Double Chocolate Cupcakes

Double Chocolate Cupcakes are rich, moist, and packed with deep chocolate flavor, featuring a soft chocolate cake base and a creamy chocolate frosting. These decadent cupcakes are perfect for chocolate lovers and ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you crave a sweet treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Intensely chocolatey with both cocoa and melted chocolate
• Moist and fluffy texture with a rich, creamy frosting
• Simple to make with basic baking ingredients
• Perfect for parties, special occasions, or casual desserts
• Can be customized with different fillings and toppings

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chocolate Cupcakes:

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil or melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Buttermilk
• Hot water or coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)
• Melted dark chocolate (for extra richness)

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Melted chocolate
• Heavy cream or milk
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Directions

Prepare the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil (or butter), and vanilla extract until smooth. Add buttermilk and mix.
4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in melted chocolate.
5. Add Hot Water or Coffee: Slowly mix in hot water or coffee. The batter will be thin, but this creates a moist cupcake.
6. Bake: Divide the batter into cupcake liners, filling them about ⅔ full. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Prepare the Frosting:

8. Beat Butter: In a bowl, beat softened butter until creamy.
9. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
10. Mix in Melted Chocolate: Add melted chocolate, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
11. Adjust Consistency: Add heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until frosting is smooth and fluffy.
12. Frost Cupcakes: Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes and garnish with chocolate shavings or sprinkles.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Ganache Filling: Fill the center with chocolate ganache for extra richness.
• Peanut Butter Twist: Swirl in peanut butter frosting for a chocolate-peanut butter combo.
• Espresso Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter for a mocha taste.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: Top with melted white chocolate for contrast.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
• Reheating: If refrigerated, bring cupcakes to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, but add 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

What makes these cupcakes extra moist?

The combination of buttermilk, oil, and hot water (or coffee) ensures a soft, moist texture.

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder?

Yes, but replace baking soda with extra baking powder to balance acidity.

How do I prevent dry cupcakes?

Do not overbake, and measure ingredients accurately.

Can I make mini cupcakes?

Yes, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.

What’s the best way to melt chocolate for the frosting?

Use a microwave in 15-second bursts or a double boiler for smooth melting.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, bake a day ahead and store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container.

How do I get fluffy frosting?

Beat the butter well and add heavy cream gradually until light and airy.

Can I use this recipe for a cake instead?

Yes, bake in an 8-inch cake pan at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes.

What toppings go well with these cupcakes?

Chocolate chips, sprinkles, crushed nuts, or caramel drizzle work great.

Conclusion

Double Chocolate Cupcakes are a chocolate lover’s dream, offering a moist cake base and rich, creamy frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these decadent treats are easy to make and full of deep chocolate flavor. Customize them to your liking and enjoy every bite!

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• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Super moist chocolate cupcakes topped with rich chocolate frosting for the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup buttermilk

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup melted dark chocolate
• 2 tbsp milk

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tray with liners.
• In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In another bowl, beat sugar, brown sugar, and oil. Add eggs and vanilla.
• Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until smooth.
• Pour batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes. Let cool.
• For the frosting, beat butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, melted chocolate, and milk.
• Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes and enjoy!

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Notes

• Use hot coffee instead of buttermilk for a richer flavor.
• Sprinkle with chocolate shavings for extra decadence.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.