Chocolate Buttercream Cupcakes
These Chocolate Buttercream Cupcakes are easy, delicious, and full of classic flavor. Moist, tender chocolate cupcakes and chocolate buttercream frosting come together to create a delectable dessert no one can say no to.
If you love chocolate, then you’re in the right place. Our delicious chocolate buttercream cupcakes are one of our most popular desserts. They offer the perfect combination of ease, flavor, and of course, SO MUCH chocolate.
Table of contents
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Basic Ingredients: This is a simple cupcake recipe that uses basic baking ingredients.
- Easy: Both the cupcakes and frosting only take a few steps and a few minutes.
- Rich Flavor: The cupcakes and frosting are full or rich, deep chocolate flavor.
- Versatile: Chocolate cupcakes are a classic perfect for a weeknight dessert or any party.
🛒Ingredients
We’ve made this list to help you save time on your next trip to the grocery store. You can find the full amounts needed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Chocolate Cupcakes
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Boiling water
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter – melted
- Vegetable oil
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs plus egg yolks
- Whole milk or cream
- Flour
Chocolate Buttercream
- Unsalted butter – softened
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
🔪 How to Make Chocolate Buttercream Cupcakes
This is a quick overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. You can find the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Whisk the dry ingredients, then carefully whisk in the boiling water. Mix the sugar, butter, oil, and vanilla, then beat in the eggs. Then, add the cocoa mixture and the milk.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients together, then fill a prepared muffin tin 2/3 full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cupcakes in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Then, add the remaining ingredients except the powdered sugar and beat again.
- Mix in the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Frost the fully cooled cupcakes.
- Sprinkle with chocolate chips if desired.
🥄 Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 24-count muffin pan
- Cupcake liners
- Wire cooling rack
🥫 Storage
Store these cupcakes in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.
To freeze, chill the cupcakes, then wrap them in plastic wrap and transfer them to a freezer-safe container.
What to Serve with Chocolate Buttercream Cupcakes
Pair these cupcakes with fruity desserts like chocolate-covered strawberry cookies, lemon blueberry crumb bars, or pineapple upside down cake for classic flavor at any party.
💭 Tips
- Beat the eggs into the batter mixture one at a time to ensure they are thoroughly combined.
- The water should be at a full boil before you remove it from the heat and add it to the batter.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting them. Even a little heat will cause the frosting to thin on contact and slide off of the cupcakes.
- Sift your powdered sugar to avoid grain buttercream.
⁉️ FAQ
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Boiling water gives baked goods a better rise and a more tender texture because it more fully activates the baking soda or powder in the batter.
Fully soften your butter so it fully incorporates and leaves no bits of raw butter. In addition, sifting the powdered sugar creates a richer, smoother, creamier texture.
Adding a splash of strong coffee to the batter enhances the chocolate flavor and gives the final product a deeper flavor.
🍽 More Recipes
Do you enjoy cupcakes? Then, try these delicious recipes.
🧾Recipe Card
Want to make this recipe? Print the recipe card below, or pin this recipe, so you can find it later.
