Name: Simple Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ⅔ cups all purpose flour (339g); 1 ¼ cup cocoa powder, unsweetened (115g); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup sour cream, room temperature (227g); 2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (224g); 2 cups sugar (400g); 2 eggs, room temperature; 1 ¼ cup brewed coffee, cooled (295mL)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 20 reviews

If you have been searching for a delightful, moist, and incredibly chocolatey treat, this Simple Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe is going to become your new go-to indulgence. These cupcakes strike the perfect balance between rich cocoa flavor and tender crumb texture, making them irresistible for any occasion. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is both approachable and rewarding, promising a batch of cupcakes that feel homemade and look like a masterpiece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A dark brown chocolate cupcake sits in a light beige paper liner, topped with one thick layer of pale pink frosting swirled in the shape of a rose with a smooth, creamy texture dotted with tiny red specks. The cupcake is placed on a gray wooden surface with two whole red strawberries and one sliced strawberry nearby. A pink frosting bag with a silver nozzle lies in the background, slightly out of focus, along with another cupcake topped the same way. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Simple Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to build flavor, texture, and color flawlessly. Using common pantry staples, these components come together to create cupcakes that are moist from sour cream, intensely chocolatey from cocoa and coffee, and delightfully airy thanks to proper leavening.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for the cupcakes’ structure, providing just the right chewiness when measured correctly.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a deep chocolate flavor and rich color; opt for a high-quality brand for best results.
Baking powder & baking soda: Essential leavening agents that give your cupcakes that perfect rise and lightness.
Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness while rounding out the chocolate notes.
Sour cream: The secret to keeping these cupcakes remarkably moist with a slight tang that complements the chocolate.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, elevating the overall flavor profile.
Unsalted butter: Contributes richness and tenderness; room temperature butter cream-whip better for a fluffy batter.
Sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and helps create a soft crumb texture.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure and moisture, so room temperature eggs mix more evenly.
Brewed coffee: Enhances the chocolate flavor, making it more intense without tasting like coffee; cooled to maintain batter consistency.

How to Make Simple Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Begin by lining your muffin tin with cupcake liners and preheating the oven to 350°F. Proper oven temperature and lined tins ensure even baking and easy cupcake removal later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt thoroughly. This even distribution of leaveners and cocoa helps the cupcakes rise beautifully and flavor uniformly.

Step 3: Combine Sour Cream and Vanilla

In a separate bowl, whisk your sour cream with vanilla extract. This mixture will add that lovely moistness and richness to your batter.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This crucial step traps air, helping your cupcakes rise light and tender.

Step 5: Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This gradual incorporation helps keep the batter smooth and stable, supporting a perfect texture.

Step 6: Alternate Adding Flour Mixture and Sour Cream

On low speed, add the flour mixture and sour cream in alternating batches, beginning and ending with the flour mix. Mix just until combined—overmixing can toughen your cupcakes.

Step 7: Incorporate the Coffee

Gradually add the cooled brewed coffee while mixing slowly to maintain a smooth batter. The coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor without overpowering it.

Step 8: Fill Cupcake Liners

Using an ice cream scoop, fill each cupcake liner about half full. This ensures room for the cupcakes to rise without spilling over.

Step 9: Bake and Test

Bake for 18–22 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with few crumbs, they’re ready.

Step 10: Cool

Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. This prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy and keeps cupcakes fluffy.

Step 11: Repeat if Needed

If making multiple batches, replace liners in the pan and allow the pan to cool before refilling to maintain even baking conditions.

Step 12: Frost and Enjoy

Once cooled, frost with your favorite icing and get ready to delight in these homemade treats full of chocolate goodness!

How to Serve Simple Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe

A chocolate cupcake in a brown paper liner stands on a white marbled textured surface, topped with one layer of smooth, light pink strawberry frosting swirled into a delicate rose shape. Around the cupcake, there are whole and halved strawberries in bright red with green tops, adding pops of color. A pink piping bag with a shiny metal nozzle lies behind the cupcake, slightly out of focus, along with another cupcake with the same pink frosting swirl visible in the background. The scene is softly lit, highlighting the texture of the frosting and the rich color of the chocolate cake photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a finishing touch that wows your guests, consider dusting cupcakes lightly with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings. Fresh berries or edible flowers add a pop of color and freshness, making every bite feel special.

Side Dishes

Pair these chocolate cupcakes with a classic glass of cold milk, a rich espresso, or a chilled raspberry coulis for a contrast in flavor and texture. Fresh fruit salad or whipped cream also complement the richness superbly.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation makes all the difference—try stacking cupcakes on a tiered stand for parties or packaging them in colorful boxes tied with ribbons for a personal gift. You can even turn them into cupcake pops by inserting sticks and dipping in melted chocolate for fun, handheld treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simple Chocolate Cupcakes keep wonderfully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. Refrigeration can dry them out unless they’re frosted, then chilling helps preserve the icing and freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw overnight at room temperature for best texture.

Reheating

To enjoy cupcakes like freshly baked, warm them slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This revives their softness and melts any frosting slightly for a luxurious bite.

FAQs

Can I use hot coffee instead of cooled coffee in the recipe?

It’s best to use cooled brewed coffee as hot coffee can affect the texture of the batter and cause it to curdle slightly.

Is it possible to substitute sour cream with something else?

Yes, plain yogurt or buttermilk can be used as substitutes for sour cream, though sour cream provides the creamiest texture and subtle tang.

Do I need to use brewed coffee, or can I replace it with water?

Brewed coffee is recommended because it enhances the cocoa flavor richly. Using water will still work but results in a less intense chocolate taste.

How should I store frosted cupcakes?

Frosted cupcakes should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting firm and fresh. Bring them to room temperature before serving.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this Simple Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend, and ensure the cocoa powder and other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe is pure joy in every bite — easy to make, hard to forget. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just an everyday treat, these cupcakes promise rich flavor and tender crumb that will brighten any moment. Go ahead, bake a batch and share the magic; trust me, these will become a beloved classic in your recipe collection!