Wine-Infused Chocolate Cupcakes
These wine-infused chocolate cupcakes are enhanced by the red fruit flavors of Merlot, creating a delicious pairing.
Ingredients
Cupcake
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 ¾ cups all purpose flour
• 3/4 cup dark cocoa powder,
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla
Filling
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
• ¼ cup red wine
Frosting
• 8 oz of softened cream cheese
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp red wine
• ½ tsp vanilla
• 4 drops food coloring (optional)
Directions
Cupcake
Preheat oven to 350
1. In large bowl, whisk together 2 cups sugar, 1 ¾ cup all purpose flour, 3/4 cup dark cocoa powder, 1 ½ tsp baking soda, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt.
2. Add 1 cup red wine, 1 cup milk, 2 eggs, ½ cup vegetable oil and 1 tsp vanilla.
3. Beat on medium speed for two minutes until well combined. Batter will be thin.
4. Scoop into cupcake wrappers.
5. Bake for 15-17 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool cupcakes completely.
Filling
1.Cut holes in the center of cupcakes.
2. In a medium saucepan heat 1cup heavy whipping cream to just boiling.
3. Remove from heat and add 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips.
4. Let sit for 5 minutes and whisk until smooth.
5. Add ¼ cup red wine and whisk until smooth.
6. Cool completely.
7. Spoon filling into the center of the cupcakes.
Fosting
1.Beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 2 cups powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Add 2 cups heavy cream, 3 tbsp red wine, ½ tsp vanilla and 4 drops food coloring (optional).
3. Beat until soft peaks form.
4. Spread or pipe frosting onto cupcakes.
5. If desired, drizzle with melted chocolate.
Featured Merlot Pairings
Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve Merlot V22 750ML
Chateau Souverain Merlot V21 750ML
Edna Valley Central Coast Merlot V21 750ML