Chocolate Buttercream & Orange Zest Cupcakes - Recipe

for the cupcakes:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup confectioners/icing sugar
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1 tsp. baking powder
4 tbsp. cocoa powder
4 eggs
1 tbsp. orange zest

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Combine all cupcake ingredients in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes. Spoon about 1/4 cup of batter into each well of a muffin tin lined with baking cups. Bake for 18-22 minutes. Remove pans from the oven and cool for 1 hour.

for the frosting:
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
2 tbsp. heavy cream
1/2 unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners/icing sugar, sifted

2. Put the chocolate, cream and butter in a pan over low heat. Stir gently until well combined. Remove from the heat and stir in the icing sugar until the mixture is smooth. Frost cupcakes. Top with a dusting of cocoa powder or a sprinkling of orange zest, if desired for garnish.

Makes approximately 18 cupcakes