Ultimate Chocolate Cupcakes
User Reviews
4.4
Ultimate Chocolate Cupcakes
Description
The Ultimate Chocolate Cupcakes recipe combines standard ingredients for chocolate cake with boiling water to enhance the cocoa's richness and moisture. Using both baking powder and baking soda gives a good rise. The batter is smooth and pourable for even baking, resulting in cupcakes with a tender crumb. Cooling the cupcakes completely before frosting ensures the buttercream won’t melt.
The chocolate buttercream frosting is made by creaming butter with powdered sugar, then incorporating melted semi-sweet chocolate and vanilla extract to achieve a smooth and creamy texture. The frosting contrasts nicely against the soft cupcake. Optional mini chocolate chips can be sprinkled on top, adding slight crunch.
This recipe fits well for serving at parties or as a dessert treat. The cupcakes hold their shape well and can be frosted in advance. Baking times of 18-22 minutes ensure the cupcakes are cooked through without drying out.
Ingredients
For the cupcakes:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup Dutch processed cocoa
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 egg large
- 1 cup milk whole
- 1/2 cup canola oil or vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup water boiling
For the chocolate ganache:
- 1 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the chocolate buttercream frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips melted and cooled to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups mini chocolate chips for decorating, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line muffin tins with paper liners. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for one minute or until batter is smooth. Slowly pour in boiling water and mix until batter is smooth. Don't over mix.
- Fill liners about 1/2 full with batter. Bake cupcakes for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely on wire rack before frosting.
- While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. In the bowl of stand mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until the frosting is smooth, about 3-4 minutes. Mix in the vanilla. Drizzle in the cooled melted chocolate and beat on medium speed until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- To make the chocolate ganache, add the chocolate chips to a medium bowl. Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat just until it bubbles around the edges or you can heat it in the microwave. Pour cream over the chocolate chips. Let the mixture stand for 30 seconds, then stir until the chocolate melts and a smooth ganache comes together, about 1-2 minutes.
- Place the frosting in a pastry bag. Spoon the ganache onto the center of the cupcake. Spread to the edge of the cupcake. Let the cupcakes sit until the ganache firms up, about 5 minutes. Pipe chocolate buttercream frosting over the ganache. Decorate with mini chocolate chips, if desired.
- Note-if you want to pipe a high frosting swirl on the cupcakes, you might need to double the frosting recipe. It just depends on how high you go with the frosting.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 28Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 363 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 363kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Cholesterol | 38mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 161mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 159mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 34g | 68% |
| Vitamin A | 324IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 49mg | 5% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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