As my cupcake oriented culinary adventure continues I dwell deeper in to the varieties in existence. This time I have one for all Harry Potter fans, with my children being avid readers, their eyes turned as big as saucers when I came across this recipe. Not to worry there isn’t any actual “beer” in the recipe, and all can imbibe in this rich, sweet delightfulness. Different, but enjoyable, one must go the whole nine yards and make the delectable topping that sits delightfully on this cupcake to enjoy the whole Harry Potter experience. With a swish of my magic wand I have made this more maker friendly with the items available in our markets, still the same it is definitely as intriguing to eat as our interesting fictional characters!

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
3 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 cup yogurt
1/2 cup cream soda

Directions 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter until it is light and fluffy.

Add the sugars and beat until well combined. Add eggs and mix in vanilla.

Beginning and ending with the buttermilk, add the cream soda, and flour a little at a time, mixing well after each. Place batter into cupcake liners to about 2/3 full.

Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden.

Fill a squeeze bottle with the ganache and insert the top of the bottle into the center of one of the cupcakes. Squeeze until filling begins to overflow.

Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
1/3 cup butterscotch ganache
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons heavy cream, approximately

Directions

In the cleaned bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, cream butter until light and fluffy. Add ganache, vanilla, butter flavoring, and salt.

Add powdered sugar, Add cream, one tablespoon at a time, until frosting is smooth and creamy.

Butterscotch Ganache

Ingredients

1 11 oz. package of milk toffee broken into chips
1 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

In a heat proof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, combine chips and cream.

Stir until chips are melted and ganache is smooth.

Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

By Mayuri Jayasinghe