Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cupcakes
- 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120 ml) freshly brewed hot coffee (or boiling water)
Chocolate Buttercream
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- ¼ cup (25 g) cocoa powder, sifted
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch salt
Decoration
- Chocolate curls
- Chocolate sprinkles
- Mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
Step 2
Whisk together:
- flour
- sugar
- cocoa powder
- baking soda
- salt
until evenly combined.
Step 3
Add
- egg
- buttermilk
- oil
- vanilla
Mix just until smooth.
Do not overmix.
Step 4
Slowly pour in the hot coffee while mixing on low speed.
The batter will be thin.
This is completely normal.
Step 5
Fill cupcake liners about ⅔ full using an ice cream scoop for even portions.
Step 6
Bake for 18–22 minutes.
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7
Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
Step 8
Prepare the buttercream.
Beat butter until fluffy.
Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa.
Mix in cream, vanilla and salt.
Beat another 3–5 minutes.
Step 9
Pipe buttercream onto cooled cupcakes.
Decorate with chocolate curls or sprinkles.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
✔ Use room temperature ingredients.
✔ Measure flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method.
✔ Do not overmix the batter.
✔ Hot coffee intensifies chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
✔ Sift cocoa powder for a smoother batter.
✔ Rotate the pan halfway if your oven has hot spots.
✔ Cool completely before frosting.
✔ For bakery-style frosting, chill buttercream for 10 minutes before piping if your kitchen is warm.
✔ Always use natural cocoa powder unless adjusting the leavening agents.
✔ An oven thermometer helps prevent overbaking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian