Chocolate Orange Egg Nest Cupcakes - Recipe

For the Cupcakes:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup confectioners/icing sugar

2 cups self-rising flour

1 tsp. baking powder

4 eggs

1 tsp. orange extract

1 1/2 tbsp. grated orange zest

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Combine all ingredients (except for the chocolate chips) in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed for 2-3 minutes. Gently fold in the chocolate chips with a spoon or spatula to disperse evenly. Spoon about 1/4 cup of batter into each well of a muffin tin lined with baking cups.  Bake for 18-22 minutes (depending on your oven). Remove from oven and cool for 30 minutes.

For the frosting/nest:

10 oz. chocolate, flaked

2 tbsp. heavy cream
1 tsp. orange extract

3/4 cup semi sweet chocolate, chopped

54 candy covered mini chocolate eggs

2. Put the chocolate and cream in a small saucepan over a low heat. Stir gently until combined. Remove from the heat and stir in orange extract until the mixture is smooth.  Swirl onto the cooled cupcakes. Top with shards of the chocolate and place 3 mini eggs in the center to form the nest. 

Makes approximately 18 cupcakes