Black Tie Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS

For the Cupcakes

3/4 cup

unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2 cups

all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups

sugar

1 1/2 tsp

baking soda

3/4 tsp

baking powder

3/4 tsp

salt

large eggs

2 tsp

instant espresso granules dissolved into 3/4 cup warm water

3/4 cup

buttermilk

3 tbsp

vegetable oil

1 tsp

pure vanilla extract

For the Ganache

3 tbsp

corn syrup

5 oz

heavy cream

12 oz

dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces

1/2 tsp

vanilla extract

For the Frosting

16 oz

cream cheese, softened to room temperature

3 tbsp

vegetable shortening

6 tbsp

butter, softened to room temperature

2 lb

confectioners’ sugar, sifted

2 tsp

clear vanilla extract*