Moist Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
If you’re looking for the perfect chocolate cupcake—moist, rich, and topped with a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth buttercream—you’ve just found it. These Moist Chocolate Cupcakes are everything a chocolate dessert should be. With deep cocoa flavor and a tender crumb, they’re destined to be your new go-to treat for birthdays, holidays, or just because you’re craving chocolate.
Why I Love This Recipe
There are thousands of chocolate cupcake recipes out there, but this one stands out because it strikes the perfect balance between light texture and bold flavor. The batter comes together quickly and stays moist thanks to the combination of oil, milk, and a touch of hot water or coffee. And the buttercream? Rich, smooth, and dreamy—like chocolate fudge in frosting form.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup hot water or hot coffee
For the Chocolate Buttercream
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Coffee vs. Water: Coffee deepens the chocolate flavor without making the cupcakes taste like coffee.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk and a dairy-free butter substitute.
- Extra Richness: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter if you like a molten surprise inside.
Instructions
Make the Cupcakes:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
- Dry mix: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Wet mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, eggs, vanilla, and sugar until smooth.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Add liquid: Stir in the hot water or coffee. The batter will be thin—don’t worry, that’s what makes them moist!
- Fill and bake: Pour batter into liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Chocolate Buttercream:
- Cream the butter: Beat butter with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add cocoa: Mix in the cocoa powder until smooth.
- Add sugar: Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, on low speed.
- Finish: Add milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat on high until light, fluffy, and silky.
- Frost: Once cupcakes are cool, frost them using a piping bag or spatula.
Tips for Perfect Cupcakes
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.
- Use room temperature ingredients for best texture and rise.
- Want extra flair? Top with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or a drizzle of ganache.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These cupcakes pair wonderfully with:
- A glass of cold milk
- This Brownie Batter Dip for double the chocolate delight
- A scoop of vanilla bean or raspberry sorbet
- A hot cup of espresso or This Classic Margarita if you’re in party mode
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Will keep for up to a week; just let them come to room temp before serving.
- Freezer: Unfrosted cupcakes freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individually and thaw overnight in the fridge.
More Chocolate Treats You’ll Love
Craving more cocoa goodness? Try these:
- The Best Peanut Butter Brownies – rich, fudgy, and peanut-buttery bliss.
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs – decadent and layered with goodness.
- This Brownie Batter Dip – no-bake perfection for instant cravings.
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites – bite-sized treats made for sharing.
- Copycat Neiman Marcus Cookies – the ultimate chocolate chip upgrade.
Final Thoughts
These Moist Chocolate Cupcakes are proof that homemade can be better than bakery. With a tender texture and indulgent frosting, they’re ideal for celebrations—or simply as a treat-yourself moment.
Tried them? Leave a comment and tell us your favorite cupcake topping. For more indulgent ideas and family-tested recipes, stay connected right here on ChefManiac.com!
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