Satisfy your cravings by making this delicious homemade version of the classic Chocolate Hostess Cupcake recipe. Moist chocolate cake, creamy filling, and chocolate ganache make this a treat worth making at home.
Okay, confession time: I’ve been on a serious mission to recreate those iconic Chocolate Hostess Cupcakes from our childhood. You know the ones? The little chocolatey gems with the creamy frosting filling and that perfect swirl on top of each cupcake? Well, I’ve cracked the code, and I’m so excited to share this super easy homemade Hostess Cupcake recipe with you!
Why I’m Obsessed with Hostess Cupcakes (and You Probably Are Too!)
Seriously, what’s not to love about these little chocolate cupcakes? It’s like a time machine in every bite, taking me right back to simpler days. For me, it’s all about that cold, straight-from-the-fridge experience. I know, I know, cold cake sounds weird, but trust me, the firm chocolate icing and the chilled cream filling? Chef’s kiss. It’s a total texture thing! Plus, those nostalgic flavors are just unbeatable.
My Quest for the Perfect Copycat Recipe
This wasn’t just about finding a recipe online and calling it a day. Nope, I took this as a personal challenge. I’m always pushing myself in the kitchen, trying to recreate those treats that hold a special place in my heart. And let me tell you, I’m my own worst critic! Only the absolute best, most authentic recipes make it onto the blog. This one? It had to be perfect. I even tested different batter consistencies to get it just right.
What Makes This Copycat Hostess Cupcake Recipe Special
It’s not just about the ingredients (although those are important!). It’s about capturing that feeling, that memory. It’s the deep, dark chocolate cake, the light, airy filling, and the rich ganache. And that signature swirl? That’s the cherry on top, the detail that brings it all together and makes the memories come flooding back. That perfect mixture of textures and tastes is what truly defines a homemade Hostess Cupcake.
Why Make Them When You Can Buy Them?
I get it; you can just grab these at the store. But where’s the fun in that? For me, it’s about the connection to the past, the joy of making something from scratch, and maybe a little bit of the challenge! Plus, finding these specific cupcakes in my area is like a treasure hunt. So, what’s a girl to do? Bake, of course! Plus, you can control the ingredients, use good quality flour, and make sure the frosting, AKA chocolate ganache, is exactly what you like it.
Sharing the Love (and the Cupcakes!)
The best part of all this has been sharing these homemade Hostess Cupcakes with my friends and family. Seeing their eyes light up, hearing their own memories of these treats… it’s just the best. Food is such a connector, you know? And yeah, there’s always the “How close is it?” question. But I’m happy to say, these are pretty darn close to the real deal. Close enough to satisfy that craving and bring back those happy memories.
More Than Just a Cupcake: A Trip Down Memory Lane
This whole thing has made me realize how powerful food can be. A simple cupcake can take you back in time, bring up all sorts of feelings, and remind you of where you came from. It’s more than just food; it’s part of your story. And this Chocolate Hostess Cupcake recipe? They’ll always be a sweet reminder of simpler times and the joy of a really good cupcake.
Commonly Asked Questions
Absolutely! I used semi-sweet, but dark or milk chocolate would be yummy too!
It helps the ganache set faster and look neater, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip it.
Yep! Make it a day or two before and keep it in the fridge. Just let it warm up a bit before using.
They’ll be good for up to 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
You sure can! Freeze them for up to 2 months, then thaw in the fridge.
Similar Recipes
If you like copycat recipes like this, you will enjoy the recipes below:
- Copycat McRib Sandwich
- Copycat White Castle Burgers Recipe
- Taco Bell Copycat Cinnamon Twist
- Delicious Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Homemade Mexican Chalupas Recipe
Copycat Chocolate Hostess Cupcake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 mins
- Yield: 24 1x
Description
Craving those classic Hostess Cupcakes? This easy copycat recipe brings back childhood memories with every bite! Learn how to make the perfect chocolatey treat at home.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 c. flour
- 3/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp. Baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp. Baking soda
- 1 tsp. Salt
- 2 c. sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 c. milk, room temperature
- 1/2 c. vegetable oil
- 2 tsp. Vanilla extract
- 1 c. boiling water
- TOPPING
- 2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 c. heavy cream, warmed
- 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp. Butter
- FILLING
- 1/2 c. unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 c. shortening
- 2 c. powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp. Salt
- 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 Degrees and line 2 cupcake liners with cupcake liners. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder and soda, and salt. In a separate medium bowl mix together the sugar, eggs, milk, and vegetable oil and mix together. Add to the dry ingredients. Add the vanilla extract and slowly add the boiling water while mixing slowly. Fill each cupcake tin ⅔rds with cupcake filling. Bake on middle rack for 20-25 minutes. Toothpick can be inserted and come out clean. Once finished baking allow to cool completely.
- Meanwhile, while the cupcakes are baking, let’s make the chocolate ganache. Add the semi-sweet chocolate chip in a medium mixing bowl. Pour the cream in a small saucepan and bring to s slight bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and use a rubber spatula to stir until smooth and creamy. Add the butter and stir until the butter has dissolved. Stir in the vanilla extract. Place in the refrigerator to allow the ganache to thicken, about 20 minutes.
- NOTE: The ganache should get thick to the point where you can still dip the chocolate cupcakes with a thick coating.
- Make the filling by combining the butter and shortening with a mixer. Slowly add the powdered sugar and mix until creamy. Add the salt and vanilla extract. Reserve ¼ cup of the topping for the swirls.
- Use the round end of a wooden spoon to make a hole in the middle of the cupcakes. Spoon the remaining filling into a piping bag or plastic bag. Cut a medium hole at the end of the piping bag and begin to pipe the filling into the cupcakes up to the top. Brush away any cupcake crumbs making for a clean cupcake surface.
- Dip the tops of the cupcakes into the ganache. Turn to a cooling rack and allow to set, about 15 minutes. Dip the tops again and allow to completely set.
- Use a small hole tip in a separate piping bag and spoon the remaining cream filling into the bag. Begin to make 3 loop swirls on top of the SET cupcakes. Keep in cool place or in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 60 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
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