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

Comments

[gosphero]

Homemade Hostess cupcake... Don't you know this #techtoy has a cupcake problem? Must make cupcakes!

[zurichko]

I have a feeling that after Hostess' announcement of closing, this will be a very popular instructable. http://hostessbrands.com/Closing.aspx

[dsheets2]

Best cupcakes ever-by far!!! My family LOVES these, and they really are pretty easy to make...just a little putzy :-)

[DrHoppe]

Wow Kazmataz, these look better than the real thing!

[ledsign]

Nice!
I try to make one!

[Julianne fights Dragons!]

I have been looking for a Hostess Cupcake recipe for AGES! Thank you so much for sharing! I have been craving for one of these ever since I moved to Tokyo haha

[scable-1]

I made these for a potluck and they were a huge hit! I made one minor change- royal icing for the decorative loops. Thanks for the great recipe!

[xemiahx]

Isnt those "pinguinos" from Marinela?... (chilean candy)

[tzsch]

Oh man, I am totally processed junk food adverse, but Hostess Cupcakes are one of my guilty pleasures. Now in new guilt-free format. Thanks!

TIP: homemade marshmallows would only add a few hours : ) to this process, and the recipe can be thinned to be more cream like.

[jessyratfink]

These were so good. The icing was perfect. :D

[skylane]

I gained a pound and a half just reading this... thanks! :-)

[mikeasaurus]

yum, these look tasty!
Best of all no partially hydrogenated anything!

[phoenyxashe]

Unless it's in the marshmallow cream. Still, the possibility of it being in only -one- ingredient is a lot better than likely found in the packaged version.

[damionflynn]

I can already feel myself getting fatter just looking at this recipe. Hostess Cupcakes are one of my favorite treats....

[sunshiine]

Nice and sweet! Thanks for sharing.