Homemade Choco Berry Cupcakes

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup hot water

For the Berry Filling:

• 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Fresh berries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cupcakes:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth (the batter will be thin).
6. Fill the cupcake liners about 2/3 full with batter.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.

Berry Filling:

1. In a saucepan, combine the mixed berries, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Cook over medium heat until the berries break down and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue to cook until the filling thickens, about 2 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Chocolate Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed until combined.
3. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and beat on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.
4. If the frosting is too thick, add more cream (1 tbsp at a time) until the desired consistency is reached.

Assembling the Cupcakes:

1. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a small knife or a cupcake corer to remove the center of each cupcake.
2. Fill each cupcake with the cooled berry filling.
3. Pipe or spread the chocolate frosting on top of each cupcake.
4. Garnish with fresh berries if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Choco Berry Cupcakes!