Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes

Name: Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ounces dark chocolate; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 1/4 cup cake flour (substitute all purpose flour); 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons espresso powder (optional); 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup vegetable oil (substitute canola oil or light olive oil); 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1/2 cup whole milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 3 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 4 ounces dark chocolate (melted and cooled); 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed); chocolate pearls