Classic Chocolate Cupcakes

By Peggio

Ingredients

• CUPCAKES
• 1/2 cup (42g) unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch processed)
• 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature*
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (80ml) vegetable oil (melted coconut oil works too)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk*
• VANILLA FROSTING
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 4-5 cups (480-600g) confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream*
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• salt, to taste

Details

Servings 1
Adapted from sallysbakingaddiction.com

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Line a second pan with 2 liners - this recipe makes about 14 cupcakes. Set aside.

Make the cupcakes: In a large bowl, whisk the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together until thoroughly combined. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla together until completely smooth. Pour half of the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Then half of the buttermilk. Gently stir - about 5 stirs. Repeat with the remaining wet ingredients and buttermilk. Stir until *just* combined; do not overmix. The batter won't be very thick.

Pour/spoon the batter into the liners - fill only halfway to avoid spilling over the sides. Bake in batches for 18-19 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting. Mini cupcakes will take about 10 minutes, same oven temperature.

Make the frosting: With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy - about 2 minutes. Add confectioners' sugar, cream, and vanilla extract with the mixer running on low. Increase to high speed and beat for 3 full minutes. Add more powdered sugar if frosting is too thin or more cream if frosting is too thick. Add a pinch of salt if frosting is too sweet.

Frost cooled cupcakes however you'd like. I used Wilton 1M piping tip. There may be leftover frosting depending how much you use on each cupcake. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired. Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days and in the refrigerator up to 5.

For Swirled Frosting - if you wish to frost your chocolate cupcakes with swirled frosting as pictured above, please see this cupcake recipe to obtain the correct amounts (and recipes) for the vanilla and chocolate frostings. Then, see this post to learn how I swirled them.

Adapted from my Death by Chocolate Cupcakes

*Room temperature eggs are required for the cupcakes. To bring eggs to room temperature quickly, put them in a glass of warm water for 5-10 minutes.

*Buttermilk is required for this recipe. If you do not have buttermilk, make your own by mixing 2 teaspoons white vinegar or lemon juice with 1/2 cup milk. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes.

*For the frosting, heavy cream or half-and-half will give your frosting the creamiest texture. You may use milk instead, keeping in mind the frosting won't be as creamy.