Indulge in Decadence: Red Wine Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe
Welcome, wine and dessert lovers! I have an amazing recipe that combines two of the best things in life: wine and chocolate. Yes, you heard that right, red wine chocolate cupcakes! These divine little bites are the ultimate treat and perfect for any occasion. Trust me; you’ll love them!
If you’re wondering how does red wine blend so well with cupcakes? Let me tell you, this combination is pure magic. The dryness of the red wine enhances the bitterness of the cocoa powder, while the tannins harmonize with the sweetness of the frosting. When you add dark chocolate to the mix- oh boy, it’s a match made in heaven.
I’ve been making these cupcakes for years now, and they never cease to amaze my guests. People always ask me for the recipe, and today I’m happy to share it with all of you. Put on your aprons and grab a bottle of red wine because these cupcakes are about to be your new favorite dessert. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a unique twist to your regular chocolate cupcake recipe? Look no further than these Red Wine Chocolate Cupcakes! These cupcakes are perfect for wine lovers and chocolate fans alike. Trust me, you won’t regret trying out this recipe.
The dry red wine used in this recipe adds a whole new layer of flavor that elevates these cupcakes to a whole new level. It brings out the richness of the dark chocolate and adds a subtle fruity note to the cupcakes that will have you wanting more.
Not only are these cupcakes delicious, but they are also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these mouth-watering treats in no time. Plus, the recipe can easily be doubled or halved depending on your needs.
These cupcakes are also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them as is, or top them with a creamy red wine buttercream frosting that perfectly complements the flavor profile of the cupcakes. Alternatively, you can top them with a chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting for more variety.
So why should you love this recipe? Because it’s not just your average chocolate cupcake recipe. It’s unique, flavorful, and easy to make. Plus, it’s the perfect treat to pair with a glass of your favorite red wine on a cozy night in. Go ahead, give it a try – I promise you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
The ingredient list for these Red Wine Chocolate Cupcakes includes a mix of traditional baking staples, like sugar and eggs, and unexpected ingredients, like dry red wine and extra virgin olive oil. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 & 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 & 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup dry red wine (use something you would drink)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup water
Other Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
For the Red Wine Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (use something you would drink)
- Pinch of salt
The moisture from the dry red wine creates an exceptionally moist crumb in these wine cupcakes. The resulting flavor profile is a rich chocolate flavor up front with subtle fruity undertones that become more pronounced with each bite. The red wine adds depth to the chocolate flavor without overwhelming it.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cupcake Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F/175°C. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients Together
Sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients into Dry Ingredients
Add in one large egg and mix together. Gradually add in ½ cup dry red wine along with ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil and ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature) to the mixture.
Step 4: Fill Your Cupcake Liners
Fill the prepared liners with batter, filling each about two-thirds full.
Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes
Bake the cupcakes for approximately 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of a cupcake.
Step 6: Frosting Time!
While the cupcakes cool, it’s time to prepare the red wine buttercream frosting. In a small saucepan, heat ½ cup of dry red wine on medium heat until it has reduced by half. This process will take approximately ten minutes. Set aside to cool to room temperature before adding to the frosting mixture.
In another large bowl, beat 1 stick (½ cup) softened unsalted butter, ¾ cup dark brown sugar, and ½ cup granulated sugar for at least five minutes until light and fluffy.
Then add in 2 cups powdered sugar one-half at a time, mixing well between additions. Next stir in 4 ounces melted dark chocolate, followed by the room temperature reduced red wine.
Tip: If the frosting is too thick, mix in a few tablespoons of heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 7: Top with Wine Buttercream Frosting
Take each cupcake and top with a dollop of red wine buttercream frosting. Use a small spatula or knife to smooth out the top and create a beautiful swirl.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
These cupcakes are best served fresh but can be stored for up to three days in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Enjoy these delicious wine chocolate cupcakes on their own or paired with your favorite red wine.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re interested in trying out some substitutions or variations of this red wine chocolate cupcakes recipe, there are plenty of options available to make it your own!
First, let’s talk about the type of red wine you can use. I recommend using a dry red wine like merlot, cabernet sauvignon, or pinot noir for these cupcakes. However, if you prefer sweeter wines, you can certainly experiment with those as well.
If you don’t have extra virgin olive oil on hand, you can substitute it with vegetable oil or canola oil. Just keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly.
For the butter, I recommend using unsalted butter at room temperature. If you only have salted butter, simply omit the added salt in the recipe. If your butter is still cold from the fridge, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or leave it out at room temperature for an hour or so until it’s softened.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option for this recipe, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also make these cupcakes vegan by using egg replacer and vegan butter instead of eggs and regular butter.
For a fun twist on this recipe, try adding some spices like cinnamon or cardamom to spice up the flavor profile. Or opt to fill these cupcakes with a homemade raspberry filling for an extra burst of flavor.
When it comes to frosting options, you can go with a classic cream cheese frosting or take things up a notch with a red wine buttercream frosting. You could even top these cupcakes with some chocolate ganache or sprinkles for an extra special touch.
Whatever substitutions and variations you choose to make, get creative and have fun experimenting with this delicious red wine chocolate cupcakes recipe!
Serving and Pairing
These red wine chocolate cupcakes are a decadent treat that make for the perfect dessert or even a special occasion snack. With their rich flavors and unique combination of ingredients, they are sure to impress all of your guests.
When it comes to pairing these cupcakes with wine, there is no better option than a dry red wine. The depth of flavor in a dry red wine pairs perfectly with the intense chocolate flavor of the cupcakes. A Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot would be an excellent choice.
If you want to try something different, you could also pair these cupcakes with a sweet dessert wine, such as Port or Muscat. This will add a unique sweetness to the overall flavor profile and create a harmonious balance between the wine and cupcake.
For serving, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cupcake for an extra indulgent touch. You could also sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings or cocoa powder over the frosting to enhance the chocolatey taste.
Ultimately, these red wine chocolate cupcakes are an impressive and memorable dessert that will leave your guests wanting more. Enjoy them at your next dinner party or any special occasion with loved ones.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
These Red Wine Chocolate Cupcakes are an absolute treat that can be made ahead of time and still taste fresh out of the oven when you’re ready to serve them. If necessary, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days without losing their texture or flavor. However, if you want them to last longer, then keep them in the fridge where they’ll remain fresh for about a week.
To reheat your delicious Red Wine Chocolate Cupcakes, place them into the microwave for 10 seconds on medium power. This will allow the cupcakes to warm up gradually without drying them out or overcooking. Another great option is to reheat them in a conventional oven by preheating it to 350°F and placing your cupcakes onto a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes. This will ensure that the cupcakes are warmed up evenly throughout with a crunchy exterior and soft interior.
If you have leftover red wine buttercream frosting, it can be stored separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before using and give it a good whisk with an electric mixer until it returns to its silky smooth consistency.
Overall, these Red Wine Chocolate Cupcakes are perfect if you’re looking for a make-ahead dessert that can be reheated easily without compromising quality or taste. Whether you’re planning a party or just craving something sweet, these cupcakes are sure to exceed your expectations!
Tips for Perfect Results
When making Red Wine Chocolate Cupcakes, there are a few tips to keep in mind to get perfect results every time. Here are some of my favorite tips:
1. Use wine that you would drink: The key to getting the most out of the wine flavor in these cupcakes is to use a red wine that you really enjoy drinking. The quality of the wine will affect the overall taste of the cupcakes.
2. Don’t overmix: Mixing the batter too much can result in tough, dense cupcakes. Stop mixing as soon as all of the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Let your ingredients come to room temperature: It’s important to let your butter and eggs come to room temperature before beginning the recipe. This will ensure that they mix together evenly and result in a smooth batter.
4. Use high-quality chocolate: The dark chocolate used in this recipe is what gives these cupcakes their rich, indulgent flavor. Be sure to use a high-quality chocolate for best results.
5. Don’t overfill your cupcake liners: Only fill your liners about 2/3 full with batter, as they will rise during baking. Overfilling can cause them to overflow and flatten out on top.
6. Allow the cupcakes to cool before adding frosting: Waiting for the cupcakes to cool completely before adding frosting will help ensure that the frosting doesn’t melt or slide off.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create delicious Red Wine Chocolate Cupcakes that everyone will love!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, there’s no denying that these Red Wine Chocolate Cupcakes are a definite crowd-pleaser. With their rich flavor and decadent texture, they’ll quickly become a staple at your dessert table. Plus, they’re versatile since you can pair them with various dishes and drinks.
Whether you’re looking for a new dessert recipe or hosting a dinner party, these cupcakes are an excellent choice because of their unique blend of chocolate and red wine. Additionally, they’re straightforward to make, even for novice bakers. As long as you follow the steps carefully and use quality ingredients, you’ll have a batch of delicious cupcakes in no time.
Moreover, this recipe is customizable, giving you the chance to put your own twist on it. Experiment with different types of dry red wine and chocolates to find the perfect balance of flavors and pairings.
Therefore, if you want to impress your guests or treat yourself to a delightful dessert, give these Red Wine Chocolate Cupcakes a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Red Wine Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 (15 1/4 ounce) box chocolate cake mix
- 3/4 cup dry red wine
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted
Icing
- 1 cup softened butter
- 3 1/2-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- Combine cake mix, eggs, olive oil, and chocolate in a mixing bowl.
- 2. Bake according to package directions in lined muffin tins. Allow to cool completely.
- 3. In a small saucepan, dissolve the sugar in ½ cup red wine, until dissolved.
- 4. Allow to simmer until reduced enough to coat the back of a spoon. This will yield a few tablespoons of red wine syrup.
- 5. Combine powdered sugar and butter until fluffy, using a hand mixer. Slowly add the wine syrup and blend to combine.
- 6. Using a piping bag or plastic storage bag, frost the cupcakes.
- 7. Enjoy!