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Heavenly Surprise Cupcakes

1 review
Contest Ribbon Contest Winner
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 20 min. + cooling

Makes

1-1/2 dozen

Updated: Jun. 03, 2022
The recipe for these filled and frosted cupcakes was handed down by my mother-in-law, who taught this fledgling cook what to do in the kitchen. She's no longer with us, but baking these treats reminds me of our good times together. —Judie Heiderscheit, Holy Cross, Iowa
Heavenly Surprise Cupcakes
Heavenly Surprise Cupcakes Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1-1/4 cups sugar
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2/3 cup canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup baking cocoa
  • 1-1/4 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • FROSTING:
  • 2/3 cup butter-flavored shortening
  • 2/3 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 can (5 ounces) evaporated milk
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, buttermilk, oil and vanilla until blended. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually add to egg mixture until blended.
  2. Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  3. For frosting, in a large bowl, cream the shortening, butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the milk, water and vanilla. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth.
  4. Cut a small hole in the corner of a pastry or resealable plastic bag; insert a small star tip. Fill bag with frosting. Push tip 1 in. into center of cupcake and fill with frosting just until top of cake begins to crack. Pipe frosting over the tops.
Editor's Note: The texture of this frosting is typical of one made with granulated sugar.
buttermilk
To substitute for each cup of buttermilk, use 1 Tbsp. white vinegar or lemon juice plus enough milk to measure 1 cup. Stir, then let stand 5 min. Or, use 1 cup plain yogurt or 1-3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar plus 1 cup milk.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 415 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 296mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.