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Homemade Best Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe photo

Best Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe

These chocolate cupcakes are SO MOIST! Rich, fluffy, and perfect for any celebration or treat, they're a must-bake!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cupcakes:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
  • 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk, oat milk)
  • 1/4 cup oil canola, vegetable, extra-virgin olive oil, or melted coconut oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 recipe Vanilla Buttercream Frosting or another favorite frosting

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Muffin tin
  • Cupcake liners
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard cupcake tin with cupcake liners and set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and espresso powder until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, mix together the milk, oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
  5. Gradually add the boiling water to the cupcake batter. Mix until just combined.
  6. Using a measuring cup or a large spoon, fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
  8. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  9. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with your favorite Vanilla Buttercream Frosting or any other frosting you love.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, consider using high-quality cocoa powder.
  • Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
  • Don’t skip the boiling water step for moist cupcakes.