Cupcake Sunday – Mini double chocolate chip cupcakes with popping candy….

This year, for the first year ever, we’re having a few fireworks at home rather than going to a public firework display and I’m actually quite excited.  A few friends are coming round tonight with their kids and I’m hoping the rain stays away so we can have a good night.

Seeing as there will be 12 of us tonight, I’m making mini double chocolate chip cupcakes rather than full size ones so that I can do lots of different toppings and everyone can try a few and still have space left for the chilli I have cooking away in the slow cooker right now.

The recipe for the cakes themselves is super easy and one that I know off by heart….

Mini double chocolate chip cupcakes

150g butter or margarine
150g sugar
3 eggs
125g self raising flour
35g cocoa powder
1 tablespoon of milk
A few drops of vanilla essence
1 packet of chocolate chips

1. Creaming the sugar and the butter together – I use an electric whisk for this but you can do just as easily the old fashioned way.
2. Beat the eggs, milk and vanilla essence into the mix
3. Gently fold in the flour and the cocoa.
4. Mix in the chocolate chips.
5. Spoon into your cake cases – I’m using smaller ones today so I baked them in an oven heat to around 180 c for about 12 minutes.  Your cakes will take longer if you’re making larger ones.

Popping candy topping

For these ones, I just melted some chocolate and dolloped a little on each cake.  Then I added as much popping candy as I could squeeze on the top.

Chocolate orange Aero topping

Another easy peasy but extra tasty one – melt an Aero chocolate orange (or the balls) and and add a dollop to the top of each cake.  Add a few sprinkles and you’re good to go!

I also made some with chocolate butter cream frosting piped on them and when they’re all arranged on my little Halloween cupcake stand, I think they look fab!

What do you think?

I’m linking this up with Foodie Foto Friday over at the Crazy Kitchen 😉