Go Back

Moist Chocolate Cupcakes - Soft, Rich, and Easy to Make

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup (130 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (45 g) Dutch-process cocoa powder (natural cocoa also works, flavor will be slightly sharper)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or light olive)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) hot brewed coffee (freshly brewed and hot; can sub hot water)
  • Optional frosting: Chocolate buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or whipped ganache
  • Optional add-ins: Mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or a pinch of espresso powder

Method
 

  1. Prep your pan: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Lightly mist the liners with baking spray for easy release.
  2. Whisk dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined and lump-free.
  3. Mix the wet ingredients (except coffee): In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Combine: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Whisk gently just until mostly blended. The batter will be thick at this point.
  5. Add hot coffee: Slowly pour in the hot coffee while whisking. The batter will become thin and glossy. Stop mixing as soon as it’s uniform.
  6. Fill the cups: Divide the batter evenly among the liners, filling each about two-thirds full. A large cookie scoop makes this tidy.
  7. Bake: Bake 16–19 minutes, rotating the pan once halfway through. They’re done when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
  8. Cool: Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  9. Frost and finish: Swirl with your favorite frosting. For extra shine and flavor, add a sprinkle of flaky salt or chocolate shavings on top.