Posted on Friday, 28th October 2011 by Grace
I’m back with something special - Mocha Cupcakes with Chocolate Mousse Frosting. 
I feel like it’s been months since I’ve been in the kitchen covered in flour with smears of chocolate on my face. I hadn’t even had anything chocolate in a while. But in the last couple of weeks a deep-seated craving for chocolate came over me and I couldn’t deprive myself any longer. So when I ran to the kitchen to make some chocolate goodness, I realized something terrible. For the first time since I can remember I didn’t have one morsel of chocolate in the cupboards. Can you believe it? I guess it’s really true what they say, you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.
It wasn’t a problem that wouldn’t take long to resolve.
After I returned from a chocolate buying binge at the market, I felt like a single dose of chocolate wouldn’t do. No, not this time, I pulled out all the stops – moist Mocha Cupcakes with double the chocolate topped with another dose of luscious, silky Chocolate Mousse Frosting. I thought to myself, “Self, if this doesn’t satisfy your chocolate craving, nothing will.”
I feel like I’ve earned a little indulgence. These last few months have been hectic to say the least. Recipe writing with a very sick computer caused a one-week absence to turn into almost a 3-month absence. My computer was holding me hostage! Not only that but my phone went kaput at the same time. Another famous saying? ”When it rains it pours!” I’m happy to report not only is my computer healthy again but I also finally have a new phone. Now if only I could figure out how to use all the buttons.
The really hard part was that I so missed chatting with all of you. I want to thank everyone that reached out to me during my absence. It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that you are missed. I am looking forward to catching up with my fellow bloggers and also with all of you.
I’ve submitted all the recipes for the book and am now to the editing stage. I honestly wondered if I would ever get here. And although the editing is usually drudgery to most people, I’m really happy to be here. Maybe that’s because the during the recipe development phase I was literally waking up baking…and going to sleep baking. I was dreaming of cakes, pralines, custards and mousse.
I guess there are worse things I could be dreaming of. But when you’re dreaming of taking a shower and instead of water coming through the shower head you’re dreaming of chocolate pouring through it’s time to hang up the apron and take a rest. And that’s exactly what I did over the last few weeks, no baking, no whisking, no mixing and no beating. And no chocolate.
I took the time to catch up with the kids, family and friends. It was to the point I was getting daily phone calls asking, “Are you done yet?”
I wish I could say all was complete with the book, but hopefully I’ll be able to report that very soon. I’m also hoping things will quiet down a bit so I can get back on a normal schedule. Even though I’ve been crazy busy I wouldn’t change this experience for anything. It’s been so much fun and I am so excited for the release of my very own cookbook.
Another more immediate dream come true? – The welcome return of chocolate into my life. I hope you’ll join me in this indulgence.
Mocha Cupcakes with Chocolate Mousse Frosting {Piccoli Torta al Caffè con Copertura alla Mousse al Cioccolato}
Makes 16 cupcakes
Chocolate Mousse Frosting {Copertura alla Mousse al Cioccolato}
- 230 g (8 ounces) bittersweet chocolate
- 43 g (3 tablespoons) caster (superfine granules) sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
- 355 ml (12 ounces) heavy cream, 35%, cold
- In a heatproof bowl set over a pan of just simmering water melt chocolate on low heat stirring until smooth, set-aside to cool slightly.
- In a small saucepan bring sugar and water to a boil over high heat stirring until sugar is dissolved. Attach thermometer to side of saucepan and continue cooking without stirring.
- Meanwhile, using a hand-held electric mixer beat yolks until pale and creamy. When sugar syrup reaches 117° C (243° F) remove from heat immediately; remove thermometer. With mixer running drizzle the syrup onto the yolks and beat on high speed until mixture is light, thick and cooled to 35° C (95° F), 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add the melted chocolate to the pasta a bomba (yolk mixture) and stir to well combine.
- In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment beat cream, on high speed, to medium peaks.
- Whisk one-third of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture. Gently fold one-half of the remaining whipped cream into the chocolate mixture. Gently fold in remaining whipped cream.
- Pass mousse through a fine mesh sieve into a medium-sized bowl. Cover and refrigerate until mousse is firm enough to pipe onto the cupcakes.
Mocha Cupcakes {Piccoli Torta Al Caffè}
- 59 g (½ cup) unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 113 g (1 cup + 2 tablespoons) cake flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 90 ml (¼ cup + 2 tablespoons) freshly brewed espresso
- 113 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 113 g (½ cup) caster (superfine granules) sugar
- 50 g (¼ cup) golden yellow (light brown) sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 120 ml (½ cup) buttermilk
- 71 g (2½ ounces) bittersweet chocolate, 60%, melted and slightly cooled
- Preheat oven to 180 ° C (350° F). Line standard muffin tin with paper liners.
- Using a fine mesh sieve sift cocoa (twice) onto a large sheet of baking paper. Sift cocoa for the third time into a bowl. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; whisk to well combine.
- Dissolve espresso powder into brewed espresso, set-aside.
- In a heatproof bowl set over a pan of just simmering water melt chocolate on low heat stirring until chocolate is smooth, set-aside allowing chocolate to cool slightly.
- In bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment beat butter on medium-high speed until creamy. Add the caster sugar, yellow sugar and eggs; beat on medium-high speed, scraping down sides and bottom of bowl as needed, until fluffy.
- Reduce mixer speed to low. Add flour mixture in three additions, alternating with buttermilk in two additions (beginning and ending with flour), and beating until just combined after each addition.
- Add espresso mixture, melted chocolate and vanilla; beat on low speed until smooth.
- Divide batter evenly between lined muffin cups, filling each three-quarters full.
- Bake, rotating tins halfway through baking time, until a cake tester inserted in centres comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 18 minutes.
- Transfer tin to wire rack; allow cupcakes to cool completely in tin before removing.
- Cupcakes can be stored, unfrosted, at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to two months.
Assembling Mocha Cupcakes with Chocolate Mousse Frosting
- Transfer mousse to a large pastry bag fitted with a decorative tip (i.e. Wilton 1M).
- Hold tip about 6-mm (¼-inch) above cupcake top at a 90° angle. Pipe a spiral of frosting beginning in the centre and working outward to the edge of the cupcake. Stop pressure and pull tip away.
- Pipe a second, smaller, spiral on top of the first spiral. Again stop pressure and pull tip away.
- Pipe a final, smaller, spiral on top of the second spiral. Again stop pressure and pull tip away.
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Tags: after school treat, afternoon tea, cake, cakes, chocolate, chocolate cake, chocolate cupcakes, chocolate dessert, chocolate frosting, chocolate icing, chocolate mousse, cupcakes, dessert, desserts, food, food photography, food photos, frosting, gourmet cupcakes, individual dessert, individual desserts, Italian Cake, Italian Cakes, Italian dessert, Italian desserts, mini cakes, mini desserts, pudding, small cakes
Posted in Baking & Pastry, Baking Mise en Place, Custards, Creams & Mousses, Recipes
Comments (47)
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October 28th, 2011 at 2:45 pm
I’m so happy to see a new post from you, welcome back! Of course you returned with a phenomenal looking dessert:-)
October 28th, 2011 at 3:33 pm
Oh, Grace, I am so glad to have you back and with what gorgeous treats! I can’t believe you let your household run out of chocolate…but you remedied that quickly.
Don’t know if you saw, but I too have written (or rather, co-authored) a cookbook…all low carb and gluten free. It’s a lot of work and I didn’t do it all by myself like you did. Can’t wait to see your final copy!
October 28th, 2011 at 3:49 pm
Carolyn I didn’t know that, probably a good thing I didn’t I would have been driving you crazy with questions. Could you please pass along the book title Carolyn I would love to purchase a copy. I can’t believe I missed that. Lately I’ve been wondering if gluten has been a factor in Liana’s migraines. Not sure if you know Sue from SU (purplegem) she’s sent me so many helpful sites. I have to start paying close attention to her diet. The migraines are so bad at times. I feel bad because she constantly has a headache some days worse than others.
October 28th, 2011 at 3:50 pm
Thank you Lauren – so good to be back. I’m setting some time aside every day to catch up on my favourite blogs, you’re on my list can’t wait to see what you’ve been making.
October 28th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
So lovely to see you back and blogging, I’ve been wondering how you were getting on! These cupcakes look super delicious as well
October 28th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
I’m so glad you and your gorgeous recipes are back. And did you ever return with gusto – these cupcakes are gorgeous!
October 28th, 2011 at 5:14 pm
Great to have you back. The cupcakes look yummy! Can’t wait to try them
October 28th, 2011 at 5:40 pm
Thanks Connie!
October 28th, 2011 at 5:41 pm
I was just thinking about you, wondering if that book was totally eating up all your time! Glad to see that you are back with a much healthier computer and an awesome recipe. No chocolate in the house!?-that is almost criminal! You did the right thing to remedy that and quickly. I saved this recipe-simply delicious. Enticing pics too.
October 28th, 2011 at 5:41 pm
Hi Dara – thanks so much. I can’t wait to stop by for a visit and catch up on everything I missed on your site. I know I’m going to be doing a lot of recipe saving. Hope you had a great summer.
October 28th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
How are you Kathryn? I hope you enjoyed a wonderful summer. I’m going to be making the rounds to everyone’s site to catch up on what I’ve missed. I’ve been going through withdrawal.
October 28th, 2011 at 8:22 pm
These cupcakes are absolutely beautiful. They look amazing. I love chocolate, so I can’t imagine what it must have been like for you to have no chocolate in your house! Way to go making these right away to get your chocolate fix
October 28th, 2011 at 8:30 pm
Wow, these are beautiful. What lovely presentation! That chocolate mousse frosting sounds to DIE for!
October 28th, 2011 at 9:34 pm
So glad to hear you’re well and that your recipes for your book are all done! Can’t wait to see your new cookbook.
October 28th, 2011 at 11:26 pm
So glad you’re back!
October 29th, 2011 at 12:21 am
Welcome back! Beautiful cupcakes. Looks so good.
October 29th, 2011 at 9:15 am
Grace – these are stunning!! I would love to have them in my kitchen right now.
October 29th, 2011 at 10:34 am
You certainly came back with a WOW post! Beautiful pictures!!!!
October 29th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
Nice to have you here again…and you come back reloaded!!! the cupcakes looks wonderful.
Welcome back…!!!
October 29th, 2011 at 8:36 pm
So glad you’re back!!!! Those cupcakes look delicious! Now I’m craving chocolate big time!!!
October 30th, 2011 at 8:25 am
Glad to see you again!!! And a really delicious recipe for the come-back!!
October 30th, 2011 at 9:27 am
welcome back Grace! I can’t believe you’ve been without chocolate! That’s so hard to imagine looking at all your stunning chocolate treats!
Congrats on finishing the book!
October 30th, 2011 at 9:58 am
When one thing gets bed for me I usually have three things break at the same time:) I am glad to are getting back to normal..Congrats on getting your book almost finished, it is big step and so much work but it is all worth it!
These cupcakes look wonderful, love the nice creamy frosting!
October 30th, 2011 at 1:14 pm
The cupcake is so mouth watering!!! really love the photos. welcome back Grace
October 30th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
Thank you Ali
October 30th, 2011 at 2:02 pm
Isn’t that always the way Sandra. I couldn’t help but laugh, computer, phone, router, and the internet. I would get one thing fixed and then another would go. At least now everything is finally working properly and I should be good to go for a while (knocking on wood).
October 30th, 2011 at 2:12 pm
Wow these cupcakes look incredible! I am loving this recipe. Definitely adding it to my to-do list.
October 30th, 2011 at 2:59 pm
These cupcakes look amazing! What excellent presentation! I love coffee-and-chocolate combo!
October 30th, 2011 at 8:32 pm
Thanks Melanie I love the combination too, I think the coffee helps to bring out the flavour of the chocolate and that in my book is always a good thing.
October 31st, 2011 at 3:03 am
OMG these look AMAZING!!!! LOVE these
October 31st, 2011 at 9:36 am
oh lord, these seem way to tasty! I´m definitively gonna try these out my self!
October 31st, 2011 at 10:58 pm
Hi Grace! Welcome back to the beautiful world of baking! I just got the new iPhone and I’m still trying to figure it out. Something about an iCloud and Suri and megapixels??…….
I’m in town. I called Nancy and left a message with my ph number. ( I hope it was Nancy or else some woman is scratching her head, a tad confused). Hopefully we can get together. Beautiful looking cupcakes. Take some time to relax, enjoy, and smell the chocolate.
November 1st, 2011 at 9:57 am
Welcome back! The cupcakes look and sound really decadent! I’ll have to try them for sure
November 1st, 2011 at 1:22 pm
Grace, Welcome back. I’m so glad to see your new posting. Beautiful cupcakes
November 1st, 2011 at 5:14 pm
Hi Paula so glad I’m not alone. My great niece, Gabriela (my niece Daniela’s daughter) came by last night for Halloween, she’s 7 and she sat down and get me a tutorial, can you believe? Pretty scary she knew what every button did talk about feeling so inadequate haha. Wonderful to hear you’re in town. I just emailed Nancy to keep me up to date with getting together. She mentioned just connecting with Debbie and Debra, it will be wonderful if we can all get together.
November 2nd, 2011 at 4:35 pm
Welcome back
Glad I kept checking back for a new posts! These look delicious. Congrats on the book and keep working hard!
November 3rd, 2011 at 7:09 pm
Your cupcakes are beautiful! Each picture even prettier then the previous. You are just teasing all of us with cupcakes made from heaven aka your kitchen =)
November 4th, 2011 at 8:21 am
Beautiful! Love all the chocolate and welcome back.
November 4th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
[...] I told you last week that my chocolate craving had been satisfied. I thought it was. But the Mocha Cupcakes only kicked off a more intense craving. And the familiar twinges of withdrawal came creeping back [...]
November 4th, 2011 at 9:29 pm
Thanks Sandra good to be back.
November 4th, 2011 at 9:30 pm
Thank you Lilly, btw love your name! It’s my mom’s nickname for my daughter.
November 7th, 2011 at 1:25 am
Heavenly Grace! Tempting and luscious cupcakes, this is an overwhelming come-back recipe, well done!
January 10th, 2012 at 6:51 pm
[...] Mocha Cupcakes with Chocolate Mousse Frosting from Grace’s Sweet Life [...]
January 11th, 2012 at 8:53 am
[...] Mocha Cupcakes with Chocolate Mousse Frosting from Grace’s Sweet Life [...]
January 11th, 2012 at 10:22 am
Welcome back! I so glad I found your site! Loving your blog
January 13th, 2012 at 4:51 pm
Welcome Cindy and thank you!
January 23rd, 2012 at 6:58 am
[...] After I returned from a chocolate buying binge at the market, I felt like a single dose of chocolate wouldn’t do. No, not this time, I pulled out all the stops – moist Mocha Cupcakes with double the chocolate topped with another dose of luscious, silky Chocolate Mousse Frosting . I thought to myself, “Self, if this doesn’t satisfy your chocolate craving, nothing will.” Chocolate Cupcake Recipe-Gourmet Cupcakes-Chocolate Mousse Recipe | La Mia Vita Dolce [...]