MEXICAN CHOCOLATE-PUDDING-FILLED CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees with rack set in center. Line 18 standard-size muffin cups with paper liners; set aside.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add butter and mix until well incorporated.
• Mix together milk and vanilla in a small bowl. With the mixer running, add milk mixture in three additions, scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition. Add egg yolks and mix until well combined.
• Fill prepared muffin cups 1/2 full with batter. Transfer to oven and bake until cakes spring back when lightly touched, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cupcakes cool slightly in their tins before transferring to a refrigerator. Refrigerate cupcakes until chilled.
• Using a 1-inch round biscuit cutter, cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake, pushing cutter down about 2/3 of the way and using a twisting motion to release cake; reserve scraps. Fill hole with pudding and cover with scraps to enclose.
• Place buttercream in a pastry bag fitted with a star tip (such as Ateco #822). Pipe frosting in a zigzag pattern across the top of each cupcake. Sprinkle with gold petal dust, if desired. Serve.