Name: Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 150 gram powdered sugar; 150 gram butter (cut into small cubes); 200 gram dark chocolate (chopped); 250 g sweetened condensed milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 120 g boiling water; 160 g all-purpose flour; 200 g sugar; 50 g unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp instant espresso powder; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 120 g sour cream (room temperature); 75 g vegetable oil; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 66 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for all things chocolate, you are going to adore this Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe. These cupcakes are the perfect blend of rich, moist cake and luscious, creamy fudge frosting. Every bite melts in your mouth, delivering an indulgent chocolate experience that’s both comforting and utterly delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several vanilla cupcakes arranged on a white marble surface with a white marble serving board. Each cupcake has two layers: a light golden-yellow cake base and a thick swirl of white creamy frosting on top. The frosting is decorated with colorful small sprinkles in red, blue, green, purple, orange, and yellow. Some sprinkles have fallen onto the marble surface around the cupcakes. The cupcakes are in white paper liners. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe. Each ingredient plays its own important role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and moistness in these cupcakes, so let’s get familiar with what you’ll need before you start baking.

150 gram powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and a delicate texture to the frosting and cake.
150 gram butter (cut into small cubes): Provides richness and helps achieve the smoothness in the frosting.
200 gram dark chocolate (chopped): Brings a deep, intense chocolate flavor full of depth.
250 g sweetened condensed milk: Adds creaminess and a natural sweetness to the fudge frosting.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate taste and rounds out the flavor.
120 g boiling water: Helps dissolve cocoa and intensify chocolate flavor in the batter.
160 g all-purpose flour: Forms the base structure of the cupcakes, creating their tender crumb.
200 g sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and contributes to their moistness.
50 g unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers rich chocolate taste without extra sweetness.
1 tsp instant espresso powder: Boosts the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
1/2 tsp baking powder: Gives the cupcakes a light rise and fluffy texture.
1/2 tsp baking soda: Works with baking powder for proper leavening and tenderness.
1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
120 g sour cream (room temperature): Adds moisture and a slight tang that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
75 g vegetable oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist for days.
2 large eggs (room temperature): Bind ingredients and help create structure with a light texture.
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and aromatic depth.

How to Make Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Fudge Frosting

Start by melting the butter, chopped dark chocolate, powdered sugar, and sweetened condensed milk together in a pot over medium heat. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula to ensure everything melds into a glossy, smooth mixture. Once completely melted and combined, transfer it to a shallow bowl to cool quickly. Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a crust from forming. Chill the frosting until it reaches room temperature before you frost your cupcakes.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep Your Oven

Set your oven to 160ºC (320ºF) using a conventional setting. Line a 12-cup cupcake tray with cupcake liners. This will give your cupcakes their perfect shape and make clean-up easier. While the oven heats, you can start preparing the batter.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, instant espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir briefly to combine everything evenly. Sifting is essential here because it breaks up any lumps in the cocoa powder and creates a smooth batter later on.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and boiling water. Use a gentle hand with your whisk to avoid over-beating the eggs, which helps keep the cupcakes tender.

Step 5: Blend Batter

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir with a spatula just until combined, making sure there are no lumps but being careful not to overmix. Overworking the batter will make the cupcakes dense instead of wonderfully soft and fluffy.

Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 20-23 minutes. You’ll know they are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes before transferring them out to cool completely.

Step 7: Frost to Perfection

Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip like the Wilton 1M with the chilled chocolate fudge frosting. Pipe generous swirls of frosting on top of each cupcake for that classic, irresistible look and taste. You can also just spread it on with a knife if you prefer a more rustic vibe. Either way, these cupcakes are ready for the spotlight!

How to Serve Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe

The image shows several vanilla cupcakes arranged in a group on a white marbled surface. Each cupcake has one light golden cake layer at the bottom, wrapped in a light cream paper liner. On top, there is one thick swirl of white frosting with smooth texture, topped with small colorful sprinkles in red, blue, green, purple, and yellow. The cupcakes are closely packed with some sprinkles scattered around them on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance the allure of your chocolate fudge cupcakes with simple garnishes. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the frosting to create a sophisticated sweet-and-salty combo, or add chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips for extra texture and elegance. Fresh raspberries or a dusting of cocoa powder can also add a pop of color and a hint of tartness.

Side Dishes

Serve your Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert spread. Fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce balance the richness beautifully. If you want a non-dessert pairing, a strong coffee or a creamy latte is a wonderful match with these chocolate delights.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative with your presentation to impress friends and family. Arrange cupcakes on tiered stands for a festive look at parties or decorate each with edible gold dust or colorful sprinkles for celebrations. Wrapping cupcakes in decorative paper or placing them in pretty boxes makes for beautiful gifts. You can even top each cupcake with a small piece of your favorite candy bar for an extra indulgent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is on the warmer side, refrigerate them, but bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor. Make sure the frosting is covered to avoid drying out or absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

You can freeze baked, unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before frosting. For frosted cupcakes, freeze them uncovered on a tray first, then wrap individually once the frosting is firm. This prevents frosting smudging and lets you enjoy your Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe anytime.

Reheating

If you want to warm up your cupcakes, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave can soften the cake and slightly melt the frosting to create a gooey, fudgy experience. Just be careful not to overheat or the frosting can separate. Enjoy the best of warm chocolate in every bite!

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can swap dark chocolate with milk chocolate for a sweeter and creamier flavor. Keep in mind that the cupcakes may be less intense in chocolate flavor and a bit sweeter overall.

Do I have to use instant espresso powder?

While espresso powder isn’t necessary, it really enhances and deepens the chocolate taste. If you don’t have it on hand, you can leave it out, but consider adding a teaspoon of strong brewed coffee for a similar effect.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Sometimes you may need to add a teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it to help with texture and structure.

Why is sour cream used in this recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the rich sweetness of the chocolate and sugar. It keeps the cupcakes soft and tender while enhancing the flavor complexity.

How long do these cupcakes last once frosted?

When stored properly in an airtight container, frosted cupcakes will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days at room temperature, or up to one week if refrigerated. Always bring refrigerated cupcakes back to room temperature before enjoying.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe is one of those baking treasures that brings endless joy with every bite. It’s rich, moist, and decadent – perfect for any occasion or just a cozy afternoon treat. Once you make these, they’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe box. So grab your ingredients, turn up your oven, and dive into the comforting magic of homemade chocolate fudge cupcakes!