Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

I grew up in a house that discouraged junk food, and so rarely got to enjoy any Hostess brand sweet treat. This was usually fine.  But come elementary school, and the daily ritual of lunchtime trades, I realized what I was missing. 

Imagine the buying power homemade Hostess cupcakes will have in the lunch room...step down Dunkaroos, there's a new sheriff in town.

Inspired by Bake at 350, this recipe has many steps, but the end result is delicious and completely worth it. 

Step 1: Ingredients!

Recipe makes about 20 cupcakes, with plenty of icing, filling, and ganache to spare

For the cupcakes:

• 1 1/4 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 oz unsweetened chocolate
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs

For the filling:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 cup marshmallow creme

For the ganache:

• 6 oz bittersweet chocolate
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the icing:

• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 tablespoons milk
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla

...Try and not think about all that butter

You will also need some cupcake tins, cupcake liners, a pastry bag, and a stand-up mixer