There is nothing like a vanilla bean cupcake. The distinctive flavor and delicate, smooth texture can't be replicated without the beans. However, I think it's time we all take it up a notch … that is to say, three notches with my recipe for Vanilla Bean Cupcakes with Ganache Filling Recipe!
Ingredients For the cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder Dash of salt
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar.
- 2 cups vanilla bean
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract for the ganache filling:
- 13 tablespoons (1 3/4 sticks) butter, softened.
- 1 pound cream cheese (about 4 ounces), softened.
- 6 tablespoons (1-1/2 sticks) of unsalted butter.
Method for the Vanilla Bean Cupcakes:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking pans with cupcake liners. Sift together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, vanilla bean flavor extract, and eggs until smooth.
Mix in the dry ingredients just until combined; don't overmix. Spoon batter into cupcake liners 2/3 full, filling as close to 3/4 full as possible (these cupcakes are best if they aren't completely filled).
Bake for 12-15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake, comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before removing to cooling racks to cool completely.