Name: Best Easy Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup plain/all purpose flour; 3/4 cup caster sugar (super fine sugar, or sub with normal white sugar); 1/2 tsp baking soda / bicarbonate soda; Pinch of salt; 120g (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, cut into 1″ / 2cm pieces (1 US stick / 1/2 cup); 60g (2 oz) dark chocolate, preferably 70%+ cocoa, broken into pieces; 1/2 cup cocoa powder, preferably Dutch processed; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or other neutral flavour oil); 2 large eggs (55 – 60g / 2 oz each); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 tsp white vinegar; 120g (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, cut into 1″ / 2cm pieces (1 US stick / 1/2 cup); 1/2 cup cocoa powder, preferably Dutch processed; 2 1/2 cups soft icing sugar / powdered sugar (NOT pure icing sugar); 3 – 4 tbsp milk (any kind); Sprinkles and other decorations, if desired

Ingredients

3/4 cup plain/all purpose flour

3/4 cup caster sugar (super fine sugar, or sub with normal white sugar)

1/2 tsp baking soda / bi carbonate soda

Pinch of salt

120g / 8 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 1″ / 2cm pieces (1 US stick / 1/2 cup)

60g / 2 oz dark chocolate, preferably 70%+ cocoa, broken into pieces

1/2 cup cocoa powder, preferably Dutch processed

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup vegetable oil (or other neutral flavour oil)

2 large eggs (55 – 60g / 2 oz each)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 tsp white vinegar

120g / 8 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 1″ / 2cm pieces (1 US stick / 1/2 cup) for frosting

1/2 cup cocoa powder (preferably Dutch processed) for frosting

2 1/2 cups soft icing sugar / powdered sugar (NOT pure icing sugar) for frosting

3 – 4 tbsp milk (any) for frosting

Sprinkles and other decorations, if desired

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan). Place the oven rack in the middle position.

Step 2: Line a 12-cup cupcake tin with cupcake liners.

Step 3: Sift the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder into a bowl. Whisk briefly to combine.

Step 4: In a large heatproof bowl, combine butter and dark chocolate. Microwave for 45 seconds, stir, then microwave for another 30 seconds. Continue microwaving in 20-second bursts if needed until the chocolate is melted and smooth.

Step 5: Add cocoa powder to the chocolate mixture and mix well.

Step 6: Stir in the milk and vegetable oil. Then add eggs, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. Whisk until smooth.

Step 7: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, whisking until the batter is lump-free.

Step 8: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each just over three-quarters full. An ice cream scoop works well for even portions.

Step 9: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

Step 10: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and immediately transfer them to a cooling rack using a spoon or knife to loosen if needed.

Step 11: Once completely cool, spread with frosting and decorate with sprinkles or other toppings as desired.

Step 12: To make the Speedy Chocolate Fudge Frosting, melt the butter and stir in the cocoa powder until smooth.

Step 13: Add icing sugar and milk to the cocoa-butter mixture and mix well. Adjust the milk quantity to reach a soft, spreadable consistency similar to peanut butter.

Tips & Variations

Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a smoother, less acidic chocolate flavor.

Substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a subtle coconut note.

Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.

Try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter to deepen the chocolate flavor.

Decorate with fresh berries or chopped nuts for extra texture and color.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of caster sugar?

Yes, regular white granulated sugar works as a substitute, though caster sugar dissolves more easily and gives a finer texture.

What if I don’t have Dutch-processed cocoa powder?

You can use natural cocoa powder, but it may result in a slightly more acidic taste and lighter color. Adding a small pinch of baking soda can help balance the acidity.