It was with great optimism that I put this recipe together. I researched different types of butter cake recipes, debated over semi sweet or dark chocolate for the ganache, and contemplated the best way to incorporate cornstarch into my custard without creating lumps. That being said this recipe was a huge learning experience!
I ended up passing up the cupcakes on my neighbors, having never tasted my other creations they thought these cupcakes were great!
The butter cake ended up the constancy and texture of cornbread...still edible but not what you are looking for in a cake. I know where I went wrong. Make sure you always, always sift your flour! If you have it, which I did not, use cake flour. Using cake flour requires a little modification of the recipe. Also, adding an egg yolk to the batter will usually moisten the cake.
The custard was perfect! When I post the modified recipe I won't change a thing!
I decided on semi-sweet chocolate for the ganache. It was tasty but not pretty at all. I was eager to try one of the cupcakes so I rushed this step. I needed to let the ganache cool down a bit before pouring over the cupcakes. Note to self: Work on patience!
Since this recipe was a fail, I won't post it until it is perfect. Instead I will leave you with my favorite recipe for Irish Soda Bread. Super yummy! Great with chili or soup or by itself :)
Irish Soda Bread
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
4 Tbsp white sugar (Splenda works, too)
1 tsp baking soda
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt (I use Kosher salt for everything!)
1/2 c butter, softened
1 c buttermilk ** (see buttermilk recipe below)
1 egg (room temp)
1/4 c butter, melted
1/4 cup buttermilk **
If you don't have buttermilk on hand ....c'mon who drinks buttermilk?! If you don't have it on hand you can easily make it in about 5 minutes.
1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice
milk
1. Place a Tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice in a liquid measuring cup.
2. Add enough milk to bring the liquid up to the one-cup line.
3. Let stand for five minute. Then, use as much as your recipe calls for.
Directions for the yummy bread
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a large baking sheet, or bread pan.
2.In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and margarine.
3. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg.
4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Form dough into a round and place on prepared baking sheet.
5. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with 1/4 cup buttermilk; brush loaf with this mixture.
6. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. You may continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes.
Eat with lots of butter and enjoy!
