Chocolate Chili Cupcakes

I was inspired by the show cupcake wars - frankly i'm a little addicted to shows that are about baking!  I have a dream to have a little bakery as part of a bed and breakfast some day!  Well during one show in particular, the cupcake wars, they are often times thrown a curve ball and having to incorporate an typically not included ingredient you might find in cupcakes.  After seeing more chocolate bars that have chili in them.  A friend of mine loves these but can't ever seem to get enough heat from them.  So I set out to make a chili chocolate cupcake that might do it justice... I think i have come close!  Give it a try and see what you think!

Chocolate Chili Cupcakes

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cocoa, sifted

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1 ¼ teaspoon red cayenne pepper

½ tsp chili pepper

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 egg

3/4 cup buttermilk

Preheat oven to 350°F .

Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.

In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa, chocolate chips, baking soda, salt, and cayenne pepper.

In another bowl, combine oil, sugar, egg, buttermilk and vanilla.

Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients and mix gently.

Pour the batter among muffin cups.

Bake approximately 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

Cool on rack 10 minutes before removing from pan.

Chocolate Frosting/Icing

1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted (you may need more to get desired consistency)

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa, sifted

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

heavy whipping cream – to get desired consistency

With a electric mix, beat butter at medium speed about 2 minutes.

Reduce speed and add the confectioners’ sugar 60 g (1/2 cup) at a time.

Beating well after each addition.

Add cocoa and vanilla, beat well.

Add in whipping cream to achieve desired consistency.

If not using immediately, frosting can be refrigerated up to 10 days in a airtight container.

Before using, bring to room temperature.

Happy Baking!