Chocolate Cola Cupcakes #UnbelievableMoments

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#UnbelievableMoments #CollectiveBias

I don't know about you, but we are HUGE sports fans. My whole entire family. Not only do we love to watch sports on TV, but both of my sons have played sports too. My oldest is in college now so he just plays on recreational leagues, but my youngest is in high school and plays on the football and basketball teams. I have always loved to watch them both play!

I'm sure you've heard of the big basketball tournament coming up this month, and in my house we all get pretty into it. We make brackets and try to beat each other, and we watch as many games as we can. We usually have at least one get together with friends and family as well. 

For our most recent soiree I decided to put together a little dessert table. I made the most amazing Chocolate Cola Cupcakes, made with Coke Zero, and they are now my most favorite dessert ever. EVER. They are moist and tender and so chocolaty. And the frosting? Well, that's just the bomb too. It's hard to believe I haven't thought of this idea before!

When I was ready to make my cupcakes I headed to Target to pick up my Coke Zero and the other ingredients I needed. While there, I also grabbed some REESE'S Mini Peanut Butter Cups and OREO Cookies to go on my dessert table. Those are two of my favorite treats! There is also a REESE'S coupon on the Target Cartwheel App from now until 4/4. Be sure to download the app if you don't already have it and snag this great offer!

By the way, have you tried Coke Zero yet? I'm a HUGE fan of Coke and just recently tried the Coke Zero and I have to say, it is delicious! It has zero calories but still tastes just like the original. You Don't Know Zero 'Til You've Tried It! Plus, Coke Zero and Target will allow consumers to try a Coke Zero through "Drinkable" advertising which takes traditional advertising elements and makes them actually drinkable - leading to a free 20 oz. Coke Zero at Target! Consumers can participate in these unbelievable experiences through a drinkable TV spot, jumbotron and even at CokeZero.com beginning April 2nd. Just come thirsty with your Shazam app ready!

Also, be sure to check out this fun Snack Bracket! You could win tickets to a big basketball event! 

Now, let's get to the cupcakes!

Chocolate Cola Cupcakes

Author: Sarah Bates | The Chef Next Door

Makes 24 cupcakes 

Print this recipe

Ingredients:

For the cupcakes:1 cup Coke Zero

1 cup buttermilk

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 cups flour

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 1/3 cups sugar

2 eggs

For the frosting: 

1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature

6 Tbsp Coke Zero 

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/4 cup cocoa powder

3 cups powdered sugar

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Line 2 cupcake pans with paper liners and set aside.

In a glass measuring cup, mix together the Coke Zero, buttermilk and vanilla. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. 

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Slowly add the sugar and beat until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Slowly, alternately add the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients to the mixer and beat just until smooth.

Spoon the cupcake batter into the prepared pans, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly touched. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting. 

While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. In the bowl of your stand mixer, fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Slow add the Coke Zero and vanilla and mix until combined. Add in the cocoa, then the powdered sugar, about a half cup at a time. Once all the powdered sugar is in, turn the mixer to high and beat until smooth and creamy. Frost the cooled cupcakes and serve.

Bon Appetit!

You can find all of these delicious products at your local Target store!

The Coke Zero is located in the Soda aisle.

You'll find the OREO Cookies in the Chips, Cookies and Crackers aisle.

The REESE'S Mini Peanut Butter Cups are in the Nuts, Candy and Snacks aisle.