Make Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

Recipe: Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

Ingredients:
- For the cupcakes:
1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
2. 1 cup granulated sugar
3. 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4. 1 teaspoon baking powder
5. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
6. 1/2 teaspoon salt
7. 1/2 cup buttermilk
8. 1/4 cup vegetable oil
9. 1 large egg
10. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11. 1/2 cup hot water

- For the filling:
1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2. 2 cups powdered sugar
3. 2 tablespoons heavy cream
4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- For the chocolate ganache:
1. 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2. 1/2 cup heavy cream

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 powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
4. Slowly pour in the hot water and mix until the batter is smooth.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before filling.

For the filling:
1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
3. Transfer the filling to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.

For the chocolate ganache:
1. In a heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream.
2. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.

Assembly:
1. Using a small knife or cupcake corer, remove the center of each cupcake.
2. Pipe the filling into the holes of the cupcakes.
3. Dip the tops of the cupcakes into the chocolate ganache, allowing any excess to drip off.
4. Place the cupcakes in the refrigerator to set the ganache before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Homemade Hostess Cupcakes!