Recipe: Hidden Oreo Cupcakes

I'm not really sure who makes the rules. People seem to think that the cupcake craze is over. Perhaps for some, but not for me. Essentially, they're cakes in mobile form without the need for awkward slicing and delegating who gets what sized slice.

So with that in mind, I decided to bring together a few of my recent favourite treats (Oreos, chocolate and hidden centres) and bake these cupcakes. Sharing is optional.

Oreo cupcakes have been around the Pinterest block a few times, but here's a recipe in UK measurements for you to store away for a rainy day.

Hidden Oreo cupcakes

(Makes 12)

175g unsalted butter, softened

caster sugar, 165g

3 large eggs

40g cocoa powder

125g self raising flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 pack Oreos

For the Oreo Buttercream:

140g unsalted butter, softened

280g icing sugar

1-2 tbsp milk

2 packs Oreos

Heat the oven to 180 degrees and line a cupcake tray with paper cases. Add an Oreo to the bottom of each case.

Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and gently beat after each addition. Add the cocoa powder, flour and baking powder to the bowl and mix. (Use a splash of milk if you feel the mixture needs a little loosening). Spoon evenly between the cupcakes cases, filling each approximately two thirds to the top.

Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

To make the buttercream, beat the butter in a stand mixer until pale and fluffy. Sift the icing sugar into the same bowl and add the milk. At this stage I tend to start mixing gently by hand with a wooden spoon to avoid getting covered in clouds of sugar. Return to the mixer and continue to beat until your buttercream is smooth and fluffy. Add 2 packs of crushed Oreos. To crush, either blitz in a blender or give them a bashing with a rolling pin in a sandwich bag.

To ice, smooth buttercream over the tops with a palette knife, or use a piping bag with a circular nozzle. Top with any remaining Oreos.

Cupcakes will keep for a few days stored in a cool place in air tight containers.

A selection of alternative Oreo recipes from other friendly food bloggers:

Baking Queen 74's slow cooker white chocolate Oreo blondies
Lauren Abery's Oreo double chocolate cheesecake
Elizabeth's Kitchen Diary's Oreo button cookies
Little Sunny Kitchen's Oreo brownies
Recipe's from a Pantry's no bake blueberry Oreo cheesecake
The Petite Cooks' homemade love Oreo cookies