Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes

Ingredients (18)

• CUPCAKES:
• 2½ cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup very hot water or hot brewed coffee
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated white sugar
• 6 ounces (3/4 stick) butter,
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup buttermilk
• CHOCOLATE GANACHE:
• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
• 8 ounces bittersweet or semi sweet chocolate (or a combo of both),
• 2 tablespoons butter,