Hostess Cupcakes

Indulge in a nostalgic treat with these homemade Hostess Cupcakes that will transport you back to childhood in just one bite. These chocolatey delights are the perfect combination of moist cake, creamy filling, and rich chocolate ganache. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want to treat yourself, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

**Hostess Cupcakes**

**Ingredients:**

– 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup water
– 1/3 cup vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon white vinegar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

*For the Filling:*
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

*For the Ganache:*
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

3. Add the water, vegetable oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, and mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.

4. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

*For the Filling:*

6. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth and well combined.

7. Transfer the filling to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Insert the tip into the center of each cupcake and gently squeeze to pipe the filling inside.

*For the Ganache:*

8. In a heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

9. Dip the tops of the filled cupcakes into the ganache, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the cupcakes back on the wire rack to set the ganache.

10. For the iconic squiggle design on top, melt a little white chocolate and pipe lines over the hardened ganache.

No need to worry if the design isn’t perfect – what matters most is the delicious flavor!

These homemade Hostess Cupcakes are a delightful treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. With a moist cake, creamy filling, and rich chocolate ganache, they are a true delight for any occasion. Enjoy creating these nostalgic treats from scratch and savor every bite of these irresistible cupcakes.