Cupcakes are just about the most fun dessert to bake. I love the small surface that is so much more forgiving than a big cake. Can you really improve upon the basic cupcake and frosting combo? I think so!
I decided to try a chocolate shell cupcake to make this year for Valentine’s Day. I debated back and forth whether or not I should frost them first, but decided to for-go frosting completely in lieu of the chocolate. And I’m so glad I did. The kids sampled and my 9 year old, who isn’t big on desserts, said that they were “GOOOOOOD”. Soft, moist, red velvet cake with a smooth chocolate shell. It is just perfect! And heck, I dip everything else in chocolate, why not cupcakes too?
I used Ghirardhelli melting chocolate bars (Wilton and Almond Bark work too, but I like the flavor of Ghirardhelli best) and simply dipped the cupcake, swirled it around to remove some of the excess, added a small heart candy, and let them set. In the refrigerator is best. They harden quickly and are perfect for transporting to school or wherever they need to go. I love that I don’t have to worry about the frosting getting messed up in the box or having cupcakes touch each other.
I made a few chocolate ones and a few white chocolate ones too. I can’t wait to try this technique on other flavors of cake. White chocolate on top of lemon cake or carrot cake, chocolate on top of cherry chip. The combinations are endless! And Wilton sells all sorts of fun flavors, including mint chocolate melting chocolates too.
I found some darling gift boxes at Walmart during the holidays. 5 of them for $3. I stocked up on them. They are the perfect size to hold 2 jumbo cupcakes.
Just for fun…The one on the left is the size we gave the teachers. The one on the right is a standard cupcake. One holds 4 scoops of batter, the other holds 2. I think the jumbo ones are just fun! I bake them at 325 for 30 minutes and they come out right every time. I can’t wait to try making these in mini cupcake pans too. Bite size chocolate covered cupcakes would be absolutely perfect!
Angela says
February 13, 2013 at 6:55 amWhere do you find jumbo cupcake liners, a tin, and the cupcake recipe? I am going to have some very happy teachers. 🙂
Brandy says
February 13, 2013 at 7:25 amHi Angela!
You can get the jumbo cupcake pan at Walmart. It holds 6 cupcakes so it’s nice to have 2. 1 box of cake mix will make 6-8 cupcakes. The liners can be purchased at Michael’s. Joanns has the pans too (ours here did at least)and you might even be able to use a 40% coupon for one. I’m sure they would have the liners as well. Hope that helps!
Angela says
February 18, 2013 at 6:18 amThanks. I will look.
Kierst says
February 14, 2013 at 8:36 pmHow do you get a boxed cupcake mix to not flatten on the top?
Kathie SassyLittleLady says
February 17, 2013 at 2:13 amOoo, that looks really good! I’d like to invite you to link up to Show and Tell Saturday at Sassy Little Lady!
http://www.sassylittlelady.com/blog/show-and-tell-saturday/show-and-tell-saturday-4-plus-a-giveaway
Kathie
Jackie P says
February 5, 2014 at 11:13 amYou do realize you cannot talk about Ghirardhelli without sharing what you make right??? I will be sure to send you my address for future reference. I am hosting a bridal shower and have been concerned about what chocolate to use…not anymore!!
I just have to find who sells this!
Thanks bunches…
Jackie P
Brandy says
February 5, 2014 at 1:16 pmHaha! Hi Jackie! I buy the Ghirardelli melting chocolates at Sam’s Club in the big bags. I usually stock up around Christmastime and am not sure if they carry it year round. You can get smaller bags of it at some grocery stores too.
Jackie P says
February 5, 2014 at 3:53 pmOhh Sams Club! Thanks for heads up, I will be stocking up, the shower won’t be till next spring so I am in good shape. I also have a chocolate fountain..will have to do some research to see how well it will do in that. If so…I am really going to have to stock up!
Thanks bunches!!!
Jackie P
Brandy says
February 5, 2014 at 10:09 pmNo problem! I was at Sam’s club tonight and didn’t see them in the baking section. I wonder if it is a holiday thing, but I think you can get them in the baking sections at grocery stores still (just smaller bags). Good luck!!