Chocolate cupcakes

For years I searched for the perfect chocolate cake recipe. I tried so many combinations of things. Butter, cream, chocolate, oil. Nothing gave it that rich flavour and moist texture I desired. You know the cake I mean, the one the kid has to eat in front of the entire school in the Movie Matilda. Every kid wanted that cake. 

Eventually, I got the combination just right. I started making these as cupcakes about 7 years ago, but only had a high speed blender at the time. I made them so often, they are usually made just by feel these days. 

I have had family asking for this recipe for years. I'm not even exaggerating. I have always intended to pass it on to them, but every time they ask me to make it I just never got around to writing it down.

So here it goes. They get it the same time as you do.

Rich Chocolate Cupcakes
(makes 12 regular size)

150g almonds
200g dates
125g water
3 eggs
2 Tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
65g cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
Pinch salt

Add almonds to the bowl. Blend on turbo for 2 sec 2-3 times until fine.
Remove almond meal. Without washing bowl add dates and water. Blend sp 7 for 15 sec then scrape down sides and blend sp 3 for 10 sec.
Add eggs, coconut oil and vanilla bean paste. Blend sp 4 for 3 sec.
Add reserved almond meal, cocoa, baking soda and salt.
Combine sp 5 for 15 sec.

Spoon into muffin cases or silicone muffin tray.
Bake at 160°C for 15-20 min, until a toothpick inserted to centre comes out clean.

You can also use this recipe for a cake. Bake 30-40 min, until a toothpick inserted to centre comes out clean.