Thursday, May 6, 2010

Chocolate Espresso Cupcakes & Mascarpone Whipped Cream Frosting

Chocolate Espresso Cupcakes with Mascarpone Whipped Cream Frosting
Chocolate Espresso Cupcakes with Mascarpone Whipped Cream Frosting

Sweet Valley High books started in 1983. I was 13 years old and made my mom buy countless books for me. Yeah, I've always been into chick lit and the RomCom. Anyway, in these novels, there is often the, as I call it, "electric moment." You know, when the girl sees the guy and it is electrifying. Or when their hands touch and she can feel the deep connection.

Chocolate Espresso Cupcakes with Mascarpone Whipped Cream Frosting
Well, I had that deep emotional connection. No, not with the Sweet Valley High guy, but with Mascarpone Whipped Cream Frosting.

We celebrated two birthdays at the library earlier this week and I made some mini cupcakes. The cupcake is Martha Stewart's One Bowl Chocolate cake with added espresso, and JustJenn's Mascarpone Whipped Cream Frosting.

Chocolate Espresso Cupcakes with Mascarpone Whipped Cream Frosting
The Mascarpone Frosting was divine. I'm not a fan of super sweet, buttery frosting, so this was heaven. It is light, slightly sweet and did I mention light? One of the birthday people said she could eat a whole bowl of the frosting. It is dangerous and delicious. Make it. You'll find that electric moment too.

Chocolate Espresso Cupcakes with Mascarpone Whipped Cream Frosting

Recipe:
1. Martha Stewart's One-Bowl Chocolate Cupcake - Make the recipe here, but add 1 T instant espresso powder (I use this brand) to the warm water to dissolve. It isn't overpowering, but it brings out the chocolate flavor. I baked the mini cupcakes for 10 minutes.

2. justJENN recipe for Mascarpone Frosting. Make this. Save some for the cupcakes and grab a big spoon and eat the rest.

50 comments:

  1. Sonia ~ Nasi Lemak LoverMay 6, 2010 at 1:16 AM

    this look good and yummy!

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  2. sumaMay 6, 2010 at 1:41 AM

    Look so, so delectable:--))

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  3. sumaMay 6, 2010 at 2:11 AM

    Delectable!!

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  4. Federica SimoniMay 6, 2010 at 5:24 AM

    wow sono bellissimi!! e chissà che buoni!! ciao!

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  5. AmandaMay 6, 2010 at 6:04 AM

    OMG those look amazing, my favorite flavors!

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  6. MariaMay 6, 2010 at 6:22 AM

    The cupcakes look divine!

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  7. UnknownMay 6, 2010 at 6:44 AM

    These are really gorgeous Mary! Love the combination of flavors and I just happen to have mascarpone in my fridge :)

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  8. AnonymousMay 6, 2010 at 7:33 AM

    What a delicious little treat. Thanks.

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  9. UnknownMay 6, 2010 at 7:36 AM

    Oh wow! These look great! You had me at "espresso." Thanks for sharing, these will definitely have to go into my "to make" pile.

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  10. CherineMay 6, 2010 at 8:09 AM

    Gorgeous cupcakes!! A fabulous treat!

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  11. Sippity SupMay 6, 2010 at 8:29 AM

    What a perfectly simple little cupcake. The mascarpone brings it home! GREG

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  12. kirbieMay 6, 2010 at 9:19 AM

    I remember those Sweet Valley High books! I was so addicted to them. I'm not a fan of many frostings, so the mascarpone one sounds perfect for me.

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  13. RoxanMay 6, 2010 at 9:35 AM

    I wish i could fill up a pool with these cupcakes and dive into them! They look SO good. Beautiful.

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  14. SaraMay 6, 2010 at 10:04 AM

    Gorgeous! Love the swirls on top of those cupcakes! Yum. :)

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  15. The CilantropistMay 6, 2010 at 10:09 AM

    Ok so I am definitely saving this recipe. These are tiny and cute and sound delicious, esp the frosting. I just made some white chocolate mascarpone mousse last weekend and can appreciate how the cheese mellows out flavors.

    Are those tiny little chocolate candies that you sprinkled on top? Adorable.

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  16. BarbaraMay 6, 2010 at 10:27 AM

    These are really dark and decadent looking cupcakes! The espresso gives chocolate a real kick. Great idea to make a mascarpone frosting too!

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  17. The ScootabakerMay 6, 2010 at 10:41 AM

    good call on these ones Mary!

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  18. CarolineMay 6, 2010 at 11:29 AM

    Nice combo, the flavors remind me of tiramisu. I love the liners, too! Pretty all around :)

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  19. EsiMay 6, 2010 at 11:51 AM

    Hmmm, want to do my birthday cupcakes this year? Haha, just teasing.

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  20. MemóriaMay 6, 2010 at 12:46 PM

    I used to read SVH as well!!!! My mom also bought me some of the books, but I mostly got them from the library since I don't like to re-read books (I know what is going to happen, and there are too many other great books out there!). Little did I know that these books contributed to my confusion about my feelings (or lack thereof) toward men...ahhh, subliminal heterosexual brainwashing. LOL! Nevertheless, I was crazy about those books and could read a book within 1-2 hours.

    These cupcakes look amazing. That frosting looks so fluffy! I love the added chocolate candies on top. What are they?

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  21. The Food LibrarianMay 6, 2010 at 1:00 PM

    What are the candies on top? They are Valrhona Pearls Crunchy Dark Chocolate 55%. I get them from Surfas in Los Angeles.

    http://www.culinarydistrict.com/Products/Chocolate-Candy/Valrhona-Pearls-Crunchy-55-10-oz

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  22. StephMay 6, 2010 at 1:31 PM

    Wow, so pretty! I love the cloud of frosting on top. I used to be obsessed with Sweet Valley High.

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  23. DailyChefMay 6, 2010 at 2:54 PM

    These cupcakes look divine. I love espresso pastries, especially with a frosting like this!

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  24. UnknownMay 6, 2010 at 4:40 PM

    Yum!

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  25. JoanneMay 6, 2010 at 5:56 PM

    I used to love SVH books! I also read the Twins series and the University ones...it was a serious addiction!

    Love the mascarpone frosting...I think it might be my prince charming...

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  26. CBMay 6, 2010 at 6:54 PM

    Nom nom nom. Must try Jenn's mascarpone frosting asap!

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  27. tasteofbeirutMay 6, 2010 at 7:11 PM

    Yum. These look so good love the espresso and choc combo, anytime!

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  28. MeganMay 6, 2010 at 8:26 PM

    These look amazing! Love that frosting.

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  29. MaryMay 7, 2010 at 6:08 AM

    Just another reason why I like you....SVH was the best series ever....12 years old, braces AND headgear, reading a Sweet Valley High book and dreaming of the day when I would wear a gold lavelier and drive a tiny red convertible around town.

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  30. ErinMay 7, 2010 at 6:20 AM

    Who hasn't had an electric moment with frosting? I know I have.

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  31. MemóriaMay 7, 2010 at 11:49 AM

    Thank you for answering my question and providing the link, Mary! You're awesome. I will look it up.

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  32. beckyMay 8, 2010 at 5:35 PM

    i could put mascarpone frosting on anything, its just so deliciously light and fluffy! and man, these cupcakes look so yummy!!

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  33. Nancy/n.o.eMay 8, 2010 at 6:21 PM

    Next time I have to make cake, I'm totally stealing this entire setup. I've never met a mascarpone recipe that I didn't love and this frosting looks amazing. Beautiful cupcakes!!

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  34. The Urban BakerMay 9, 2010 at 11:09 AM

    HI MARY....so cute! I have been resisting buying those lights, but I think I must. Have a wonderful Sunday.

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  35. JennyMay 9, 2010 at 12:35 PM

    This is nice for children's party!

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  36. ChristineMay 9, 2010 at 4:09 PM

    These pictures are incredible! I love the Martha Stewart recipe, too.

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  37. eatme_deliciousMay 10, 2010 at 7:08 AM

    Okay you've convinced me I must make the frosting! I love mascarpone.

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  38. Deeba PABMay 11, 2010 at 6:58 AM

    Love them. Two of my fave flavours... what's not to love! Coffee & mascarpone!! YUM!

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  39. steph- whisk/spoonMay 12, 2010 at 7:08 AM

    mmmmmm! that sounds good...and i feel like it's been forever since i've had chocolate cake. i want!

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  40. MandyMay 12, 2010 at 3:47 PM

    ah, SVH! my english improved a lot when I started reading the series. :)It definitely brings back lots of memories. Your colleagues are truly lucky to work with you. Those cupcakes look delish!

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  41. Mr. PMay 13, 2010 at 2:16 AM

    Delicious! Look at all that frosting, I am seriously salivating. But in a good way, obviously. Not grossly.

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  42. ElianaMay 13, 2010 at 1:42 PM

    These look amazing but you had me at SVH. *sigh*

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  43. Ingrid_3BsMay 16, 2010 at 9:57 AM

    I'm not surprised. We love mascarpone and have yet to make anything with it that wasn't delish.
    ~ingrid

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  44. 2.46%June 7, 2010 at 7:18 AM

    I love SVH, too! I can't tell you how many hours I spent reading about Jessica, Elizabeth and the gang. I love mascarpone and will have to try this frosting recipe soon.

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  45. JoAnnaAugust 2, 2010 at 7:58 AM

    Do you know how this frosting would hold up on a warm sunny day at the park? I'm making cupcakes for a friend's birthday party, but need something sturdy, not too sweet, and must have natural ingrediants... no shortening or gross stuff like that. :)

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  46. The Food LibrarianAugust 2, 2010 at 8:12 AM

    Dear JoAnna #45, I don't think this will hold up very well on a warm day. Because it has heavy cream and the mascarpone cream, it is best served from the fridge or just at room temp. It's not "sturdy" for the outdoors...I wouldn't use it, just to be on the safe side. Have fun at the party! - mary

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  47. Live tv on pcNovember 10, 2010 at 8:05 AM

    Lovely and testy recipe found in your blog. This is the first choice of my family members. I appreciate your presentation. Thank you so much.

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  48. Abby MaeMarch 10, 2012 at 11:26 AM

    Oh oh I made these yesterday and everyone loved them! They were a hit! Seriously, such a perfect combo! I will be whipping these up again soon =)

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  49. StaceyAugust 1, 2012 at 10:02 AM

    @The Food Librarian
    Do you think that these would be okay to frost the night before? I am looking for a lovely, light frosting to top some Guinness cupcakes, but I need to frost them at night to bring in the morning.

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  50. The Food LibrarianAugust 1, 2012 at 10:05 AM

    @Stacey Dear Stacey, My friend frosted hers the night before and they were okay. Just be sure to keep them in the refrig. Your cupcakes sounds yummmmy! - mary

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