Description
Indulge in the rich and spicy flavors of Mayan Chocolate Cupcakes topped with a decadent Cocoa-Cinnamon Buttercream. These Mexican-inspired treats are perfect for anyone who loves a hint of heat in their desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Buttercream:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare muffin tin: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Prepare cupcake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. In another bowl, combine sugars, oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Bake: Divide batter among muffin cups and bake for 16–18 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
- Make buttercream: Beat softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and salt. Incorporate vanilla and milk until desired consistency. Beat on high speed until light and fluffy.
- Frost cupcakes: Pipe or spread buttercream onto cooled cupcakes.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne to taste for more or less heat.
- Pair with chili salt or chocolate shavings for garnish.
- Store frosted cupcakes in the fridge but bring to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
