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Triple Chocolate Cupcakes with Ganache Frosting

February 5, 2013 33 Comments

Triple Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes are a decadent treat for chocolate lovers like myself. A chocolate cake recipe made into cupcakes topped with chocolate ganache and mini chocolate chips were the perfect dessert for our Super Bowl party last weekend.

Chocolate cupcakes with ganache frosting

Did your favorite team win the Super Bowl? Were you rooting for the Ravens all along? I may not be a big football fan but I sure do love Super Bowl food! My mother in-law did a great job hosting a super bowl party for our family and my contribution to the party were these triple chocolate ganache cupcakes

Triple Chocolate Cupcakes with Ganache frosting recipe

So random fact: I shopped at Safeway in the town that 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick grew up. We live a few hours away from San Francisco and this particular town is where Kaepernick grew up since he was four. Most stores display their Super Bowl party foods, but Safeway did an impressive job with theirs this year. They even had a giant banner with Colin Kaepernick’s picture on it hanging above one of the displays (you can see more pictures on Google+).

super bowl party ideas

While there we picked up a few party essentials like chips, dips, and chocolate for the cupcakes. My mother in law put on an impressive food display for the big game. I love her white and blue dishes!

Super Bowl Party Food Display

I may or may not have fallen asleep from the end of the second quarter until two minutes left in the fourth. Apparently I missed a great game but the last two minutes were pretty intense wouldn’t you say? I also may or may not have made a comment about how similar the Ravens coach and 49ers coach looked alike. Everyone laughed because apparently John and Jim are brothers…who knew, right? HA!

Print
Triple Chocolate Cupcakes with Ganache Frosting

Ingredients

  1. 2 cups sugar
  2. 1 3/4 cups flour
  3. 3/4 cup cocoa powder
  4. 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  5. 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  6. 1 tsp salt
  7. 2 eggs
  8. 1 cup milk
  9. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  10. 2 tsp vanilla extract
  11. 1 cup boiling water
  12. mini chocolate chips for topping
  15. For the ganache
  16. 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate
  17. 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and fill cupcake pan with liners.
  2. In a large bowl stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla and mix for 2 minutes. Slowly stir in boiling water.
  3. Pour into cupcake pan 2/3 full with batter.
  4. Bake for 22-24 minutes; cool completely.
  5. For the ganache:
  6. Heat heavy whipping cream until boiling.
  7. Pour heavy cream over a bowl of chocolate and allow to sit for 5-10 minutes.
  8. Once the chocolate is melted whisk the heavy cream and chocolate together until you get a smooth consistency.
  9. Dip or spoon ganache onto the cupcakes and top with mini chocolate chips. I like to place my cupcakes in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to allow the ganache to set.
http://apumpkinandaprincess.com/2013/02/triple-chocolate-cupcakes-with-ganache-frosting.html

For this recipe I used the Hershey’s “Perfectly Chocolate” cake recipe and made my own chocolate ganache frosting then topped the cupcakes with mini chocolate chips. They were a big hit at our Super Bowl party!

Triple Chocolate Cupcakes with ganache frosting recipe

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Linking up here

 

I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® #CBias #SocialFabric

Filed Under: Desserts, Recipes

Best Projects of 2012

December 31, 2012 17 Comments
DIY Grey Bathroom Makeover

With 2012 coming to an end I thought it would be fun to look back at some of the best projects of 2012 on A Pumpkin & A Princess this year. I can’t even express how grateful I am for all of you! My first year of blogging I only shared 1-2  projects a month (if that!) and didn’t know ANY bloggers. This year, however, has been a complete 180. I’m so glad to be part of the blogging world and to have met so many amazing friends because of it. I’m excited to see what 2013 has in store and to continue to meet new friends along the way. Oh and have I mentioned I’ll be at SNAP in April? Eeeek..my first blogging conference! I’m also attending CHA in a couple of weeks. I’m demonstrating at the Plaid booth so stop on by if you’ll be there, I’d love to meet you!

Now lets take a look back at some of the best posts from 2012…

DIY Grey Bathroom Makeover

I’m still in love with my grey stenciled bathroom. It was one of my biggest projects in my home and I’m looking forward to several big DIY projects in 2013. Think master bath, laundry room, and kitchen remodel. I can’t wait!

Placemat Pillow Tutorial

Ahhh the infamous placemat pillow tutorial. These are ridiculously easy to make!

Mini Snickers Cheesecakes Recipe

Mmmm Snickers and cheesecake together? Yes, please! Mini Snickers Cheesecakes Recipe

DIY Safari Birthday Party Decor

First birthday Safari Party – My favorite party so far!

Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

Chocolate peppermint cupcakes were a big hit around here during the holidays.

DIY Washi Tape Coasters Tutorial

Oh washi tape, how I love thee! Washi tape coasters tutorial.

Organizing tips for a home office in a small space

Who doesn’t love an organized home office or in my case kitchen corner?

Beautiful and easy spring decor

Budget-friendly Spring decor Easy Valentines Day Treats

The marshmallow heart brownie bites are definitely on our Valentine’s Day treats list in 2013. The kids loved them!

DIY Glitter Polka Dot Easter Eggs

A great Easter craft for kids – polka dot glitter Easter eggs.

Easy Salted Caramel Turtles Candy Recipe

The easiest salted caramel turtles candy ever!

Easy Ice Cream Cupcakes Recipe

I’m still shocked at how popular the ice cream cupcakes recipe was. I loved receiving emails from you guys sharing your own creations!

I’m looking forward to continuing our creative journey together in 2013. Thank you for being a reader, the sweet comments, and emails. I appreciate each and every one of YOU!


Let’s connect! I’m on…

Facebook >>> Instagram >>>> Twitter >>> Pinterest

Filed Under: Crafts, Crafts For Kids, Decor, DIY, Featured Post, Holidays, Recipes Tagged With: , , ,

Chocolate Peanut Candy Clusters

December 11, 2012 6 Comments
Peanut Clusters

Now that we’re counting down the days until Christmas I’m getting recipe ideas ready to give special treats to neighbors next week. On Sunday the kids and I are going to bake the day away making a large assortment of cookies, fudge, and triple chocolate peppermint brownies. The salted caramel turtles candy were also a big hit with my family that I plan to make a large batch of those as well. Yesterday we tried a new recipe and to be honest I don’t know why I’ve never tried it before. We made the easiest chocolate peanut candy clusters ever!

Peanut Clusters

Are you ready for this…it has TWO ingredients. Yep, just two. I guess you could technically cover anything in chocolate and call it a special treat but I have a feeling this candy cluster recipe is going to be a new family fave.

Easy Peanut Clusters Recipe

To make them all I did was melt my absolute favorite chocolate Semi-Sweet Ghirardelli chocolate chips then stirred in peanuts. I then used a teaspoon to place the clusters onto a wax paper lined baking sheet. I’m impatient so I put them in the refrigerator and ten minutes later…ta da!

Candy Clusters

What are you baking this holiday season? Do you enjoy giving treats as gifts?

Thanks for stopping by, I’ll be back later with a new giveaway! One a special guy in your life might enjoy or for you to keep for yourself. :)

Linking up here, TCB

Filed Under: Christmas, Desserts, Recipes Tagged With: , , ,

Triple Chocolate Peppermint Brownies

November 30, 2012 31 Comments

Triple Chocolate Peppermint Brownies

My favorite holiday treat is without a doubt Ghirardelli peppermint bark. Have you tried it? It is amazing! My oldest (who loves anything and everything mint) and I were eating a piece of peppermint bark the other day when he suggested that we use it to bake with. It inspired me to create a Triple Chocolate Peppermint Brownies recipe.

Triple Chocolate Peppermint Brownies Recipe

These are way too addicting, I had to stop myself from eating the entire pan. Chocolate and peppermint are one of the best holiday flavors! We love to use candy canes to stir our hot cocoa and now we have a new treat to make on those cold winter days.

Peppermint Brownies Recipe

Easy Peppermint Brownies Recipe

Print
Triple Chocolate Peppermint Brownies

Ingredients

  1. 1 package Ghirardelli Brownie Mix
  2. 1/3 cup water
  3. 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  4. 1 egg
  5. 1 tsp peppermint extract
  6. 1/2 cup white chocolate chips; melted (optional)
  7. 1/2 Andes Peppermint Crunch baking chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Prepare baking pan by lightly greasing or lining with parchment paper.
  2. Combine water, oil, and egg in a mixing bowl. Add brownie mix and peppermint extract; stir until fully combined. Spread into pan.
  3. Bake for 45-50 minutes.
  4. Once brownies have cooled drizzle with white chocolate and sprinkle peppermint crunch baking chips on top.
http://apumpkinandaprincess.com/2012/11/triple-chocolate-peppermint-brownies.html

For this recipe I used the Ghirardelli Triple Chocolate Brownie Mix found at Costco. I love, love, love this brownie mix! By the way I actually tried two versions of this recipe and decided this was the best one. In my first attempt at peppermint brownies I sprinkled chopped Hershey’s candy cane kisses on top. They melted right on top of the brownies creating a sweet coating. I found that they were a little too decadent and overpowered the brownies. So my next best option was to drizzle the melted white chocolate chips on top with a piping bag then add the peppermint crunch. I really like the peppermint crunch because it doesn’t melt easily like the kisses did but its also not hard like candy canes.

Peppermint Brownies Recipe

 For more mint recipes check out our

Peppermint Cupcakes

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cupcakes

Linking up at Transformation Thursday

 

I’m also participating in a holiday recipe blog hop with 50+ other bloggers. For creative holiday recipe ideas check out the links below!

Filed Under: Christmas, Desserts, Holidays, Recipes Tagged With: , ,

Marshmallow Snowman and Mini Butterfinger Cheesecakes

November 26, 2012 24 Comments
Marshmallow Snowman Treats Recipe

Baking season is officially here! You know what that means right? There’s been a whole lot of Christmas music playing and baking going on around here. The kids and I made THE cutest marshmallow snowman treats this weekend. But today I have not one but TWO recipes to share with you! While the kids ate marshmallow snowmen I made Mini Butterfinger Cheesecakes for the {big} kids at heart.

Marshmallow Snowman Treats Recipe

 

Mini Butterfinger Cheesecakes Recipe

While Black Friday shopping we picked up a couple of bags of #HolidayCandy to bake new treats with the kids over the next few weeks. This is my favorite time of the year! I love the memories we create during the holidays.

Holiday Candy Treats

We found the marshmallow snowman recipe on Nestle Seasonal Recipes.com. I could spend hours on that site, browsing through all the great recipes.

Marshmallow Snowman Treats

  • NESTLÉ® Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • NESTLÉ® BUTTERFINGER® or CRUNCH® Jingles, unwrapped
  • mini pretzels for hat base
  • white frosting
  • large marshmallows
  • pretzel sticks for arms, broken in half
  • NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Morsels for eyes and buttons
  • Orange frosting or small candy pieces for nose
  • Thin-string licorice cut into 7-inch pieces for scarves

Bake and cool the cookies to become “sleds” for the marshmallow snowmen. Insert pretzels sticks into both sides of the snowmen, then add the mini chocolate chips as buttons (dip a toothpick in the frosting then add a small amount to the back of the chocolate chip). Here’s what a did a little differently..I inserted a pretzel stick in both of the marshmallows to help keep them together. I also melted some mini chocolate chips to dip the mini pretzels in then pressed the Crunch Jingles on top. For the face add the mini chocolate chips for eyes and a small amount of orange frosting for the nose. Wrap the scarf around and add the hat with a little bit of frosting then let them sit for about 20 minutes.

Marshmallow Snowman Tutorial

Marshmallow Snowman Treats

If the snowmen weren’t enough I’ve been trying out a new mini cheesecake recipe for an upcoming holiday decorating party I’m hosting. We all know how much I love mini cheesecakes so it shouldn’t surprise you that I had try Mini Butterfingers Cheesecakes!

Mini Butterfinger Cheesecakes Recipe:

  • (2) 8oz packages cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup chopped Nestle Butterfinger Jingles (or bars)
  • 1 cup crushed Oreos
  • 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
  • 2 tbsp sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Melted Nestle Chocolate Chips for topping (optional)
  • Chopped Butterfinger Bar for topping (optional)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a cupcake pan with baking cups.
  2. Crush Oreos in a food processor and mix with melted butter.
  3. 
Press one heaping tablespoon of Oreo crumbs into each baking cup.
  4. Mix together cream cheese, sugar, and sour cream. Add in eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy.
  5. 
Fold in chopped Butterfinger pieces.
  6. 
Fill baking cups 2/3 way full; bake for 22-24 minutes.
  7. Cool; add chocolate drizzle and Butterfinger pieces on top.

For more holiday recipes and ideas connect with Nestle on Facebook and Twitter.

Butterfinger Cheesecakes Recipe

What are some of your favorite holiday recipes?

Thanks for stopping by!

Linking up here, TCB, Tip Junkie

 

 

 

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This content has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Nestle #CBias #SocialFabric

Filed Under: Christmas, Desserts, Holidays, Recipes Tagged With: , ,

Easy Salted Caramel Turtles

November 2, 2012 43 Comments
Salted Caramel Turtle Candy

Wow, is it Friday already? I’ve been a little MIA this week but don’t worry I have big plans and many, many ideas to share with you over the next few months. I’ll be back this weekend with a recap of our Halloween/birthday festivities, a giveaway, and hopefully a Christmas post. Before I get to all of that I want to show you how to make the easiest salted caramel turtles ever!

Salted Caramel Turtle Candy

This is such a quick recipe with only 4 ingredients involved. I adapted the recipe from Candiquick.

-I started by placing two pecans next to each other on a parchment covered baking sheet, then added a flatten caramel piece on top.

-Once my oven was preheated to 325 degrees I baked them for 5 minutes (keep an eye on them so that the caramel doesn’t burn).

-Allow to cool.

Salted Caramel Candy

Dip the bottom into melted chocolate or spoon a small amount back onto the parchment paper and place the turtle on top. Pipe melted chocolate on top and sprinkle with sea salt.

Salted Caramel Turtle Candy

I’m giving these away as a gift later tonight so I popped them in refrigerator to quickly harden. Now I need to think of a creative way to package them before we leave. This really was an easy treat to make as a last minute gift that I just had to share.

 

If you like this recipe check out my Salted Caramel Cupcakes

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Linking up to these parties

Filed Under: Desserts, Featured, Recipes Tagged With: , , ,

Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

October 25, 2012 60 Comments
Chocolate Peppermint Cupcake Recipe

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! OK not really, but my kitchen sure did smell like Christmas today. I don’t mean to push Halloween and Thanksgiving aside, but this recipe for Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes makes me excited for the upcoming Christmas season. I was literally *this* close to turning on the Christmas music this afternoon. Then my husband reminded me that I’m behind on making the little one’s Halloween costume and I snapped back to reality.

Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

The reason behind the cupcakes is to celebrate my husband. I don’t share details about him often but if there’s one thing you should know it’s that he’s an incredibly hard worker that always puts our family first. Two days ago he interviewed for a higher position at work and yesterday we found out he’s being promoted. Him working in law enforcement is hard on our family, we don’t always get to see him during holidays and our schedules are a complete mess most weeks. My husband works long hours to provide for us, all while driving almost an hour away on his days off to finish graduate school. I am so incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful husband, who also happens to be an incredible father to our children. I wanted to celebrate him for everything he does for our family everyday. This evening we went out to dinner then came home and enjoyed a chocolate peppermint cupcake.

Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

We loved the cupcakes, especially the kids!

For this recipe I tried the new Cool Whip chocolate frosting. Have you tried it yet? It has a great light and fluffy consistency that’s the perfect substitute to homemade frosting. I love homemade frosting but  I’ll admit sometimes I like something quick and easy. I found it while shopping at Walmart in the freezer aisle right next to the original Cool Whip. They have a vanilla and cream cheese flavor too. I can’t wait to try the cream cheese next!

Chocolate Peppermint Cupcake Recipe

 

 

Chocolate Peppermint Cupcake Recipe:

1 box Betty Crocker triple chocolate cake mix

3 eggs

1 1/4 cup water

1/2 cup oil

1tsp peppermint extract

1 cup Andes peppermint crunch

Frosting:

Cool Whip Chocolate Frosting

Andes peppermint crunch

Ghirardelli Peppermint bark

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and fill muffin pan with cupcake liners. Mix eggs, water, oil, and cake mix together. Add peppermint extract to batter and mix thoroughly. Fill pan and bake for 18-20 minutes; allow to cool. Fill pastry bag with COOL WHIP frosting and pipe onto cupcakes. Top with peppermint crunch and bark if desired. Serve immediately or store in freezer until ready to eat.

This was my first time trying the recipe, I may try a tablespoon of peppermint extract next time to increase the flavor. I also recommend frosting the cupcakes right before serving or keeping them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Want to see more #CoolWhipFrosting recipes? Check out this Pinterest board.

There’s also a coupon available right now to save on Cool Whip Frosting!

Chocolate Peppermint Cupcake Recipe

Thanks for stopping by!

Linking up to these parties, TCB, Tip Junkie

 

 

I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This content has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Kraft Cool Whip.  #CoolWhipFrosting #CBias #SocialFabric

Filed Under: Christmas, Desserts, Holidays, Recipes Tagged With: , ,

Halloween Food Ideas

October 24, 2012 27 Comments
Easy Halloween Food Ideas

My favorite thing about holidays is creating themed food for the kids. It makes the upcoming holidays that much more fun! Halloween is probably the best holiday to create treats for. I mean who wouldn’t want a spooky Halloween meal filled with mummy dogs, ghost bananas, and monster eyes?

Easy Halloween Food Ideas

I’ve been making mummy dogs since my oldest was little, it’s become tradition that we have them every year. This was the first time my younger two had them and let’s just say there were in complete in awe. My daughter, who’s three, thinks food that look like characters or things are the best thing ever.

Hot Dog Mummies

It was raining here on Monday and we didn’t have much going on, making a Halloween lunch was a fun way to get the kids excited that day.

Before I get to the mummy hot dog recipe I have to share this picture with you. On our way to the grocery store we picked up a pumpkin spice latte and I told my husband that all we needed now is for the leaves to finally start changing colors for it to feel like Fall. As soon as I stepped out of the car at Save Mart this pretty little leaf fell right by my feet. It had started to ever so slightly turn yellow.

Fall Boots and Leaves

It’s little moments like this that bring a smile to my face. Whether it’s taking a step back to enjoy Fall’s beauty or watching my kids get excited about mummy dogs, I know it’s more time like this that I need to focus on in my life. :)

Mummy Hot Dog Recipe:

To make the mummy dogs you will need crescent rolls, hot dogs, and mustard for the eyes. Begin by cutting a crescent roll in half then pull on it gently to make it longer. Wrap the crescent roll around the hot dog then bake for 13-15 minutes in a 375 degree preheated oven. Add small dots of mustard for the eyes.

Mummy Dogs

The banana ghosts were inspired by Family Fun. To make them I cut bananas in half, inserted a paper straw, dipped them in white chocolate, then added edible eyes and a raisin for the mouth.

Banana Ghost

They may have just made it to our yearly traditions list, I can’t get over how cute they are!

Banana Ghost

The broccoli monster eyes are simply circles of cheese and a raisin on top.

Creative Vegetable Ideas

Halloween Food Ideas

What are some of your Halloween traditions? Do you have any Halloween food ideas for kids to share?

Thanks for stopping by! I’m linking up to these parties, TCB, Tip Junkie.

I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ #CBias #SocialFabric

Filed Under: Family Activities, Halloween, Holidays, Kids, Recipes Tagged With: , ,

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