Name: Classic Chocolate Cupcakes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 1 dozen cupcakes
Ingredients: For the Classic Chocolate Cupcakes:; 1 cup all-purpose flour, not packed; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 3/4 tsp baking soda; 3/4 baking powder; 1 tsp instant espresso powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 large egg (at room temperature); 1/2 cup boiling water; 1/2 cup milk (I used whole, but reduced fat or even skim should work!); 1 tsp vanilla extract; For the Classic Chocolate Buttercream:; 2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, very soft; 1 1/2 cups cocoa powder, sifted; 3 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted (more only if needed); 1/3 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon finely ground sea salt (table salt will work, too)