Whipped cream filled chocolate cupcakes with chocolate ganache frosting

Ganache first - Melt chocolate – Place chocolate in a microwave-proof bowl. Heat cream until hot, just before boiling – do not let it boil, it's too hot. Pour over chocolate, shake bowl to submerge all the chocolate.

Ganache first - Leave for 7 minutes – DO NOT COVER (condensation = enemy of chocolate). Mix with a spatula until combined and smooth (~ 1 minute, be patient). If you have little unmelted lumps, microwave for 20 seconds then mix again (repeat as needed).

Ganache first - Cool to thicken (goal: peanut butter spread consistency) – Cool in the fridge for 2 hours, OR refrigerate longer / overnight then leave to soften on counter for 15 – 20 minutes so it becomes spreadable.

Cupcakes - Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan-forced). Put cupcake liners in a standard 12 hole muffin tin.

Cupcakes - Batter – Whisk the Dry ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk the Wet ingredients in a separate bowl until combined.

Cupcakes - Hot coffee – dissolve coffee granules in the hot water.

Cupcakes - Finish batter – Pour the Wet mixture into the Dry ingredients. Whisk until combined. Add hot coffee and whisk again until combined. Firmly bang bowl on counter 3 times (removes large air bubbles).

Cupcakes - Fill – Transfer mixture into a pouring jug (scrape out all batter). Fill cupcake liners halfway (no more – else cupcakes will overflow/sink).

Cupcakes - Bake 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Cupcakes - Cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to cooling rack to fully cool for at least 1 1/2 hours.

Filling / frost - Cut cream hole – Use a small knife to cut a shallow cylinder-shaped cavity out of the cupcake, leaving a 1.25 cm / 1/2" border. Use a spoon to scoop the cake out. Trim so you are left with a 1 cm / 0.4" thick lid. (Keep lids and cupcakes together so the holes match the lids!)

Filling / frost - Whipped cream – Put the cream cheese, vanilla and sugar in a bowl. Beat with an electric beater on high for 1 minute until soft and creamy. Add cream and beat until firm peaks form. (If using stand mixer, use whisk attachment).

Filling / frost - Fill – Use a teaspoon to fill the cavity with cream, then cover with the lid, pressing in so it sits flush with the cupcake surface. Fill as much as you can without making cream ooze out when you put the lid on!

Filling / frost - Frost – Dollop a very heaped tablespoon of ganache on top, then spread. Sprinkle with white chocolate or decorate as desired. ENJOY!