TERRY’S CHOCOLATE ORANGE CUPCAKES

I have missed baking cupcakes and this recipe is for sure, the way to bring them back with a sweet bang. I have to give full credit for these to janespatisserie.com but thought I’d share her genius with all my fab friends. For any chocolate lover this is a winner, but why not treat Mum this evening, in honour of her day. Here’s how –

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

for the cakes

150g butter

150g caster sugar

120g self raising flour

30g cocoa powder

3 eggs

Grated zest of 1 orange

175g of chopped chocolate orange

for the frosting

175g butter

500g icing sugar

orange food colouring

2 tbsp orange juice

to decorate

Terry’s Chocolate Orange segments (I used the minis)

Melted chocolate

THE HOW:

Preheat the oven to 180C and fill your cupcake tray with cases. Chop up your chocolate orange segments and put to one side.

Beat the butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Add in your sieved self-raising flour, cocoa powder and eggs and beat until combined.

Fold in the grated orange zest and your chopped chocolate and spoon the mixture into your cupcake cases.

Bake in the oven for around 15-18 minutes (I think mine took around 20) Once cooked all the way through, place on a wire rack and leave to cool on a wire rack. (This may be the first time in recorded history that I fully allowed my cakes to cool – my patience usually gets the better of me but I definitely advise doing what you are told. it makes such a difference to the final result and ensures your frosting doesn’t melt – a given, really. If too impatient, stick in the fridge to help them out)

For your frosting, beat the butter until smooth. Using all of your arm strength, gradually add in the icing sugar, 100g at a time and beat as you go.

Add your fresh orange juice and the orange colouring and combine. Pipe the frosting onto each cake and top with plain (or orange) melted chocolate. Decorate with a chocolate orange segment, stick the kettle on and enjoy.

These are so so good and so indulgent. Perfect for Mother’s Day (and every other day) These went down such a treat and I will definitely be making them again.