Chocolate Dopplebock Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Chocolate Dopplebock Cupcake- Yum!

In all the packing, sorting craziness that is my life right now I decided that today needed to be a day for me. OK! I did not allow myself the whole day (I had a few appointments) but I did allow half!  I woke up this morning needing some "kitchen therapy." If you have followed this blog at all you know that typically means there is STRESS in my life. (If we go too much into that, this could become a whole other blog.)  I started to look through my cabinets and fridge to see what ingredients I had to work with. After looking through my iPad recipe book where I stash interesting things I find online, I ran across this recipe. I think it is from one of those St Patty's day festive recipes sites that I found at some point and then quickly forgot about but today was it's day to shine.

OK for those that really know me you know that I am a craft beer enthusiast. I enjoy trying new beer and love pairing different beers with different foods. Here in Greenville, SC there has been great opportunity for the beer culture to really grow. There is a good number of restaurants that have great beer selections including high gravity choices. We have quite a few craft beer stores that specialize in growlers, tasting events and general beer knowledge. Of course I have my fav and have to mention them here. The guys at  The Community Tap  are always knowledgeable, friendly and if you call ahead they will even put your favorite beer in the fridge so you can pick it up on the way home from work. Guilty!

We also have an excellent brewery in town that has a great following of which I am part of.  Thomas Creek Brewery has quite a few great brews but my personal favorite is the Deep Water Dopplebock Lager. When I rediscovered this recipe this morning, I knew that I had a six pack of this dark beer in the fridge. From previous tastings, I knew that it went wonderfully with chocolate so I thought this recipe was a perfect match.  The original recipe called for a stout, preferably Guiness, but as you know I love local and I love this Dopplebock!

I will mention that as these cupcakes bake the beer smell is heavenly! And in the finished product the underlying beer flavor really comes through complimenting the chocolate.

Thomas Creek Dopplebock and other less important ingredients.

Chocolate Dopplebock Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

A funny little scenario today, I was so excited about making these that I jumped right in. The batter is mixed and I reach down into my cabinet for my cupcake tins and they are not there!!! I had already packed them. Off to the store I went!!!

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cups sugar

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

Pinch fine salt

1 bottle Thomas Creek Brewery Dopplebock

1 stick butter, melted

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

3 large eggs

3/4 cup sour cream

2 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened at room temperature

1 1/2 cup heavy cream

2 pound bag of confectioners' sugar

Mini Chocolate chips for decoration

Cupcakes:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cocoa, sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt.
In another medium mixing bowl, combine the stout, melted butter, and vanilla. Beat in eggs, 1 at time. Mix in sour cream until thoroughly combined and smooth. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Place cupcake liners in your muffin tins. Divide the batter equally between muffin tins, filling each 3/4 full. Bake for about 20 minutes until nicely domed, and set in the middle but still soft and tender. Cool in pan for about 10 min then remove to cooling rack.

Icing:

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese on medium speed with a mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the heavy cream. On low speed, slowly mix in the confectioners' sugar until incorporated and smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use. Icing can be made several hours ahead and kept covered and chilled.

Pipe the top of each cupcake with frosting and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips. Refrigerate Cupcakes if you are not going to eat them immediately.



All lined up! Waiting for a cup of coffee.