Name: Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup hot water; Chocolate frosting or buttercream for topping; Sprinkles or shaved chocolate for garnish (optional)

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There’s something truly magical about a batch of fresh Chocolate Cupcakes: the soft, pillowy crumb, the alluring aroma of cocoa drifting through your kitchen, and that irresistible swirl of frosting on top. These cupcakes are a celebration in every single bite, perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or simply a treat-yourself kind of day. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe delivers perfectly moist, chocolatey cupcakes every time – and you won’t believe how easy it is!

Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let their decadent flavor fool you – these Chocolate Cupcakes come together quickly with just a handful of familiar ingredients. Each one plays a unique role, ensuring your cupcakes are ultra-moist, richly flavored, and beautifully tender.

All-purpose flour: This is the base of your cupcakes, giving them structure while keeping the crumb soft.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens every bite and helps the cupcakes achieve their perfect moistness.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: The heart of deep chocolate flavor; use a good quality cocoa for the richest color and taste.
Baking powder: Gives these cupcakes a light, airy rise.
Baking soda: Works with the cocoa and dairy, making the cupcakes delightfully tender.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances every other flavor and balances the sweetness.
Whole milk: Adds richness and helps produce that lovely, moist crumb.
Vegetable oil: Ensures the cupcakes stay soft and moist – even after a day or two.
Large egg: Binds everything together and offers structure.
Vanilla extract: Adds a gentle, aromatic sweetness that elevates the chocolate.
Hot water: Sounds unusual, but it helps dissolve the cocoa for a super-smooth, deep chocolate batter.
Chocolate frosting or buttercream for topping: The crowning glory – choose your favorite for maximum indulgence!
Sprinkles or shaved chocolate for garnish (optional): Adds festive flair or a dose of crunch to the finished cupcakes.

How to Make Chocolate Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare Your Muffin Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 12-cup muffin tin and line each cup with a paper cupcake liner. Lining the pan not only keeps cleanup easy but also helps your Chocolate Cupcakes rise evenly with perfectly domed tops.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures each ingredient is evenly distributed, so you won’t end up with any pockets of flour or cocoa in your cupcakes!

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract straight into your dry ingredients. Give everything a good mix until a batter forms – don’t worry about a few small lumps; it’s better to mix until just combined to keep the cupcakes tender.

Step 4: Incorporate Hot Water

Gradually pour in the hot water, mixing slowly to avoid splashing. At this stage, the batter may look a little thin – that’s exactly what we want! The hot water helps deepen the chocolate flavor and makes the cupcakes extra moist.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among your cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Frost

Let your cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Once completely cooled, slather on your favorite chocolate frosting or buttercream and sprinkle with decorations if you like. Now, stand back and admire your handiwork!

How to Serve Chocolate Cupcakes

Garnishes

Dress up your Chocolate Cupcakes with a generous swirl of chocolate frosting, then get creative! Try colorful sprinkles, curls of shaved chocolate, or even a dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant finish. For special occasions, edible glitter or a fresh berry on top can really make them pop.

Side Dishes

While Chocolate Cupcakes shine brightly on their own, they’re also fabulous with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. For an extra decadent dessert platter, serve them alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries to balance the rich chocolate with a touch of tartness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these at a party or gathering, display your Chocolate Cupcakes on a tiered cake stand for a show-stopping centerpiece. You can even wrap each one in a colorful cupcake wrapper or place them in mini gift boxes for a delightful edible favor. For kids’ birthdays, arrange them in the shape of a number or letter—endless possibilities!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, keep your Chocolate Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm, you might want to pop them in the fridge; just let them come to room temperature before digging in for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you’d like to stash some away for a rainy day, you can freeze unfrosted Chocolate Cupcakes. Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature and frost as desired.

Reheating

If your cupcakes have been refrigerated or just feel a touch too cold, you can gently bring them back to lusciousness by letting them sit at room temperature for about an hour. For extra indulgence, zap an unfrosted cupcake in the microwave for 8-10 seconds—be careful, as the frosting can melt if microwaved.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! While whole milk gives Chocolate Cupcakes a richer texture, you can easily swap in 2%, skim, or a dairy-free milk like almond or oat if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor and moisture may vary slightly.

How do I know when the cupcakes are done baking?

A toothpick test works best: insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake—if it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached, they’re finished. Resist the urge to overbake, as this can dry out your cupcakes.

What kind of cocoa powder should I use?

Use regular unsweetened cocoa powder for a classic, brownie-like flavor. If you want a deeper, almost bittersweet taste, try Dutch-process cocoa. Both work wonderfully in Chocolate Cupcakes, so go with your taste preference and what you have on hand.

Can I make this recipe into a cake instead of cupcakes?

You sure can! Pour the batter into an 8-inch round cake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and test with a toothpick for doneness. The moist, tender crumb will be just as delightful in cake form.

How can I make these cupcakes even more moist?

For extra-moist Chocolate Cupcakes, try adding 1/4 cup of sour cream to the batter – it’s a baker’s secret weapon for soft, luxurious results. Just mix it in with the other wet ingredients before adding the hot water.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a batch of homemade Chocolate Cupcakes with friends and family. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, these cupcakes promise smiles all around. Give this recipe a try and let the magic of chocolate bring a little extra sweetness to your day—you deserve it!

Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these decadent Chocolate Cupcakes that are moist, rich, and topped with a velvety frosting. Perfect for any celebration or sweet craving!

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup hot water

Additional:

Chocolate frosting or buttercream for topping
Sprinkles or shaved chocolate for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Blend with Hot Water: Gradually stir in hot water until smooth batter forms.
Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Frost: Cool cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost with chocolate frosting or buttercream and garnish as desired.