Chocolate Cupcakes
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup hot water or hot coffee (coffee enhances the chocolate flavor, but water works too)
For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (plus more if needed)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cupcakes:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the vegetable oil, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Carefully add the hot water or hot coffee to the batter, mixing slowly until smooth. The batter will be thin.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Sift the powdered sugar and cocoa powder together to remove any lumps.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder to the butter, mixing on low speed until combined.
- Add the salt, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Beat on high speed for about 3 minutes, until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Frost the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip or a spatula to frost the cupcakes with the chocolate buttercream.
- Decorate with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or any other toppings you like.
4. Serve:
- Enjoy your delicious chocolate cupcakes!
These rich and moist chocolate cupcakes topped with creamy chocolate buttercream are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
