Are you craving a decadent yet simple dessert that's perfect for any occasion? Look no further! These homemade chocolate cupcakes with fluffy vanilla icing are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, offering a delicious and easy way to impress your friends and family. Get ready to dive into a world of chocolatey goodness!
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
For the Vanilla Icing:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Making the Cupcakes:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Coffee Infusion: Slowly pour in the hot coffee while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin – that's perfectly fine!
- Bake: Fill each cupcake liner about ¾ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Vanilla Icing:
- Cream the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Incorporate Milk & Vanilla: Add the milk and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add more powdered sugar if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Frosting the Cupcakes:
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the vanilla icing. You can use a piping bag for a more professional look, or simply spread the icing with a knife.
Tips for Perfect Cupcakes:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients ensures even baking and a lighter texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough cupcakes. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cupcakes are baked through. If it comes out clean, they're ready.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.
Variations:
- Chocolate Icing: Swap the vanilla icing for a rich chocolate buttercream frosting for an even more decadent treat.
- Add-ins: Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles to the cupcake batter for added texture and flavor.
- Different Frosting: Experiment with cream cheese frosting, peanut butter frosting, or even a simple glaze.
Nutritional Information (per cupcake, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 4-5g
These delicious chocolate cupcakes with vanilla icing are perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a simple weeknight treat. They're quick, easy, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! Enjoy!