Coffee lovers take note. These smooth coffee flavored inverted mini-cakes are topped with a decadent chocolate coffee liqueur ganache making them the perfect after dinner treat.

Choca-Chino Cakes with Ganache

Cupcakes:
4 ounces NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® CHOCOLATIER 53% Cacao Dark Chocolate Baking Bar, broken into small pieces
1 tablespoon instant espresso coffee or instant coffee granules
1 tablespoon hot water
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk

Ganache:
4 ounces NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® CHOCOLATIER 53% Cacao Dark Chocolate Baking Bar, broken into small pieces
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup coffee-flavored liqueur (optional)

1. For Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease 6 jumbo muffin cups*.
2. Microwave chocolate in small, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power for 45 seconds; STIR. If pieces retain some of their original shape, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until melted. Cool to room temperature.
3. Dissolve instant coffee in hot water in small bowl. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat brown sugar, oil and eggs in large mixer bowl for 2 minutes. Beat in melted chocolate and vanilla extract. Beat flour mixture into creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Beat in coffee mixture. Spoon into prepared muffin cups, filling 2/3 full.
4. Bake for 18 to 23 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in centers comes out clean. Remove to wire rack and cool for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely.
5. For Ganache: Place chocolate in small bowl.
6. Microwave cream in small, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power until boiling. Pour over chocolate and stir until smooth. Stir in liqueur until smooth. Cool for 10 minutes; pour over cupcakes. Makes 1 cup.
7. To Serve: Invert cupcakes onto plates. Brush or spoon liqueur over tops. Pour ganache over each cupcake. Serve immediately.

Makes 6 jumbo cupcakes.

Preparation - 30 min | Cooking - 23 min | Cooling Time - 20 min cooling |

*To bake in standard muffin pan, spoon batter into greased muffin cups, filling 3/4 full, and bake for 18 to 23 minutes. Makes 12 muffins.

Recipe and photograph are the property of Nestlé® and Meals.com, used with permission.