medium bowl, combine all the wet ingredients using a whisk.

Mix the dry ingredients on low speed for 1 minute. Stop the mixer and add the wet ingredients. Mix for 2 minutes on medium speed and scrape the sides and bottom of bowl. Mix for additional minute on medium speed.

The batter will be thin. Divide evenly among the cupcake liners.

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean.

Cool cupcakes on wire racks completely. Meanwhile you could start on the frosting.

For Chocolate Frosting

Whip butter on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until light and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla and salt and mix on low for 1 minute until combined. Increase speed to medium-high and whip for 2-3 minutes.

Add heavy cream and beat on medium-high for an additional minute or two.

Frost cupcakes and decorate with sprinkles.