Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cupcakes bake evenly. While the oven heats up, line your muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This mixture is the foundation of your cupcakes, so make sure there are no lumps.
- Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla: Next, add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1/2 cup buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Step 6: Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Step 7: Bake: Bake your cupcakes for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 8: Prepare Coconut Topping: In a skillet over medium heat, toast 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut until it turns golden brown. Mix in 1/2 cup of caramel sauce and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt.
- Step 9: Make Chocolate Ganache: Heat 1/2 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer. Pour it over 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bowl. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Step 10: Assemble Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, top each one with a generous spoonful of the toasted coconut topping. Finish with a drizzle of chocolate ganache.
Notes
Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
