- 3/4 cup malt milk drink (like Ovaltine), dissolved in 1/2 cup hot water
- **For the Buttercream:**
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- A few drops of cherry flavoring
- **For Assembly and Garnish:**
- Maraschino cherries, halved for topping the cupcakes
- Optional: White chocolate shavings or curls for decoration
#### Detailed Steps:
1. **Preheat Oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. **Prepare Buttercream Base:** In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. Set aside to keep cool while you make the cupcakes.
3. **Mix Cupcake Batter:**
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the buttermilk and malt milk mixture (make sure it’s fully dissolved).
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients for a smooth batter.
4. **Bake Cupcakes:**
- Pour the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling about 2/3 full.
- Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. **Prepare Buttercream Frosting:**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and butter using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Gradually add in corn syrup and vanilla extract, continuing to mix at medium-high speed for about 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add red food coloring and cherry flavoring; mix until well combined.
6. **Frost the Cupcakes:**
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Pipe or spoon the cherry vanilla buttercream onto each cupcake, smoothing top with a spatula if desired.
- Top with a halved maraschino cherry and optional white chocolate shavings for a festive look.
7. **Serve:** Serve these Double Chocolate Malt Shop Cupcakes with Cherry Vanilla Buttercream immediately after frosting. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, bringing them back to room temperature before serving.
#### Tips:
- Ensure all ingredients are at the right temperature (room temp) for best results.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, consider using high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
- The malt milk drink adds depth; use it sparingly if you prefer a less pronounced flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Double Chocolate Malt Shop Cupcakes with Cherry Vanilla Buttercream! Perfect for any occasion or just because.