Johns Creek Chocolate Cupcakes

4.8
(4)

Memories of desserts at my cousins' home in Johns Creek, Georgia, inspired me to create these subtly sweet cupcakes topped with a few pomegranate arils for a bright, all-natural "sprinkle."

chocolate cupcakes with pomegranate garnish
Servings:
12
Yield:
12 cupcakes
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Ingredients

Cupcakes:

  • 1 cup flour

  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • ¾ cup sugar

  • ¼ cup light brown sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • ¾ cup whole milk

Frosting:

  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 4 cups powdered sugar

  • pomegranate seeds, for garnish

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line one 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.

  2. Stir together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

  3. Beat together butter, white sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer a medium speed until light and fluffy, about 90 seconds. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until just combined after each addition. Beat in vanilla.

  4. Beat in flour mixture one-third at a time, alternating with 1/4 cup milk, on low speed until just combined. Fill each prepared muffin cup with 1/4 cup batter

  5. Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely, about 20 minutes.

  6. Meanwhile, beat together cream cheese and butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 30 seconds. Reduce speed to low; add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating until frosting is smooth.

  7. Fit a piping bag with a large star or round tip and fill with frosting. Pipe frosting onto cupcakes. Garnish with pomegranate arils. Serve immediately or store, chilled, in an airtight container up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

554 Calories
28g Fat
83g Carbs
11g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 554
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 28g 36%
Saturated Fat 17g 87%
Cholesterol 94mg 31%
Sodium 207mg 9%
Total Carbohydrate 83g 30%
Dietary Fiber 12g 44%
Protein 11g 22%
Potassium 619mg 13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.