Raffaello cupcakes

Ingredients

Muffins

250 grams (2 cups) flour
250 grams (1 1/4 cups) sugar
200 milliliters (3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons) milk
100 grams (1/2 cup) sour cream
100 grams (1/2 cup) butter
1 large egg
10 grams (2 teaspoons) baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
50 grams (1/2 cup) coconut flakes
1 pinch salt
vanilla to taste

Frosting

100 milliliters (1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons) cream (33-35% fat)
400 grams (14 ounces) cream cheese
90 grams (3 ounces) white chocolate
100 grams (3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon) powdered sugar

Equipment

Mixing Bowls
Use separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients to avoid clutter and ensure even mixing.
Electric Mixer
Essential for whipping ingredients to the right consistency swiftly. A hand mixer works too, but may take more time.
Muffin Pan
Standard or silicone muffin pans both work great, but silicone pans can sometimes make removing the muffins easier.
Spatula
Perfect for scraping the sides of mixing bowls to make sure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Water Bath for Melting Chocolate
If you don’t have a double boiler, a heatproof bowl over simmering water works as a perfect substitute.

Instructions

Step 1

1. Melt the butter and combine it with sour cream, sugar, and the egg. Whip everything together. Make sure the butter is not too hot; it should be just melted and slightly cooled.

Step 2

2. Sift the flour, baking powder, and baking soda together twice. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and mix the ingredients evenly, resulting in a lighter muffin.

Step 3

3. Warm the milk slightly until it is just warm to the touch. Add it to the mixture in the mixer bowl, followed by the sifted dry ingredients and coconut flakes. Mix until just combined. Do not over-mix the batter; this can make the muffins tough.

Step 4

4. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F).

Step 5

5. Fill the muffin molds halfway with the batter, then place a Raffaello candy in the center of each. Add a little more batter on top of the candies, ensuring they are fully covered but not overly filled. The dough will rise and slightly lift the candies during baking.

Step 6

6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the edge of a muffin comes out clean. The muffins should not become overly brown; they should stay light in color. Keep a close eye on them to avoid over-baking.

Step 7

7. To make the frosting, melt the white chocolate in a water bath and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 8

8. Whisk the cold cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Add the cream cheese and mix until just combined. Then, gently fold in the melted chocolate. If using mascarpone, do not over-whip after adding the cheese; mix on low speed until smooth.

Step 9

9. Once the muffins are completely cooled, frost them with the cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!

Servings

🌸 Serving up these heavenly coconut muffins is a treat in itself! But why not make it extra special? Serve these muffins warm to let the hidden Rafaello candies ooze a little, giving a suprise to your guests. Pair them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or aromatic tea for an afternoon delight. ☕️

Hosting a party? 🎉 Arrange these fluffy muffins on a beautiful cake stand, and let your guests marvel at their appearance before the delicious discovery inside. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top just before serving for extra indulgence. 🍦

If you're looking for a breakfast treat, these muffins go wonderfully with a bowl of fresh fruits or a yogurt parfait. 🥣 Start your day on a sweet note!

Variations

🌱*Gluten-Free* Variation:

Swap out the regular flour for a high-quality gluten-free baking mix. Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are also gluten-free. 🤗

🌿*Vegan* Variation:

Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). Use coconut milk instead of dairy milk and vegan butter or oil instead of regular butter. Opt for vegan cream cheese and dairy-free chocolate for the frosting. 🥰

Faq

Why did my muffins turn out dry?
Overbaking can cause dryness. Check your muffins a few minutes before the recommended baking time. They should be white, not brown.
Can I substitute sour cream with something else?
Yes, you can use yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute.
How do I make sure the Rafaello candies don’t burn?
Make sure to cover the candies well with batter so they don’t rise to the surface during baking.
What’s the best way to melt the chocolate?
A water bath is the safest method. If you're using a microwave, go slow and stir frequently to avoid burning.
Can I use mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese?
Yes, but be careful not to overwhip after adding mascarpone to avoid a grainy texture.
How do I make my muffins rise evenly?
Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature and don’t overmix the batter, which can cause uneven rising.