Afternoon Tea Cakes

Servings: 12

 

3  tablespoons  Unsweetened cocoa powder

1  teaspoon  Baking soda

1  cup  All-purpose flour

1/2  cup  Hot water

1  teaspoon  Vanilla extract

3  tablespoons  Unsalted butter, melted

1/3  cup  Shredded coconut

1  large  Egg

1/2  cup  Sour cream

 

    Glaze:

 

1  tablespoon  Unsalted butter

1  cup  Sifted confectioner's sugar

2  tablespoons  Water

1/4  teaspoon  Ground cinnamon

1/2  ounce  Unsweetened chocolate

1  teaspoon  Vanilla extract

The light and moist cupcakes have a delicate cinnamon-scented chocolate glaze that's spread over them while they are still warm. 1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Line twelve 2 1/2-inch muffin cups with paper liners. 2. Place cocoa in a small bowl and stir in 1/2 cup very hot tap water to dissolve. 3. In a large bowl combine the melted butter and sugar; beat with an electric mixer until blended. Add the egg and beat until light, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the cocoa mixture and beat until smooth. In a small bowl stir together the sour cream and baking soda. Stir this mixture into the butter-sugar mixture. Add the flour and vanilla; beat quickly, just until evenly blended. With a spoon stir in the coconut. Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, dividing it evenly among them; they will be about three-quarters full. Bake about 20 minutes, until the tops spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the tea cakes from the pan and cool slightly on a rack while you prepare the glaze. 4. Spread about 2 teaspoons of the chocolate glaze on each of the warm tea cakes and let cool thoroughly. Chocolate Glaze: Makes 1/2 cup Drizzle this simple and tasty glaze over the afternoon tea cakes or over any cake that's been frosted with seven-minute caramel frosting. 1. In a small saucepan combine the butter with 2 tablespoons water. Place over low heat, add the chocolate, and stir until the chocolate melts and the mixture thickens slightly; remove from the heat. 2. In a small bowl combine the confectioner's sugar and cinnamon; stir in the chocolate mixture and the vanilla to make a smooth glaze.