Sweets for your sweet

I don't do a lot of baking, because we don't generally eat sweets.  These were birthday cupcakes.  I used a recipe from epicurious and substituted Einkorn flour and non-fat yogurt instead of sour cream.  Also, the original recipe baked these in jars (?), so I reduced the cooking time.

Recipe:  Chocolate Cupcakes

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (I always use salted)

1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder  (I used extra dark)

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups sifted cake flour  (I used Einkorn flour)

2/3 cup sour cream  (I used nonfat plain yogurt)

2/3 cup brewed coffee (I used fresh made espresso, cooled)

Read More http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Chocolate-Praline-Cake-in-a-Jar-363313#ixzz2Rwe5i700

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Using a standing mixer with whisk attachment, cream butter until smooth.  Add brown sugar and eggs until fluffy.  Add vanilla, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt and beat until combined.  Alternate 1/2 flour and 1/2 sour cream until all combined.  Add coffee last and whisk until smooth.  

Divide into medium muffin tins lined with cupcake liners.  I got 17 from this recipe.  Fill about 3/4 full.

The recipe in jars took 25 min., I think these were more like 15 - 17.  Check after 12.  When they are dry on top and a toothpick comes out clean, they are done.

Instead of a heavy icing or frosting, which I always find to nauseatingly sweet, I used a wee bit of Nutella and a bit of sanding sugar.  Happy Birthday!