Best Homemade Chocolate Cupcake
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs (room temperature)
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
½ cup (100g) brown sugar
⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (room temperature)
½ cup (120ml) hot water or brewed coffee (for extra depth)
For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter (softened)
2 ½ cups (300g) powdered sugar
½ cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Instructions
Making the Cupcakes:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Add oil and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
Stir in hot water or coffee (batter will be thin).
Divide batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Frosting:
Using a mixer, beat the butter on medium-high speed until creamy (about 2 minutes).
Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until combined.
Add vanilla extract and heavy cream (or milk), then beat on high speed for 3-4 minutes until fluffy.
Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
Tips for the Best Cupcakes:
Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
Buttermilk & coffee enhance the chocolate flavor and keep the cupcakes moist.
Don't overfill cupcake liners; ⅔ full is perfect.
Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting, or the frosting will melt.
Enjoy your perfect homemade chocolate cupcakes! 🍫🧁