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    Home » Best Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe

    Best Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe

    Published: Feb 12, 2021 · Modified: Nov 7, 2022 by Laura · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    This chocolate cupcake recipe is easy to make from scratch with simple ingredients. They are the best, moist chocolate cupcakes with a rich chocolate flavor and perfect texture. Topped with our favorite chocolate buttercream frosting, these chocolate cupcakes are the perfect way to celebrate any special occasion. 

    front view of chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting

    Once you try these from-scratch chocolate cupcakes, you'll never reach for a boxed mix again! Topped with our favorite chocolate buttercream frosting, these chocolate cupcakes are the perfect way to celebrate any special occasion. 

    Adapted from our recipe for the best chocolate cake, these are the best, moist chocolate cupcakes with a rich chocolate flavor and perfect texture. Made with simple ingredients, they come together in no time and are seriously the best chocolate cupcakes you'll ever eat. 

    up close front view of a chocolate cupcake cut in half with chocolate frosting

    Chocolate Cupcake Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions

    As always, we'll discuss the ingredients in these chocolate cupcakes and some possible substitutions - although I don't really recommend tampering with this recipe. 

    • All-purpose flour. Cake flour or bread flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour. I have not tried all-purpose gluten-free flour so if you do report back and let me know how it goes. 
    • Granulated sugar. There really isn't a substitute for the sugar. I suggest regular white sugar or organic cane sugar for the best results. 
    • Unsweetened cocoa powder. Choose your favorite variety. For extra-dark chocolate cupcakes use dark cocoa powder. 
    • Espresso powder. I always have espresso powder on hand to make chocolate desserts (like this chocolate cake, chocolate zucchini cake, etc.). It's definitely worth purchasing if you love baking. You can substitute instant coffee if you must. 
    • Canola oil. Oil keeps these chocolate cupcakes very moist. You can substitute equal amounts of melted butter or another neutral oil if desired, however canola oil yields the best results. 
    • Sour cream. Full-fat, plain Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream. I recommend using full-fat ingredients.
    • Whole milk. Again, I am an advocate for using full-fat whole milk in this chocolate cake recipe. You could substitute 2% milk but nothing with a lower fat content. 
    • Vanilla extract. You can switch up the extract and use almond, peppermint, orange, etc. if you prefer flavored chocolate cupcakes.
    • Mini chocolate chips. These are a must. Regular-sized chocolate chips sink to the bottom of the cupcakes while baking. Be sure to use mini chips for the best results. 
    overhead view of the ingredients in this chocolate cupcake recipe

    How to make Chocolate Cupcakes 

    As always, we'll walk through how to make chocolate cupcakes step-by-step, and don't forget to watch the video. This chocolate cupcake recipe is so simple to make! 

    Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt and espresso powder. Set aside to use later. This step is important to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed and that there are no lumps. 

    two overhead photos showing How to Make Chocolate Cupcakes

    Combine wet ingredients

    Next, combine the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together canola oil, eggs, sour cream, milk and vanilla until the mixture is smooth.

    Add dry ingredient mixture

    Once the wet ingredients are combined, add the dry ingredients and stir until the batter is smooth.  

    two overhead photos showing How to Make Chocolate Cupcakes

    Add mini chocolate chips

    Stir in the mini chocolate chip until evenly distributed.

    two overhead photos showing How to Make Chocolate Cupcakes

    Bake

    Next, use a ¼ cup measuring cup to fill each cupcake liner with ¼ cup of batter. Then bake in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, or until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cupcakes comes out clean or with a few crumbs.

    two photos showing How to Make Chocolate Cupcakes

    Cool

    Place the cupcake pan on a wire cooling rack to cool to room temperature (takes about 30 minutes). Once cooled, lift cupcakes in their liners out of the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

    front view of 6 chocolate cupcakes cooling on a wire cooling rack

    Frost

    When the chocolate cupcakes are cooled, frost them with this chocolate buttercream frosting or homemade vanilla frosting  I use the following tools to decorate cupcakes:

    • Piping bags - I have both reusable and disposable piping bags and use them all the time. 
    • Piping tips and couplers - I recommend a great starter tip and coupler set. However the Wilton 1M tip and large coupler are my favorite - and can be used in so many ways. This is the tip/set I used to frost the chocolate cupcakes pictured in this post. 
    front photo showing frosting being piped onto a chocolate cupcake

    Store

    Store these chocolate cupcakes at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Serve at room temperature. 

    Freeze

    It's really easy to bake a batch of chocolate cupcakes and freeze them. Simply follow the recipe and let them cool completely. Then transfer the unfrosted cupcakes to an airtight container and freeze until you're ready to frost and serve. 

    If you like these chocolate cupcakes, you will love these recipes: 

    • Make the best chocolate cake ever with this homemade chocolate cake recipe. 
    • Don't forget to frosting this cake with homemade frosting - our chocolate buttercream frosting and homemade vanilla frosting are out-of-this-world delicious. 
    • Flourless chocolate cake is an elegant and rich dessert sure to impress. 
    • These molten chocolate lava cakes are to die for!
    • This chocolate zucchini cake is summer cake perfection. 
    • Vanilla ice cream and chocolate ice cream pair beautifully with this chocolate cake recipe. 
    front view of a chocolate cupcake with chocolate frosting with the wrapper unwrapped

    FAQs about chocolate cupcakes

    Can you double this Chocolate Cupcake recipe? 

    Yes! You can easily double (or triple) this chocolate cupcake recipe. This is a great option if you want to make enough homemade chocolate cupcakes for a large crowd. 

    How do you keep cupcakes moist?

    Make sure to store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the freezer. Often times putting them in the refrigerator will dry them out.

    front photo of a chocolate cupcake with a bite taken out of it on a plate

    If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don't forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube - be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

    Best Chocolate Cupcake Recipe

    Laura
    This chocolate cupcake recipe is easy to make from scratch with simple ingredients. They are the best, moist chocolate cupcakes with a rich chocolate flavor and perfect texture.
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course brunch, cake, Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 Cupcakes
    Calories 219 kcal

    Equipment

    • measuring spoons
    • measuring cups
    • spatula
    • glass batter bowl
    • whisk
    • standard muffin pan

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • ½ tsp baking soda
    • ½ tsp baking powder
    • ½ tsp sea salt
    • ¼ tsp espresso powder
    • ¼ cup canola oil
    • 2 eggs
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • ¼ cup whole milk
    • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
    • ½ cup mini chocolate chips
    • Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
    • Line a standard muffin tin with 12 cups and lightly spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
    • In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt and espresso powder. Set aside
    • In a large bowl, whisk together canola oil, eggs, sour cream, milk and vanilla until the mixture is smooth.
    • Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until combined.
    • Add mini chocolate chips and stir until evenly distributed.
    • Use a ¼ cup measuring cup to fill each cupcake liner with ¼ cup of batter.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, or until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cupcakes comes out clean or with a few crumbs.
    • Place cupcake pan on a wire cooling rack to cool to room temperature (takes about 30 minutes).
    • Once cool, lift cupcakes in their liners out of the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
    • Once cool, frost with chocolate frosting and serve.

    Video

    Notes

    Ingredient Substitutions

    • All-purpose flour. Cake flour or bread flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour. 
    • Granulated sugar. I suggest using regular white sugar or organic cane sugar for the best results. 
    • Unsweetened cocoa powder. Choose your favorite variety. For extra-dark chocolate cupcakes use dark cocoa powder. 
    • Espresso powder. I always have espresso powder on hand to make chocolate desserts. It's definitely worth purchasing if you love baking. You can substitute instant coffee if you must. 
    • Canola oil. Oil keeps these chocolate cupcakes very moist. You can substitute equal amounts of melted butter or another neutral oil if desired, however canola oil yields the best results. 
    • Sour cream. Full-fat, plain Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream. I recommend using full-fat ingredients.
    • Whole milk. Again, I am an advocate for using full-fat whole milk in this chocolate cake recipe. You could substitute 2% milk but nothing with a lower fat content. 
    • Vanilla extract. You can switch up the extract and use almond, peppermint, orange, etc. if you prefer flavored chocolate cupcakes.
    • Mini chocolate chips. These are a must. Regular-sized chocolate chips sink to the bottom of the cupcakes while baking. Be sure to use mini chips for the best results. 

    Frosting

    Frost these cupcakes with this chocolate buttercream frosting or homemade vanilla frosting  I use the following tools to decorate cupcakes:
    • Piping bags - I have both reusable and disposable piping bags and use them all the time. 
    • Piping tips and couplers - I recommend a great starter tip and coupler set. However the Wilton 1M tip and large coupler are my favorite - and can be used in so many ways. This is the tip/set I used to frost the chocolate cupcakes pictured in this post. 

    To Store:

    Store these chocolate cupcakes at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Serve at room temperature. 

    Freeze

    It's really easy to bake a batch of chocolate cupcakes and freeze them. Simply follow the recipe and let them cool completely. Then transfer the unfrosted cupcakes to an airtight container and freeze until you're ready to frost and serve. 

    To double the recipe:

    You can easily double (or triple) this recipe. This is a great option if you want to make enough homemade chocolate cupcakes for a large crowd. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cupcakeCalories: 219kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 176mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 124IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine! 

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kay

      March 15, 2023 at 11:17 am

      5 stars
      This recipe makes a tender, delicious cupcake, probably the best i've ever had! And, i've been searching for cupcake/cake recipes and baking for a long time! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Laura

        March 15, 2023 at 2:26 pm

        Thank you Kay! I'm so glad you love them!

        Reply
    2. Holly

      February 17, 2023 at 6:44 am

      5 stars
      These are the best cupcakes. They are so delicious. Made these for my sons birthday. My son said he wants these cupcakes every year

      Reply
      • Laura

        February 17, 2023 at 7:31 am

        Thank you Holly! Happy birthday to your son!

        Reply
    3. Sarah McKinley

      April 06, 2021 at 5:52 pm

      5 stars
      AMAZING chocolate cupcake recipe! It was outstandingly moist and had just the right amount of chocolate in it. I made these for my son's birthday along with your chocolate buttercream frosting, and he wanted more and more!
      Great recipe, I love your food blog!

      Reply
    4. Carolina Juárez

      March 18, 2021 at 7:21 pm

      5 stars
      I made them but without the cream on the top cause i wanted them more like muffins, eventhough they are soooooo delicious AND moist 💕 I baked 16 muffins AND my husband & I ate them all througout a whole week and they remain fresh, moist AND delicious outside the fridge. I'm starting to cook since the quarantine AND i think your recipes aré awesome!!

      Reply

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    About Laura

    I’m Laura, a former chemistry teacher turned homeschooling mom of six beautiful babies! I create simple and delicious recipes that are tested and perfected to make cooking and baking joyful and fun!

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