Chocolate Eclair Cupcakes

Did you know that yesterday was National Chocolate Eclair Day?  I didn’t either until I saw it on Facebook and then I was suddenly craving chocolate eclairs.  My mom is the master at making chocolate eclairs and I knew I couldn’t even try and compete with hers.  So, I decided to make Chocolate Eclair Cupcakes instead.

Connor and I spent the morning making these delicious cupcakes and I’m so glad we did!

The only bad thing is – I can’t stop eating them!!

Cupcakes Recipe

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 1/4 cups milk

Directions:

Step 1:  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line muffin cups with cupcake liners.

Step 2:  In medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3:  In separate bowl mix butter with mixer.  Gradually add sugar and continue to mix until combined.  Add eggs one at a time while mixing.

Step 4:  Add flour mixture, vanilla, and milk to butter mixture.  Continue to mix until combined.

Step 5:  Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups and bake for 18-22 minutes.

Custard Filling:

• 1 box (3.4 ounce) vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups whipped topping (thawed)

Directions:

Step 1:  Mix all ingredients together.  Let stand 5 minutes or until thickened,

Step 2:  Once cupcakes have cooled completely, scoop out center of each cupcake.

Step 3:  Spoon custard into food-storage bag.  Cut tip off one corner of bag and squeeze filling into each cupcake center.

Chocolate Butter Cream Icing Recipe:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 cups confectioners sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons milk (I used half & half)

Step 1:  Cream butter in mixer.  Gradually add sugar and cocoa and continue to mix on slow speed.

Step 2:  Add vanilla extract and milk and continue to mix until frosting is thick and spreadable.

Step 3:  Spread icing over cupcakes.

Enjoy!

I’m warning you right now – you won’t be able to eat just one.