Indulge in the ultimate chocolate delight with our Small-Batch Chocolate Cupcakes, designed for those intimate gatherings or when a chocolate craving hits. This recipe yields six perfectly moist and fudgy cupcakes, each crowned with a luxurious, silky smooth chocolate buttercream frosting that's simply irresistible. Crafted with love and the finest ingredients, these cupcakes are a testament to the joy of baking and the timeless appeal of chocolate.
Why You'll Love This: These cupcakes strike the perfect balance between indulgence and portion control, making them ideal for those moments when you desire something sweet yet exquisite. The combination of rich cocoa and the creamy, velvety frosting provides a multi-layered chocolate experience that's not too overwhelming. Plus, the flexibility to use non-dairy alternatives makes this recipe accessible to everyone, ensuring no one misses out on the chocolatey goodness.
Perfect Occasion: Whether it's a small celebration, a romantic dinner, or simply a treat for yourself, these Small-Batch Chocolate Cupcakes fit the bill perfectly. They're also great for gifting, showing someone special that you care with a homemade, delicious treat. Any chocolate lover will find these cupcakes to be a heavenly addition to their day.
Decoration Tips: For an elegant finish, pipe the chocolate buttercream frosting with a star tip nozzle to create beautiful swirls on each cupcake. Garnish with chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a fresh berry on top for a pop of color and an extra touch of sophistication. The beauty of these cupcakes lies in their simplicity, but a little creativity in decoration can turn them into a gourmet masterpiece.
Chocolate Cupcake Ingredients:
- 100ml Milk (almond or choice, unsweetened)
- 1/4 tsp White Vinegar
- 70g Sugar (granulated or cane)
- 30ml Oil (neutral, like sunflower or vegetable)
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Baking Soda
- 65g All-Purpose Flour
- 15g Natural Cocoa Powder, sifted
- A pinch of Salt
Instructions:
- Pre-mix milk and vinegar; rest for 5 minutes. Blend in sugar, oil, and vanilla until sugar is nearly dissolved.
- Sift and mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Divide batter among cupcake liners, filling each half full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 13-15 minutes or until a tester comes out clean.
Chocolate Buttercream Ingredients:
- 85g Semi-sweet Chocolate, finely chopped
- 113g Butter (non-dairy if preferred), cubed
- 120g Powdered Sugar
- 5g Cocoa Powder
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 15ml Milk (unsweetened, choice)
Buttercream Instructions:
- Melt chocolate in short bursts in the microwave until smooth; cool to room temp.
- Whip butter, cocoa, and powdered sugar to a fluffy consistency. Incorporate vanilla and salt, then add cooled chocolate and milk, mixing until fluffy. Use a star tip nozzle to frost cupcakes.
Enjoy these exquisite Small-Batch Chocolate Cupcakes, a perfect blend of moist, fudgy cake and smooth, chocolate buttercream that promises to satisfy your deepest chocolate desires.