Description

Turn up the heat with these Chili Chocolate Cupcakes topped with silky Cayenne Ganache Frosting. Infused with warming spices and deep chocolate flavor, these bold treats are perfect for fiery Aries birthdays or anyone who craves a rich, spicy twist on dessert. Finished with chocolate stars and red flakes, they’re as dramatic as they are delicious.

Ingredients

For the Chili Chocolate Cupcakes:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup strong brewed coffee (or hot water)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg

For the Cayenne Ganache Frosting:

8 oz dark chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1 tbsp butter

Optional Toppings:

Chocolate star garnishes
Crushed red pepper flakes or red sanding sugar

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, vanilla, coffee, both sugars, oil, and egg until well combined.
Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry until just combined.
Divide batter evenly among liners and bake for 16–18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Frosting:
7. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate, cayenne, cinnamon, salt, and butter until smooth.
8. Chill ganache in the fridge for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches piping consistency.
9. Pipe onto cooled cupcakes using a swirl tip.
10. Garnish with chocolate stars and red flakes or sanding sugar for a fiery finish.

Notes

Adjust cayenne to your spice preference—start light and taste as you go.
For extra richness, use espresso instead of regular coffee.
Ganache can also be spooned on for a more rustic finish.