MOCHA-CARAMEL CAPPUCCINO CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Place jumbo paper baking cup in each of 6 jumbo muffin cups, grease bottoms and sides of muffin cups with shortening and lightly flour, or spray with baking spray with flour.
• In medium bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder; set aside. In small bowl, mix hot water, cocoa and 4 teaspoons coffee powder until dissolved; set aside.
• In large bowl, beat shortening with electric mixer on medium speed 30 seconds. Gradually add granulated sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping bowl occasionally. Beat 2 minutes longer. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. On low speed, alternately add flour mixture, about one-third at a time, and cocoa mixture, about half at a time, beating just until blended.
• Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each with about 1/2 cup batter or until two-thirds full.
• Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pan; place on cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• In small deep bowl, beat whipping cream, powdered sugar and 3/4 teaspoon coffee powder with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.
• To serve, place each cupcake in a coffee cup, if desired. Top each with about 3 tablespoons whipped cream; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon chocolate chips and drizzle with 1 teaspoon caramel topping.