Ingredients
1cupall-purpose flour
½cupDutch-processed cocoa powder,sifted
½tspbaking powder
¼tspbaking soda
¼tspkosher salt
1cupsugar
¾cupbuttermilk
½cupcanola oil
2eggs,large
2tspvanilla extract
8ozdark chocolate
1tbspcorn syrup
½cupunsalted butter,softened
2cupspowdered sugar
2tbspDutch-processed cocoa powder
6tbspheavy whipping cream
pinchkosher salt
chocolate sprinkles
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a muffin tin with 12 paper liners.
In a mixing bowl, whisk the flour, sifted cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar together. In a large liquid measuring cup, whisk together the buttermilk, canola oil, eggs, and vanilla.
Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk until just smooth and combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups (each cup will be nearly full). Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the tops of the cupcakes spring back to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and cool completely on a rack before frosting.
Place the chocolate for the frosting in a glass measuring cup and melt in the microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely smooth. Stir in the corn syrup.
Set aside to cool to room temperature.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter until soft. Add 1½ cups of the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Beat until combined; it may be crumbly, but that’s okay.
Beat in 4 tablespoons of the heavy cream and the salt and continue beating until the mixture smooths out. Beat in the room temperature chocolate and corn syrup into the mixture until smooth and incorporated. If needed, beat in additional powdered sugar and/or heavy cream to get a smooth and spreadable consistency.
Spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes using an offset spatula or butter knife, or transfer to a piping bag and pipe. Top with sprinkles if desired.
