Chocolate Kahlua Cupcakes

Yes, you read that correctly – there is chocolate AND kahlua in these cupcakes.  We can thank Friday is Cake Night for this lovely combination.  And by lovely I mean the cake is a deliciously dark chocolate flavored with kahlua.  The frosting is also flavored with kahlua.  These are definitely for the adult dessert table!

Chocolate Kahlua Cupcakes

• 2 cups sugar
• 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¾ cup coffee
• ¼ cup kahlua
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt

• ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 6 tbsp hot water
• 2 tbsp kahlua
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line cupcake pans with paper liners.
2. Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Add the eggs, buttermilk, coffee, kahlua, oil and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for a few minutes.
3. Divide batter evenly between the cupcake liners.
4. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool at least 10 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.

1. Place the cocoa powder in a large mixing bowl and pour in the hot water and kahlua.
2. Stir together until combined and smooth.
3. Add the butter and blend with a mixer on low speed until the mixture is well combined.
4. Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time and beat with the mixer on low speed until the sugar is incorporated.
5. Increase the speed to medium until the frosting is light and fluffy.