Delicious best chocolate cupcakes with rich frosting and sprinkles

Best Chocolate Cupcakes

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Why Make This Recipe

Best Chocolate Cupcakes are a sweet treat that everyone can enjoy. They are perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a simple dessert to brighten your day. With their rich chocolate flavor and creamy frosting, these cupcakes will satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings. Plus, they are easy to make, so you can whip them up whenever you need a delicious dessert.

How to Make Best Chocolate Cupcakes

Ingredients

  • 5 ounces bittersweet baking chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup Dutch-process cocoa
  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain full-fat yogurt, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs plus one egg yolk, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup cold heavy whipping cream
  • 4 ounces finely chopped semisweet chocolate (don’t use chocolate chips)
  • 3 sticks unsalted butter, at a cool room temperature
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted (preferably organic)
  • 1 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Directions

  1. In a medium heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate, cocoa powder, and espresso powder. Pour hot water over the mixture. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes. Whisk until smooth, and then set it aside to cool.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, sugars, salt, and baking soda.
  4. Whisk the sour cream, oil, eggs, egg yolk, vinegar, and vanilla into the cooled chocolate mixture until smooth. Stir in the flour mixture until smooth, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Divide the batter among muffin cups until they are 3/4 full. Bake until the cupcakes are set and firm, about 17 to 18 minutes.
  6. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
  7. For the frosting, bring the cream to a simmer, remove it from heat, and add the chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth, then let it cool to about 75 degrees F.
  8. In a stand mixer, combine the butter, powdered sugar, cocoa, vanilla, and salt. Mix on low, then beat on medium until well blended, about 3 minutes.
  9. Add the cooled chocolate mixture and beat for another 2 minutes until it becomes light and creamy.
  10. Frost the cooled cupcakes as desired.

How to Serve Best Chocolate Cupcakes

Best Chocolate Cupcakes can be served as is, or you can add extra decorations if you like. Sprinkles or chocolate shavings make great toppings. They are delicious on their own or paired with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream.

How to Store Best Chocolate Cupcakes

To store your Best Chocolate Cupcakes, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you haven’t frosted them yet, you can also freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well.

Tips to Make Best Chocolate Cupcakes

  • Make sure all your ingredients, especially eggs and dairy, are at room temperature before you start. This helps your batter mix evenly.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the flour. This will keep your cupcakes soft and fluffy.
  • If you want a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of sea salt to the frosting.

Variation

You can add different flavors to your Best Chocolate Cupcakes. Try adding a teaspoon of mint extract for mint chocolate cupcakes or a tablespoon of orange zest for a hint of citrus. You can also use different types of chocolate in the frosting, like white chocolate or milk chocolate.

FAQs

1. Can I use chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate?
No, it’s best to use finely chopped chocolate for a smoother frosting. Chocolate chips don’t melt as smoothly.

2. Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the cupcakes gluten-free.

3. How do I know when the cupcakes are done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center of one cupcake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the cupcakes are done. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, they need more time.