Dreamy Velvety Chocolate Cupcake Recipe: Bake Pure Joy Today!

Chocolate lovers swoon over this decadent chocolate cupcake recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Rich, moist, and incredibly soft, these cupcakes deliver an irresistible chocolate experience with every bite.

The secret lies in carefully selecting premium cocoa powder that infuses deep, intense flavor.

Smooth butter and high-quality chocolate blend seamlessly to create a luxurious batter that bakes into tender, delightful treats.

Each cupcake emerges from the oven with a perfectly domed top and a heavenly aroma that fills the kitchen.

These cupcakes are perfect for weekend baking, special celebrations, or when you need a delicious chocolate pick-me-up.

Prepare to delight your taste buds with this ultimate chocolate cupcake sensation.

Serve Chocolate Cupcakes for Birthdays or Holidays

• Party Platter Magic: Arrange cupcakes on a decorative tiered stand for stunning visual appeal at birthdays or celebrations.
• Sweet Companion Pairings: Serve alongside cold milk, vanilla ice cream, or a steaming cup of coffee to enhance the chocolate experience.
• Gifting Gourmet Style: Package individual cupcakes in clear boxes with ribbons for charming homemade gifts or party favors that wow friends and family.
• Decorative Delight: Top with chocolate curls, colorful sprinkles, or mini candy pieces to transform simple cupcakes into eye-catching dessert masterpieces.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 13

Chocolate Cupcake Recipe Ingredient Guide

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the cupcake's tender crumb and ensures perfect texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden-brown exterior during baking.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich, deep chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color to the cupcakes.
• Baking Soda: Helps cupcakes rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Baking Powder: Provides additional leavening to ensure soft, fluffy cupcakes.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess, moisture, and helps activate baking soda for better rising.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps cupcakes incredibly moist and tender, preventing dryness.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness to the batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Intensifies chocolate flavor and provides warm, aromatic undertones.
• Hot Water or Coffee: Deepens chocolate flavor and helps create a smooth, silky batter.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a creamy, smooth base for the frosting with rich flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds intense chocolate flavor to the buttercream.
• Milk: Helps adjust frosting texture and creates a silky smooth finish.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile of the frosting.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and rounds out the frosting's flavor.

Tools That Help Bake Light and Fluffy Chocolate Cupcakes

• Muffin Pan: 12-cup standard size for baking cupcakes.
• Cupcake Liners: Essential for easy removal and neat presentation.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: Ensures smooth blending of dry ingredients.
• Electric Mixer or Hand Mixer: Helps create smooth, fluffy frosting.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for perfect cupcakes.
• Toothpick: Checks cupcake doneness by testing center.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cupcakes to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Spatula: Helps scrape batter and mix ingredients thoroughly.

How to Make Chocolate Cupcakes That Stay Moist

• Warm Up the Oven Preheat your oven to 350F and get a muffin pan ready with cupcake liners.
• Mix Dry Ingredients Grab a big bowl and whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
• Add Wet Components Pour in buttermilk, oil, egg, and vanilla. Stir everything until the mixture looks smooth and silky.
• Create Magic Liquid Gently fold in hot water or coffee. Don't worry if the batter seems thin – that's exactly how it should look!
• Fill and Bake Pour the batter into cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Cool Down Let cupcakes rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Whip Up Frosting Beat butter until creamy. Add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Mix until light and fluffy, adjusting milk as needed.
• Decorate and Enjoy Once cupcakes are totally cool, spread on chocolate buttercream. Sprinkle with fun toppings if you want extra pizzazz!

Topping and Filling Options That Work Well

• Add a splash of instant coffee or espresso powder to the batter to intensify the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
• Swap buttermilk with almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar, and use coconut oil instead of regular oil for a vegan-friendly version.
• Cupcake batter can be prepared and refrigerated overnight, allowing for stress-free morning baking or last-minute dessert prep.
• For extra-moist cupcakes, avoid overmixing the batter and remove from the oven the moment a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to maintain the cupcake's tender texture.

Store Cupcakes Without Losing Their Soft Texture

• Keep cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and soft texture.
• Frosted cupcakes can stay chilled for up to 5 days when sealed tightly in a container with a secure lid to prevent drying out.
• Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for convenient make-ahead treats.
• Remove frozen cupcakes from freezer, unwrap, and let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before adding fresh frosting and serving.

Velvety Chocolate Cupcake Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate cupcakes whisper sweet promises of pure delight, blending rich cocoa with velvety textures. Delicate crumbs melt on your palate, inviting you to savor each heavenly bite of this irresistible dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (240 ml) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk (or ½ cup milk + ½ tsp vinegar)
• ½ cup (120 ml) hot water or brewed coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)
• ⅓ cup (35 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 large egg
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
• ⅓ cup (35 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2–3 tbsps milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and arrange cupcake liners in a 12-cup muffin pan.
2. Batter Creation: Combine dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt) in a large mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3. Liquid Integration: Pour in buttermilk, oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture achieves a smooth, consistent texture.
4. Moisture Enhancement: Gently incorporate hot water or coffee into the batter, which will naturally thin the mixture.
5. Filling and Baking: Distribute batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full. Place in preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
6. Cooling Process: Allow cupcakes to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
7. Frosting Preparation: Cream butter until smooth, then gradually mix in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Whip until the frosting becomes light and airy, adjusting milk quantity for desired consistency.
8. Finishing Touch: Once cupcakes have cooled completely, generously spread chocolate buttercream or preferred topping. Optionally garnish with sprinkles or chocolate shavings for added visual appeal.

Notes

• The batter will appear thin, which is perfectly normal. Do not panic or add extra flour, as this ensures a moist and tender cupcake texture.
• Use hot water or coffee at the right temperature to enhance chocolate flavor without compromising batter structure. Lukewarm liquid works best for smooth mixing.
• Check cupcakes at 18 minutes to avoid dry results. Every oven varies, so watch closely and use the toothpick test for perfectly moist cupcakes.
• Substitute buttermilk with plant-based milk and egg with mashed banana for vegan version. Use gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg