Ingredients

Directions

• Make the ganache first so it can cool. In a small, heavy-bottom saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream until it just begins to simmer. Place the chopped chocolate in a medium-size bowl, and pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Allow the cream to sit on the chocolate for about a minute, until the chocolate begins to melt, and mix until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool at room temperature until firm enough to scoop with a spoon.

• Make the cupcakes. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line the wells of a standard 12-cup muffin tin and set it aside.

• In a large bowl, place the flour, xanthan gum, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar, and whisk to combine well. Create a well in the center, and add the oil, eggs, and water (or milk), and whisk to combine well. The batter should be smooth and relatively thin. 

• Fill the prepared wells of the cupcake tin about 2/3 of the way full and shake back and forth to distribute the batter evenly in each well. Place the tin in the center of the preheated oven, and bake for about 19 minutes, or until the cupcakes spring back when pressed lightly in the center. Remove from the oven and allow to sit in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Right before you’re ready to frost the cupcakes, transfer the cooled chocolate ganache to a large bowl and beat with a handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until thickened and fluffy. The ganache will also lighten in color. If it seems to be at all crumbly or not smooth, add more heavy whipping cream by the teaspoonful and beat to combine. Frost immediately and serve.

• Freeze any leftover cupcakes, unfrosted, in a sealed freezer-safe container. Defrost at room temperature, then frost and serve.