2tablespoonsbourbonrum or choice of spirit, optional
Cake
1cup226g unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2cups320g light brown sugar, packed
2eggsat room temperature
6tablespoonsunsweet dark cocoa powder
1 1/2teaspoonsbaking soda
1teaspoonvanilla extract
1/4teaspoonsalt
1 1/2cups180 gall-purpose flour
2/3cup150g sour cream, room temperature
3/4cup180 ml hot coffee
Frosting
1cup226g unsalted butter, softened
1/4teaspoonsalt
6cups680g confectioners’ sugar
1/2cup45g unsweet dark cocoa powder
Milk or creamas needed to thin
6ouncesdark chocolatemelted
Chocolate batonsoptional
Instructions
Make the hot fudge: Combine milk, chips and sugar in a saucepan and place over medium heat, whisking constantly until chocolate is melted. Bring mixture to a boil and cook 1 minute. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter (and bourbon, if using). Pour into a 16 ounce jar and let cool slightly while you prepare the rest of the recipe.
Make the cakes: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cupcake tin(s) with paper liners.
Using an electric mixer beat the butter in a large bowl until creamy. Add the sugar and eggs; beat until lightened in color. Add the cocoa, baking soda, vanilla extract and salt; mix well.
Beat in the flour in 3 additions alternately with the sour cream, begin and end with flour.
Add the hot coffee at the end and mix until a smooth batter forms. Fill the cupcake liners about 3/4 full. Bake the cupcakes for 20-22 minutes, or until the cupcakes spring back when pressed in their centers. Let cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Make the frosting: In the bowl of an electric mixer with the whip attachment, beat together the butter and salt. Add the confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder. Mix on low speed until just combined (the mixture may be crumbly at first. Add heavy cream a little at a time until the mixture is piping consistency. Add the dark chocolate to the frosting and whip on high speed. Scrape down the bowl and whip again until light and fluffy.
Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large French tip. Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Drizzle a spoonful of hot fudge sauce over each cupcake and top with chocolate batons, if using. Serve immediately. Store cakes in an airtight cupcake keeper.
Keyword bourbon hot fudge, hot fudge, unsweet dark cocoa powder