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Decadent Chocolate Cupcakes with Rich Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe

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3.8 from 9 reviews

This rich and moist chocolate cupcake recipe features a tender crumb made with cocoa powder and espresso for enhanced chocolate flavor, paired with a silky chocolate buttercream frosting made from unsalted butter, sweetened condensed milk, and dark chocolate. Perfectly portioned into 18 cupcakes, these treats combine an easy baking process with decadent taste, making them ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or any chocolate craving.

Ingredients

Cupcake Batter

  • 2 cups All-purpose Flour (240g)
  • 2 cups Granulated Sugar (400g)
  • 1/2 cup Cocoa Powder (50g)
  • 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Espresso Powder
  • 1/2 cup Whole Milk (120g)
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream (128g)
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil (110g / 120ml)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 3/4 cup Hot Water (180ml)

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

  • 2 sticks Unsalted Butter (227g, room temperature)
  • 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (14oz / 395ml)
  • 5.5 oz Dark Chocolate (155g)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 pinch Salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt (exclude espresso powder for now). Whisk thoroughly to blend these dry ingredients.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
  4. Incorporate Wet into Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Whisk until fully combined, ensuring no lumps remain and scraping the bowl's bottom to incorporate all flour.
  5. Dissolve Espresso Powder: In a small bowl or glass, dissolve the espresso powder in the hot water completely, then add this coffee mixture to the batter and mix to integrate it evenly.
  6. Fill Cupcake Liners: Distribute the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Due to its liquid consistency, use a pouring method or batter dispenser for accuracy.
  7. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Check doneness by pressing the top or inserting a skewer; it should come out with moist crumbs and the cupcakes should spring back lightly to the touch.
  8. Cool Cupcakes: Allow cupcakes to rest in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Prepare Buttercream - Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your unsalted butter is fully softened to room temperature; this is crucial for smooth whipping.
  10. Melt Chocolate: Microwave the dark chocolate in 30-second intervals until fully melted and smooth; set aside to cool slightly.
  11. Whip Butter: Using a mixer, whip the softened butter on medium-high speed for 5 minutes, pausing to scrape down the bowl every 90 seconds to keep it airy and smooth.
  12. Incorporate Condensed Milk: Gradually drizzle in the sweetened condensed milk while whipping slowly to prevent the buttercream from splitting. Once combined, increase speed to max and whip for one additional minute.
  13. Add Chocolate and Flavorings: Scrape down the bowl again and add the melted chocolate, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue whipping until the frosting is thick, glossy, and homogenous.
  14. Frost Cupcakes: Once cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the chocolate buttercream frosting generously over each cupcake and serve.

Notes

  • Do not skip dissolving the espresso powder in hot water as it deepens the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
  • Ensure butter is at room temperature for the best buttercream texture; too cold or warm butter affects stability.
  • If your buttercream appears too thin or shiny, chill it briefly and re-whip before frosting.
  • You can substitute dark chocolate with semi-sweet chocolate for a sweeter frosting.
  • For best results, use fresh ingredients especially baking powder and soda to ensure proper rise.

Find it online: https://dishcooks.com/decadent-chocolate-cupcakes-with-rich-chocolate-buttercream-frosting-recipe/