Rocky Road Cupcakes bring the classic flavors of the beloved Rocky Road dessert into a convenient, individual treat. These cupcakes are a delightful combination of chocolate cake, creamy marshmallows, crunchy nuts, and a rich chocolate frosting. Perfect for a birthday party, a casual get-together, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. The combination of textures and flavors makes each bite a delicious experience, offering a perfect balance of gooey marshmallows, crunchy nuts, and velvety chocolate.
Ingredients for Rocky Road Cupcakes
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or almonds)
- ½ cup mini marshmallows
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup chopped nuts
- ¼ cup mini marshmallows
How to Make Rocky Road Cupcakes
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners or grease the cups if you prefer.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for a well-balanced cupcake.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cupcakes.
5. Fold in Nuts and Marshmallows
- Gently fold in the chopped nuts and mini marshmallows. The marshmallows should be evenly distributed throughout the batter, but they will melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey sweetness.
6. Fill the Cupcake Liners
- Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing.
7. Bake the Cupcakes
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The tops should be set and slightly domed.
8. Cool the Cupcakes
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
9. Make the Chocolate Frosting
- While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed until combined. Add the milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract.
10. Frost the Cupcakes
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the chocolate frosting. You can use a piping bag for a decorative touch or simply spread it on with a knife.
11. Add the Toppings
- Sprinkle the frosted cupcakes with additional chopped nuts and mini marshmallows for a finishing touch. This adds extra texture and enhances the rocky road flavor.
About the Main Ingredients
- All-purpose flour provides the structure for the cupcakes. It helps to bind the ingredients together and create a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps to tenderize the cupcake texture.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the cupcakes a rich chocolate flavor. It’s important to use high-quality cocoa powder for the best taste.
- Vegetable oil keeps the cupcakes moist and tender. It also helps to create a lighter crumb compared to using butter alone.
- Buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tanginess, which balances the sweetness and contributes to a tender crumb.
- Eggs provide structure and stability to the cupcakes. They also help to bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cupcakes, adding a subtle depth to the chocolate.
- Mini marshmallows melt slightly during baking, creating gooey pockets of sweetness in the cupcakes.
- Chopped nuts add a crunchy texture and complement the creamy marshmallows with a satisfying contrast.
The combination of these ingredients results in a cupcake that is both flavorful and texturally interesting, with the signature rocky road elements of chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts coming together beautifully. Enjoy these cupcakes fresh out of the oven or stored in an airtight container for a delicious treat any time!
