Moist Rich Chocolate Cupcakes (Printable)
Rich, moist chocolate cupcakes featuring tender crumbs and deep cocoa flavor, ideal for any occasion.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
09 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - 1/2 cup hot water or hot coffee
→ Frosting (optional)
12 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
15 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
16 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
17 - Pinch of salt
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
04 - Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
05 - Stir in hot water or coffee until the batter is smooth and thin.
06 - Distribute the batter evenly among the liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
07 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Allow cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well, then add milk gradually until desired consistency is reached.
10 - Apply frosting to cooled cupcakes as desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- They bake in under 20 minutes, so you can go from craving chocolate to biting into one before your coffee gets cold.
- The crumb stays impossibly tender and moist for days, even without frosting—there's a secret in the hot water that makes all the difference.
- These are forgiving enough for a first-timer but impressive enough to bring to any gathering.
02 -
- Don't skip bringing your eggs and milk to room temperature—they mix more smoothly into the batter and prevent lumps.
- The hot coffee or water is essential and not optional; it's what makes these cupcakes stay moist for days instead of drying out by the next morning.
03 -
- Use hot brewed coffee instead of water for an even deeper, more sophisticated chocolate flavor that adults will especially appreciate.
- Sift your powdered sugar before adding it to the frosting to avoid lumps that will make your frosting grainy and unpleasant.