Ingredients

The following ingredients have 24 Servings
  • 12 ounces chocolate stout beer
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup sifted cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces unsalted butter (at room temperature)
  • 6 cups sifted powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup crushed pretzels (plus more pretzels for the tops, if desired)

Instruction

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and line 24 cupcake holes with paper liners.
  • In a large saucepan, combine beer, butter, cocoa powder, and espresso powder. Heat over medium-low, whisking until butter has melted and ingredients are fully incorporated. Remove from heat.
  • Whisk in sugar until melted.
  • In another bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Once the beer-sugar mixture has cooled somewhat, quickly whisk in the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla until blended and smooth. (You want the mixture to be cooled so you don't cook the eggs.)
  • Whisk in flour mixture until you have a smooth batter.
  • Pour batter into prepared cupcake pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let cool in pan 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.