Dark Chocolate Cupcakes filled with Speculoos Spread and topped with Whipped Cream Frosting

Photo and Recipe by: Moogie and Pap

Having problems with dessert this coming Thanks giving? This easy and mouthwatering treat will surely be a 

hit! Follow recipe below:

Cook time: 20 mins
Total time: 50 mins
Yield: 18-24 cupcakes

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa
3/4 cup hot water
2 large eggs
3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Speculoos Spread

(This is the original buttercream frosting recipe that Dulce Dough used.)

Ingredients for Creamy Speculoos Buttercream Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup Speculoos Spread
3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk

Directions for cupcakes:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until combined; set aside.
3. In another large bowl combine the cocoa and the hot water; add the eggs, buttermilk, oil and vanilla and beat until combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Scoop batter into prepared pans and bake for 20-22 minutes or until tops spring back when touched; remove from pans and allow to cool completely before frosting.
6. To make the frosting, beat together the butter and the Speculoos Spread; gradually add the confectioners' sugar and mix at low speed until combined. To achieve the desired consistency, gradually add milk to thin frosting. Or, if the consistency is too thin, gradually add small amounts confectioners' sugar to thicken. Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes as desired.

(I cored out a piece from each cupcake and spooned in a teaspoon of Speculoos Spread. Place the cupcake core back on the cupcake. Use the Speculoos Buttercream Frosting or a stabilized whipped cream. I added a chocolate drizzle and crumbled Speculoos Cookies.)