• Fast
• Make-Ahead
• Vegetarian

Ingredients

CAKE

1. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2. 1/4 cup vegetable oil
3. 1/2 cup water
4. 1 cup all-purpose flour
5. 1 cup granulated sugar
6. 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch process)
7. 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
8. 1/8 teaspoon salt
9. 1 large egg
10. 1/4 cup buttermilk
11. 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

FROSTING AND TOPPING

1. 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2. 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
3. 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4. Pinch of salt
5. 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
6. Crunchy granola, for topping
7. Finely chopped dried fruit, for topping

Directions

1. Make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper or foil liners.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter with the vegetable oil and water over low heat.
3. In a large bowl, sift the flour with the sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Add the melted butter mixture and beat with a handheld mixer at low speed until smooth. Add the egg and beat until incorporated, then add the buttermilk and vanilla and beat until smooth, scraping the bottom and side of the bowl. Pour the batter into the lined muffin tins, filling them about three-fourths full.
4. Bake the cupcakes in the center of the oven for about 25 minutes, until springy and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool slightly, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely.
5. Meanwhile, make the frosting: In a medium bowl, using a handheld electric mixer, beat the softened butter at medium speed until smooth. Add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract and salt and beat the mixture at low speed just until combined. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until smooth. Add the milk or heavy cream and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
6. Frost the cooled cupcakes, top with the granola and dried fruit and serve.

Make Ahead

The unfrosted cupcakes can be wrapped in plastic and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month. The white buttercream frosting can be refrigerated in an airtight plastic container for up to 2 days. Return to room temperature before using.