If you are looking for one cupcake recipe that describes this holiday season then your search is over. I mean what’s not to like about this recipe! It is all chocolate inside out. The chocolate chip cookies on the top with marshmallows and nuts just scream Christmas holidays!!! At first, I was thinking to fill these cupcakes with my favorite strawberry filling, but then I thought why not just make it an exclusive chocolate extravaganza. So I knew then and there that these bad boys would be filled with creamy ganache. These are wickedly delicious and really easy to make.
What is Rocky Road?
The origin of Rocky Road desserts are debatable. But mostly it originated from Australia. There are different versions of the same made in UK and America. The American version of this dessert is made with chocolate, walnuts and marshmallows. It all started with Rocky Road Ice-cream. You can read more about it on Wikipedia. The very first time I saw Dreyer’s Rocky Road Ice Cream in Safeway and I was tempted to eat it. As marshmallows used in commercial ice-creams have gelatin, I couldn’t. So I started making my own version at home. If you want to try Rocky Road Ice Cream then simply add the toppings to my favorite chocolate ice cream recipe and you are good to go. My cupcakes are inspired by the American version of Rocky Road and they are insanely delicious.
Beginner-level chocolate cupcake recipe!
Trust me, it is indeed a beginner-level recipe that requires no special skills. You guys have loved my no-fail eggless chocolate cupcake recipe which forms the base of this rocky road cupcake with a few tweaks. I have used my favorite 2-ingredient frosting i.e chocolate ganache or rather the world’s easiest frosting recipe inside out here. The toppings are walnut, gelatin-free vegan marshmallows, and eggless cookies which are easily available in the stores.
Steps in making the Rocky Road Cupcakes.
How to fill a cupcake?
Once the cupcake has cooled down, scoop a portion of the cupcake with the help of a knife or a big icing nozzle as shown in the photos.Hold the cupcake firmly with one hand. Next, insert the nozzle halfway, (not completely down) in the center of the cupcake and then twist it gently to get hollow.Remove the nozzle and take out the crumbs from it with a toothpick.The hollow that you see will be the place you will put the filling.
Repeat the process for other cupcakes as well.Prepare the piping bag by inserting a big circle nozzle in it. Scoop in the ganache and fill all the cupcakes in the center up to the top.Pipe it with some whipped ganache swirls.
Possible substitutes
For making the cupcakes.
Pumpkin spice is totally optional. I use it for the holiday season.You can use peppermint extract instead of vanilla or a combination of both if desired.Skip milk and vinegar by using buttermilk instead.
Lovely additions to consider! Top the cupcakes with some glazed cherries and sweetened coconut for an Australian-style Rocky Road Cupcake. Other festive fillings that work! A good strawberry or cherry filling would be amazing instead of ganache. For chocolate ganache. Milk chocolate is actually used in classic recipes. But it is too sweet for us. You can either use milk, semi-sweet or dark chocolate to suit your taste.
Expert tips to make the best cupcakes!
When you make cupcakes.
Do not overwhip or overbake the cupcakes.Let the cupcakes cool completely before filling and frosting.Bake the cupcakes a day or two in advance for the flavor to deepen.
Saving whipped broken ganache!
Even though I have made ganache hundreds of times, once in a while it does break and it is upsetting. But wait!!! Do not throw it. You can save it using either of these easy steps.If by any chance ganache turns crumbly or broken, do not panic, you can revive it by adding 1-2 tablespoons warm (not hot) heavy whipping cream or milk and stir it gently until mixed. It will gain the right consistency again.If by any chance it does not work. Reheat the broken ganache using the double boiler method and it will come together. But this time it will be back to square one, the glaze kind, and will have to be set in the fridge for 3-4 hours to get pipeable consistency.
Storing the cupcakes
These ganache-filled cupcakes will stay good if kept covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Best way to enjoy them!
Ganache tends to harden in the refrigerator. Let the cupcake sit on the counter for at least 20 minutes or so before eating. It will hold well at room temperature (not very warm) for 6-8 hours without melting in a cool place at a party.
We love this recipe because-
You can make it with easy to find ingredients. It is filled with chocolate inside out. It is an unique and fun spin to the classic chocolate cupcakes. Kids love cookies and marshmallow toppings. It makes a basic cupcake extra special!!
Frequently asked questions answered!
Where can you find marshmallows without gelatin?
What is the best chocolate to use for making Ganache?
You can use any good-quality baking chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips by Nestle or Ghirardelli.
Which store-bought egglesss chocolate-chip cookies did you use?
I have used Chunky Chips Ahoy brand cookies which are egg-free and delicious. If you want to make your own eggless chocolate chip cookies then I have a wonderful recipe here for you. KEEP IN TOUCH – Are we friends yet? Let’s connect on Facebook| Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter. Never miss a recipe. Please subscribe to my blog. It is free! Check out easy recipe videos on my YouTube channel now! Pin this photo for future reference.
Hungry for more chocolate? Try these recipes!
Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Chocolate Coffee Crumb Cake Vegan Chocolate Waffles Chocolate Panna Cotta Banana Chocolate Muffins Hot Chocolate Brownies
Let’s make fun “Rocky Road Cupcakes”
