Decadent Chocolate Red Wine Cupcakes with Silky Mascarpone Frosting
Indulge your guests with these Decadent Chocolate Red Wine Cupcakes, a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and velvety red wine flavors, crowned with creamy mascarpone frosting. Perfectly moist and bursting with taste, these cupcakes offer an unforgettable finish to any dinner party, particularly those featuring Italian cuisine. The addition of red wine enhances the chocolate richness, while the mascarpone icing provides a luxurious, smooth contrast. Top each cupcake with a fresh halved grape for a touch of elegance and a pop of freshness. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this unique and delicious dessert that’s sure to impress!
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup (Sifted)
dark chocolate
4 ounces (Broken into pieces)
boiling water
1/2 cup (Boiled)
unsalted butter
1 cup (Room temperature)
granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups (N/A)
large eggs
4 (N/A)
all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups (Sifted)
baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (N/A)
salt
1 teaspoon (N/A)
medium- to full-bodied red wine
1/2 cup (Such as Cannonau)
mascarpone cheese
2 (8 ounce) containers (Room temperature)
confectioners' sugar
2 cups (N/A)
red grapes
As desired (Halved)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two muffin pans with cupcake liners or spray them with nonstick cooking spray.
2
In a medium, heatproof bowl, combine the sifted cocoa powder and broken dark chocolate pieces. Pour the boiling water over the mixture and whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smoothly combined.
3
In a large mixing bowl, cream the room temperature unsalted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4
Sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together and mix them into the butter-sugar mixture until just combined. Do not over-mix.
5
Gradually add the chocolate mixture and red wine in alternating batches, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until the batter is smooth and well-combined.
6
Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8
While the cupcakes cool, lightly beat the mascarpone cheese in a bowl. Gradually add confectioners' sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
9
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, spread a generous layer of mascarpone icing on each cupcake. Top with a halved red grape for a touch of elegance, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Red Wine Cupcakes?
They are a delightful dessert fusion of rich chocolate and velvety red wine flavors, finished with a creamy mascarpone frosting.
What kind of red wine is best for this recipe?
A medium- to full-bodied red wine is recommended, such as Cannonau, to enhance the chocolate's richness.
How many cupcakes does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 24 cupcakes.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the muffin pans?
You can either line the pans with cupcake liners or spray them with nonstick cooking spray.
What is the first step in making the chocolate base?
Combine sifted cocoa powder and broken dark chocolate pieces in a heatproof bowl and pour boiling water over them.
How do I ensure the chocolate mixture is smooth?
Whisk the cocoa, chocolate, and boiling water until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is well-combined.
What is the proper way to cream the butter and sugar?
Beat room temperature unsalted butter with granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
How should the eggs be added to the batter?
Beat the large eggs in gradually, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Which dry ingredients need to be sifted together?
The all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt should be sifted together before mixing.
How do I avoid over-mixing the batter?
Mix the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture only until just combined.
In what order should the wine and chocolate be added?
Add the chocolate mixture and red wine in alternating batches, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
How much should I fill each cupcake liner?
Divide the batter among the cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
How long do the cupcakes need to bake?
Bake the cupcakes for approximately 20 minutes.
How can I tell if the cupcakes are done?
The cupcakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Should the cupcakes cool in the pan?
Allow them to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
What ingredients are needed for the frosting?
The frosting consists of mascarpone cheese and confectioners' sugar.
How do I prepare the mascarpone for the icing?
Lightly beat the room temperature mascarpone cheese in a bowl before adding the sugar.
How is the confectioners' sugar added to the frosting?
Gradually add the sugar to the mascarpone and continue to beat until smooth and creamy.
Can I frost the cupcakes while they are warm?
No, the cupcakes must be completely cool before spreading the mascarpone icing on them.
What is the recommended garnish for these cupcakes?
Each cupcake is topped with a halved red grape for a touch of elegance.
How much mascarpone cheese is required?
The recipe calls for two 8-ounce containers of mascarpone cheese.
What type of chocolate is used in the batter?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of dark chocolate broken into pieces.
Can I use any red wine?
Yes, any medium- to full-bodied red wine will work, though Italian varieties like Cannonau are suggested.
What is the texture of the mascarpone frosting?
The frosting is described as silky, luxurious, and smooth.
Is this dessert suitable for dinner parties?
Yes, it is specifically noted as an unforgettable finish to dinner parties, especially those featuring Italian cuisine.
How much cocoa powder is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of sifted unsweetened cocoa powder.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of unsalted butter at room temperature.
What purpose does the boiling water serve?
The boiling water is used to melt the dark chocolate and bloom the cocoa powder.
What is the main flavor profile of this cupcake?
The cupcakes feature a rich chocolate flavor with a deep wine undertone and a creamy, tangy frosting.