Chocolate Orange Cupcakes with Vanilla Custard Center - Recipe

For the Cupcakes:
1 box chocolate cake mix
1 cup water (or buttermilk if you choose)
1/2 cup butter, melted
3 eggs
1 tsp. orange extract
1 1/2 tbsp. grated orange zest
1/2 cup semi sweet 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-medium speed for 2-3 minutes. Fold in the chocolate chips with a spoon or spatula until evenly dispersed. Spoon about 1/4 cup of batter into each well of a muffin tin lined with baking cups. Press 1-2 mini marshmallows down into the centre of the unbaked cupcake. Bake for 18-22 minutes (depending on your oven). Remove pans from oven and cool for 30 minutes.


For the filling:
Vanilla custard 
OR
Vanilla Pudding

2. Cut the top off of the cupcake and hold aside. Use an apple corer to make a small well in the center of the cupcake. Spoon the custard or pudding into the middle to fill the hole. Replace the top of the cupcake. 
OR if you want to get fancy... Fill a piping bag -fitted with a bismarck tip- (see photo) with the custard or pudding.  Push the tip gently down into the center of the cupcake (don't push more than half way down). Squeeze the piping bag while slowly pulling upwards. A little of the filling may squeeze out on top of the cupcake, that's ok.  
For the glaze:
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
2/3 cup heavy cream
2 tsp. orange extract

3. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or medium bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring until completely melted. Add the cream and orange extract with a whisk, and stir until well combined. Cool slightly and pour over the cupcakes.

Makes approximately 24 cupcakes.