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Ultimate Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe First Image

Chocolate Cupcakes


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  • Author: Chef John
  • Total Time: 43 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delicious chocolate cupcakes topped with rich buttercream frosting.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 120 g warm coffee or water (or 1 teaspoon instant coffee)
  • 200 g granulated sugar
  • 50 g unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder
  • 160 g all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 120 g sour cream (14-18% fat, room temperature)
  • 75 g vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 200 g butter (room temperature)
  • 275 g powdered sugar
  • 50 g unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder
  • 1¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 23 teaspoon whole milk (room temperature)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 160°C/320°F (conventional oven) and line a 12-cup cupcake tray with 12 cupcake liners.
  2. Prepare the warm coffee or water and allow it to cool slightly while you gather the remaining ingredients.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients: granulated sugar, unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until thoroughly combined.
  4. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring slowly until all ingredients are combined. Ensure there are no lumps remaining in the batter.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners and bake for 20-23 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then gently remove them and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Sift the powdered sugar and unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder together to remove any lumps.
  9. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the room temperature butter for 4 minutes on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl sides and mix for an additional 2 minutes.
  10. Add the sifted powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and milk in two additions, mixing on low speed after each addition until fully incorporated.
  11. Scrape down the bowl sides and give the buttercream a final 2-minute mix on low speed.
  12. Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a star piping tip (such as Wilton 1A).
  13. Pipe the buttercream onto each cooled cupcake, create a small indent in the center with the back of a teaspoon, and decorate with chocolate sprinkles if desired.

Notes

  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
  • For a richer flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 23 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg