Caramelized Plantain Cupcakes With A Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Cheese Frosting Recipes

Steps:

• Prepare cake mix batter according to package directions for cupcakes. Fill 24 paper-lined muffin cups one-third full; set remaining batter aside. Bake at 350° for 7-8 minutes or until top of cupcake appears set., Gently press a caramel into each cupcake; sprinkle with chocolate chips and walnuts. Top with remaining batter. Bake 15-20 minutes longer or until a toothpick comes out clean. , Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Frost with chocolate frosting and drizzle with ice cream topping. Sprinkle with additional nuts if desired.

Steps:

• For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 muffin pans with 24 cupcake liners.
• Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
• Whisk the hazelnut liquor and cocoa powder together until combined.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, until each has been incorporated. Add the buttermilk and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined. Turn the mixer to low, and add the flour and cocoa mixture, alternating between the 2, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined and no streaks remain. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
• For the filling: In the bowl of a food processor, grind the hazelnuts until they reach a very fine sand consistency. Add the hazelnut spread and process until the mixture begins to clump. Add the hazelnut liquor 1 tablespoon at a time, or until the mixture is able to ball easily in your hand.
• With your hands, form the paste into balls about the size of a very large cherry. Roll the balls lightly in the flour to absorb any excess liquid.
• To assemble: Fill the cupcake liners about 1/4 of the way full with the cupcake batter. Place 1 ball of filling in each liner, and then cover the filling with the remaining batter so each cupcake is about 3/4 of the way full.
• Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 20 minutes. Cool the cupcakes completely.
• Dip each cupcake top into the Chocolate Ganache, forming an even layer, and allow to cool.
• In a heat-proof bowl, microwave the heavy cream on high for 1 to 2 minutes. The cream should be very hot to the touch.
• While the cream is being heated, place the chocolate chips and espresso powder in a medium heat-proof bowl. Once the cream is ready, pour it on top of the chocolate chips and whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture has thickened. Whisk in the vegetable oil for extra shine.

Steps:

• In a 9-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and cook, stirring, until the syrup is a light caramel color, about 2 minutes.
• Add the plantains, tossing to coat, and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Add the apple juice and boil 1 minute, or until thickened slightly. Stir in the cinnamon and remove from the heat.
• Divide the plantains among 4 dessert plates and spoon the juices over each.

Steps:

• Peel plantains and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces. Place in an oven-safe bowl and add 1/4 cup sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Stir to coat plantain slices, cover, and place in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Place covered bowl in the oven and bake for 25 minutes.
• Grease a cookie sheet and sprinkle coconut in a thin layer, to allow for even toasting. Place cookie sheet in the oven and continue to bake plantains until coconut is lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes more. Remove both dishes from the oven.
• Portion plantains into bowls. Sprinkle plantains with a thick layer of sugar and use a cooking torch to caramelize the sugar. Top with toasted coconut and serve warm.