CUPCAKE HE AVEN

Ultimate chocolate cupcakes

MAKES 12

For the rich chocolate frosting

200g (7oz) 70% dark chocolate
200ml (7floz) double cream
3 tbsp golden syrup

For the chocolate cupcakes

220g (7½oz) self-raising flour
160g (6oz) light brown sugar
30g (1oz) cocoa powder
¼ tsp salt
200ml (7floz) milk
90ml (3floz) vegetable oil
1 tbsp wine vinegar
1 tsp chocolate extract (optional) strawberries, raspberries or red currants, to decorate icing sugar, for dusting

For the rich chocolate frosting

1 Chop the chocolate really small and put into a bowl.

2 Put the cream and golden syrup in a medium saucepan. Swirl the pan over a medium-low heat until the cream comes almost to the boil – you will see little bubbles appear around the edge.

3 Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and set aside for a couple of minutes.

4 Use a small whisk and stir gently in the centre of the bowl using very small motions. Keep stirring gently until the chocolate melts completely and turns into a glossy glaze.

5 Pour the ganache into a stand mixer bowl, reserving a small amount to drizzle over the cupcakes.

Let the chocolate cool until it sets and