Sasha's Kitchen: Chocolate NYC Subway Sign Cupcakes

By now, my readers know that I like doing unusual cupcake, whoopie pie and macaron recipes. I just bought some rose flower water that I plan in using in some new offbeat baking creations. But last weekend I made some very traditional (and still delicious cupcakes) with a fun twist. I'm sharing my favorite recipe for chocolate cupcakes (other than those amazing Guinness Stout Chocolate Cupcakes) - Julie Hassan's Chocolate Cupcakes from her book 125 Best Cupcakes, one of my favorite books of cupcake recipes.

Since I live in NYC, I decided to make these cupcakes NYC themed cupcakes.  And what's a better way to do that then making them look like NYC subways signs.  I did a number of trains on different lines, but was sure to put in some cupcakes for the train lines I have taken on my various commutes from the different places I have lived in both Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Julie Hassan's Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened dutch process cocoa
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup buttermilk
[I omitted the chocolate chips]

Sasha's Cream Cheese Frosting
1 stick of butter
8 oz cream cheese
3 cups confectioner's sugar
gel food coloring
[I used store bought food coloring tubes to put the letters on the frosted cupcakes]

To make the chocolate cupcakes, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, canola oil, egg and vanilla and whisk until smooth. There is no need to use a mixer. Alternatively whisk in the buttermilk and dry ingredients. Combine well and fill 12 cupcake liners. Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees fro 22-27 minutes. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

To make my icing, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth and then beat in the confectioner's sugar. Add the desired food colorings and frost with a spatula or a frosting bag.

Chocolate Cupcakes