Aunt Helen’s Chocolate Oatmeal Valentine’s Cupcakes

VeggieYogi ♦ February 10, 2013 ♦ 4 Comments

A few days ago I decided that I wanted to make something special for Valentine’s Day. I settled on chocolate cupcakes. It’s interesting how things happen–I remembered almost immediately that my Aunt Helen had a wonderful recipe for chocolate cake. I hadn’t thought about that recipe in years, but there it was in my head plain as day, and I went to my recipe box and found the recipe I’ve kept tucked away for over 20 years.

I haven’t seen Aunt Helen and Uncle Ritchie for quite some time, but I think of them often. I found out today that my Uncle Ritchie passed away yesterday. So the fact that I was thinking of them at this time was significant. I’m grateful to have that connection with them both, and have so many wonderful memories.

So this Valentine’s post is dedicated to my Aunt Helen and Uncle Ritchie. Thanks for being the amazing Great Aunt and Uncle I remember so fondly. And thanks Aunt Helen for this wonderful recipe.

The recipe is just as good as I remembered it, and excellent when made into cupcakes. I’ve reduced the sugar and chocolate chips without sacrificing any of the flavor. I should also explain why I have marbles in my cupcake tins. Part of what inspired me to make cupcakes is Amanda’s Cookin’ post where she made heart-shaped cupcakes by placing a marble next to each cupcake. However she said to fill the tins 2/3 full which I neglected to do. I filled mine 3/4 full so they’re nice and puffy but not heart-shaped. Still delish though! I hope you enjoy them. 🙂

Makes approx. 18 cupcakes

Here’s what you’ll need:
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup butter
1 3/4 cups flour
2/3 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup white sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 3/4 cups boiling water
3 eggs
1 tsp soda
1 tbsp cocoa
3/4 of a 12 oz package of chocolate chips
Chocolate icing
Sprinkles

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In a small bowl, add boiling water to the oats and let them stand for approx. 10 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients including about half of the chocolate chips.

Mix in the oatmeal.

Place cupcake liners in muffin tins and fill each to about 3/4, or 2/3rds if you’re going to make them heart-shaped. If making them heart-shaped–place a marble in each between the liner and the tin after adding the batter. Sprinkle approx 1/4 bag of chocolate chips on top of cupcakes.

Bake for 35-40 minutes at 350 degrees until toothpick comes out clean.

Ice with chocolate icing and top with sprinkles!