Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk (room temperature)
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup hot water or hot coffee (this helps deepen the chocolate flavor)
For the Chocolate Fudge Frosting:
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
4 oz semi-sweet chocolate (melted)
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
¼ cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup whole milk (or more for desired consistency)
Directions:
For the Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and sugar until everything is evenly distributed.
Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and vegetable oil until smooth.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything.
Add hot water or coffee: Slowly add the hot water or coffee into the batter, mixing well. The batter will be thin, but this is normal for fudgy cupcakes.
Fill the cupcake liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake the cupcakes: Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Chocolate Fudge Frosting:
Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
Cream butter and melted chocolate: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the melted chocolate using an electric mixer until smooth and well combined.
Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder: Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, ½ cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
Add milk and vanilla: Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat for an additional 2-3 minutes until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and spreadable. Add more milk if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Assembling the Cupcakes:
Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, spread or pipe the chocolate fudge frosting onto each cupcake.
Decorate (optional): You can top the cupcakes with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of fudge sauce for extra decadence.
Serve and enjoy! These Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes are perfect for any chocolate lover, with their rich, fudgy flavor and creamy frosting.
Enjoy these irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth cupcakes!