Name: Easy Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 180 g Caster sugar; 180 g Butter (Room temperature); 3 Eggs (Free range, medium); 150 g Self raising flour; 30 g Cocoa powder; 2 tbsp Milk; 150 g Butter (Room temperature); 300 g Icing sugar; 30 g Cocoa powder; Boiling water (as needed, about 1-3 tbsp); 2-3 tbsp Sprinkles

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 41 reviews

If you have a craving for something rich, chocolatey, and totally irresistible, this Easy Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Perfectly moist and deeply flavored with cocoa, these cupcakes come together quickly and offer a melt-in-your-mouth experience complemented by a luxuriously smooth chocolate buttercream frosting. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or just want a cozy treat, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and decadence, making every bite feel like a little moment of pure joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a partially unwrapped block of yellow butter at the top center, a red container of organic cocoa powder on the left, and a pink bag of icing sugar next to it. Below the icing sugar are three brown eggs placed in a loose cluster. To the right, a small white bowl is filled with chocolate sprinkles, and below it is a clear glass jug containing cream or milk. At the bottom right, a white bowl holds granulated white sugar. The items are spaced evenly and have soft natural lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun with this Easy Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe! Each item is carefully chosen to deliver the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance that make these cupcakes utterly delightful.

Caster sugar: Provides the perfect sweetness while helping to create a tender crumb.
Butter (room temperature): Ensures the batter is rich and the cupcakes stay moist.
Free range, medium eggs: Adds structure and a lovely richness to the cupcakes.
Self raising flour: Gives the cupcakes that ideal rise and fluffy texture.
Cocoa powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and a beautiful color.
Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and adds moisture.
Icing sugar: Sweetens the buttercream to a perfect balance without grit.
Boiling water: Used to create a smooth and pipeable chocolate icing.
Sprinkles: Add a cheerful pop of color and fun on top of the finished cupcakes.

How to Make Easy Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by setting your oven to 160℃ (320°F) fan or 180℃ (350°F) conventional. Line a cupcake tin with 12 cases, making sure they’re evenly spaced and ready to catch that delicious batter.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a wooden spoon or electric whisk, cream your room temperature butter and caster sugar until the mixture becomes pale, light, and fluffy. This step is key to incorporating air, giving your cupcakes a lovely lift.

Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Dry Ingredients

Add all three eggs one at a time, mixing each in well before adding the next to prevent curdling. Then sift in the self-raising flour and cocoa powder, folding everything gently until beautifully combined without overmixing.

Step 4: Fill and Bake

Spoon equal amounts of batter into your cupcake cases. Using an ice cream scoop here is a clever trick to portion evenly and achieve consistent results. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the cakes turn golden and bounce back gently when pressed. Let them cool completely on a rack before frosting.

Step 5: Create the Chocolate Buttercream

Beat your butter until pale and fluffy, then gradually add icing sugar, mixing thoroughly. Meanwhile, dissolve cocoa powder into 1-2 tablespoons of boiling water to form a thick paste. Stir this into your butter and sugar mixture for a luscious chocolate boost.

Step 6: Adjust and Decorate

To get the perfect soft and pipeable consistency, add boiling water a teaspoon at a time until the buttercream is just right. Once the cupcakes are cool, pipe or spoon on the frosting and finish with a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles for that joyful touch.

How to Serve Easy Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe

The image shows several chocolate cupcakes arranged on a white marbled surface. Each cupcake has two layers: the bottom layer is a dark brown, textured chocolate cake wrapped in a dark brown paper cup, and the top layer is a swirled light brown chocolate frosting with a smooth, creamy texture. The frosting is decorated with small dark brown chocolate sprinkles scattered on top and around the cupcakes. The cupcakes are close together, filling the frame with a warm, inviting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkles are a classic, but you can also add fresh raspberries, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a few chocolate shavings to add a sophisticated twist. Each garnish not only enhances the look but adds an extra burst of flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

Pair these cupcakes with a cold glass of milk, a rich espresso, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create an indulgent dessert experience. The varying textures and temperatures take the simple cupcake to a whole new level of enjoyment.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cupcakes on a tiered stand for a party centerpiece or serve them nestled in pretty cupcake wrappers with matching napkins for a charming presentation. For a fun twist, turn them into cupcake pops by inserting sticks and dipping them in melted chocolate!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them fresh and soft. Avoid refrigerating if possible, as it can dry them out and affect the buttercream’s texture.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping each one tightly in cling film and placing them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving. For frosted cupcakes, freezing is not recommended as the buttercream texture may change.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your cupcakes slightly warm, remove them from the container and microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the crumb and makes the chocolate flavor even more pronounced without melting the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising flour?

Yes, but you’ll need to add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder to the plain flour to mimic the rising effect of self-raising flour and keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk to keep the cupcakes moist and delicious.

How long do these cupcakes keep fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, these cupcakes stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature. For best taste and texture, enjoy them as soon as possible.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter?

Definitely! Mixing in chocolate chips or chopped nuts adds delightful texture and extra bursts of flavor. Just fold them in gently after mixing the batter.

What can I do if my buttercream is too runny?

If your frosting is too soft, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes and then re-whip. Adding a little more icing sugar can also help thicken it up for better piping consistency.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Easy Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe is like giving yourself a warm hug made of chocolate and sweetness. It’s simple, rewarding, and guarantees smiles all around whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging on your own. So go ahead, pull out your mixing bowl and treat yourself—you deserve these little chocolate wonders!