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Mix up these one-bowl, no-mixer, super-easy Chocolate Cupcakes in Minutes. They're moist, delicious and come out of the oven with beautiful domed tops!
Do you ever feel like a "doubting Thomas"? I sure did when I read the recipe for these chocolate cupcakes!
Do delicious cake/cupcake recipes have to include butter??
Everyone knows that, to make a really good cake (or cupcake), you need butter, right? "No substitutions", they say. And then there's the directions. Classic cake instructions call for whipping butter till it's light and fluffy, followed by the addition of sugar and then more mixing. After that, the dry and wet ingredients are added, often alternating back and forth till everything is well incorporated. If you bake, you know that's just how it's done.
That's why I was a bit doubtful when I googled "chocolate cupcakes" and saw a recipe titled Best Chocolate Cupcakes (from Add a Pinch) with no butter in the ingredient list. And the method was also quite "non-traditional". "Hmm, I'm not so sure about this one", I thought to myself.
But I'd been looking for a really wonderful chocolate cupcake recipe for a while, and none that I'd tried had so far none had hit the mark. I wanted a moist, but light cupcake with a tender crumb and nice high dome. Oh yes, and it had to come together quickly.
Too many rave reviews to ignore
I was about to click back to my search results when something caught my eye... 1,219 comments. I scrolled down and started reading - almost all of them were rave reviews. Hmm...
After reading a bunch of the comments, I was super intrigued. "Best recipe ever.", "Great flavor and so moist", "Made them for a birthday party and got millions of compliments.", "Delicious and couldn't be simple.", "This recipe is amazing!", "I love this cake, so moist, light and easy to make", "My mum is the cake maker in our family, and after I made these for my son’s birthday, she said they were better than hers. Cheers!" And on and on the wonderful reviews went!
How could I resist? I gave them a try. Actually, I've made them at least a dozen times, and every time they've turned out perfect. I adapted the recipe just a bit, using a half cup of coffee instead of the espresso powder (I don't keep that on hand) and boiling water. I've also made them with water instead of coffee and they were great that way too.
I learned a few things along the way too. For example, after the first attempt, I realized that the batter rises up higher than other cupcake recipes, and, for best results, to fill the cupcakes liners just half full. If filled too much, the batter creeps up over the top of the paper liners.
One critique I noticed repeated frequently in the comments was that the baking time was not accurate. I tested the recipe and found that 20-25 minutes in my oven was perfect.
Delicious cupcake recipes do NOT have to include butter!
Okay, so I bet you're wondering if a cake can really be delicious without butter? Hmm, can you wait a minute? I'm going to run downstairs and grab one more cupcake, just so I can really explain how good they are...
I'm back! Oh my gosh! I wish I could share a bite with you! They're fantastic! Super moist, not too heavy, loaded with great chocolate flavor. My quest for the best, easy chocolate cupcake recipe has ended! Here's a video to show you just how easy it is!
Put these crazy-delicious, super-easy chocolate cupcakes on your "must-make" list. You'll become a believer too!
Café Tips for making these Best Ever Chocolate Cupcakes
- Hershey’s cocoa works fine in this recipe, but if you want to try a really fine cocoa powder, this Callebaut cocoa powder is quite amazing!
- Don’t worry, if you don’t like coffee, you don’t taste it in these cupcakes. Coffee enhances the flavor of the chocolate. You could use decaf coffee but, if you divide it up, there’s so little caffeine from the coffee (about 4mg) in each cupcake, it’s pretty negligible.
- If you're absolutely against using coffee in this recipe, just add a ½ cup of water instead of the coffee.
- This batter rises significantly and produces lovely domed cupcakes. Don’t fill the cups too high or the batter will overflow the cups.
- This recipe will make 15 nice size cupcakes so you'll need two 12-cup cupcake pans (one will only have three cups filled). You could also put the extra batter in a small loaf pan instead of using the second cupcake pan.
- I absolutely LOVE this OXO Good Grips Cupcake/Muffin Pan. The cups are slightly taller than the average cupcake pan which helps yield beautiful high-domed muffins and cupcakes.
- I have made this recipe for a layer cake. I tripled it for a three-layer cake with 8-inch pans. If you use 8-inch pans, make sure your pans are at least 2 inches tall, otherwise, use three 9-inch pans.
Thought for the day:
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby,
keeping watch over their flocks at night.
An angel of the Lord appeared to them,
and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were terrified.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.
I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;
he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Luke 2:8-11
What we're listening to for inspiration:
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It’s so helpful to other readers to hear your results, adaptations and ideas for variations.
The name says it all! Throw these delicious, super moist, beautifully domed Easy Chocolate Cupcakes together in minutes!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup coffee cooled
-
Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line a 12-cup cupcake pan with cupcake liners. Line another cupcake pan with three cupcake liners for a total of 15. Set aside.
-
Combine dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt) in a medium-size bowl and whisk to combine.
-
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add milk, oil, egg, vanilla and coffee. Stir with a whisk until all ingredients are combined then continue to whisk until batter is smooth. Scrape the sides of the bowl and mix for another 10-15 seconds. The batter will be thinner than most cake batters, don’t worry, it’s just the way it should be!
-
Fill cupcake liners just half full. (I'm always tempted to fill them higher and when I do, they overflow.)
-
Place in the oven and reduce the temperature to 325˚F. Bake 18-24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool completely. Decorate as desired.
See Café Tips above for more detailed instructions and tips
Recipe Adapted from Add a Pinch
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Kim says
We made the cupcakes and they were great! Could the recipe be doubled to make a cake? And would I double all ingredients or no? Thanks!
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Kim, I haven't tried this as a cake but I would think it should work fine.
Dewolfe says
I want to make a cake with this recipe, a three layer cake actually. Will this work out?
It's a lovely cupcake recipe I have made it three times now and really hope to use it for a cake. So quick and easy.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Dewolfe, I've been curious about that myself so I have a cake in the oven right now! I'll let you know how it turns out.
Chris Scheuer says
It just came out of the oven and it looks great. I used an 8-inch pan and baked it for about 38 minutes.
Heidi says
I haven't made these chocolate cupcakes yet but I'm going to. I have a wonderful chocolate cupcake recipe already but am searching for one that produces that coveted small attractive dome! Your dome is perfect looking! Perfect! I'm going to bake a few dozen cupcakes for a friend's birthday party and I want them to look beautiful and professional . One other commenter on this post mentioned that this recipe is so similar to her favorite recipe and her recipe doesn't result in the dome. Same here. Your recipe is EXTREMELY similar to mine and mine results in delicious cupcakes that end up as flat as a pancake! So I'm hoping u can share some tips with me on how you achieve the shape? Do most of your cupcake recipes result in domed shape cakes? Maybe it's just your oven? I must figure this out! Hopefully you will reply soon cause I want to make these! Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
Hello Heidi, I am like you and always looking for a nice domed cupcake. I have been unsuccessful so many times and it's so disappointing when you open the oven and they're flat. For some reason, these cupcakes always come out so pretty, I love it. Try it and let me know if you have the same wonderful results. I honestly don't think it's my oven, just a good recipe.
Ann says
Can I use Dutch processed cocoa?
Chris Scheuer says
That should work fine.
Susan says
Hi how do u make the half cup of coffee? How much coffee and how much hot water? Thanks.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Susan, just make coffee like you normally would and reserve a half cup. If you don't drink coffee, use instant, the amount specified on your container.
Clarise says
Do these have a coffee taste? I dont drink coffee and want to make cupcakes for my daughters first birthday. Thanks!
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Clarise! They don't have a coffee taste at all. The little bit of coffee just enhances the chocolate flavor.
Carol says
How many does this recipe make?
Chris Scheuer says
It makes 12 cupcakes.
Carol Riley says
Yummy! I will make them for the Board and Seniors at Trinity Academy tomorrow! Do you frost them and with what?
Liz says
OK, you've convinced me. This is a must try recipe. The chocoholics around here thank you in advance!!!
P..S. Cute flower topping!!!
John/Kitchen Riffs says
You've made more than a few cupcakes. Best? Easiest? CHOCOLATE? Yes! If you say it, it must be so. 🙂 Really does sound like a terrific recipe -- thanks.
Faye says
This is very similar to a chocolate cupcake recipe I already use but my one problem with that recipe is that I never got that beautiful dome. I'm definitely going to try this recipe to see how it compares!
Mona | OfRecipes says
I'll never say no to easy chocolate cupcakes!! These look divine!! I can't wait to try the recipe!
Anne Stancil says
I do love the way you make it so easy and you've already worked out all the kinks before I have to! I have tasted these amazing cupcakes (thanks to Chris) and now I can get in the kitchen and make my own! It's so exciting and hope they are as easy and good as yours, Chris!
Monique says
Thanks for the recipe..I tend to overfill so your tip is well appreciated..
I bought my wee pumpkins for the cookies today:)
Susan says
Definitely trying these next time our grandsons come for a visit! Loved the video. Your oven is so clean 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
If your grandsons are chocolate lovers, they'll go crazy over these cupcakes Susan. I hate to admit this, but my oven doesn't always look so clean - this one is brand new!!
sue | theviewfromgreatisland says
These cupcakes look perfect, and that mixer's not too shabby either 😉 I love cakes and cupcakes made with oil, they always seem moister and more delicious to me, great post and fabulous video, Chris <3
Chris Scheuer says
Haha, thanks Sue!
Vicki Bensinger says
Beautiful cupcakes and stand mixer. Love those marshmallow flower cupcakes they're so much fun to make. Also like your video. Will definitely try this recipe. Williams Sonoma has some great espresso powder that I always keep on hand when making things with chocolate. It's the best I've found. Nice post!
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you Vicki and thanks for the tip on the espresso powder too!
JoyceB says
Today is my daughter's 40th birthday. Guess what l am baking!! Thanks Chris this recipe is right on time. The video and music are delightful.
Chris Scheuer says
Aww, that's awesome! Wishing her a wonderful birthday!!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
What a great looking recipe and video! Scott wrote the music? That is amazing - you are both stars!
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you Tricia! Yes, in another life, Scott wrote lots of music. We're having fun pulling out some of his creations 🙂
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
I'm convinced and I'll be trying these for sure! Easy and best is a definitely winner 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
Haha Jennifer, those are my favorite combination of words!
Robyn Gleason says
Well, if this isn't the cutest kitchen appliance ever! And all for a great cause. Your cupcakes look incredibly yummy, Chris, and are a so beautifully decorated.!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Robyn, it is a wonderful cause!
Laura | Tutti Dolci says
Gorgeous cupcakes, Chris! These really do look just perfect!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Laura, I love that they consistently come out perfect 🙂
Lynda McMillen says
I tweeted a photo of my sprinkle cupcakes. I can't wait to try this recipe! https://twitter.com/mypinkmixerblog/status/782747638630260736
Ginny Hartzler says
I love the video and music. Is that YOU? Can't wait to try these!!
Chris Scheuer says
Haha! Yes Ginny, that's me mixing and baking and Scott behind the camera and the music 🙂 Try them, they're crazy good!
Paula says
Sounds good and looks delicious! Is that Scott playing the piano on your video?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Paula,
That is Scott's original creation, played by his orchestrator. Hope you're doing well! We need a date night!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Hi Chris! Funny you posted this today. I just made cupcakes, which is something I never make. It's great to know that now a $1 has been donated, since I posted on Instagram, thanks to you.. https://www.instagram.com/p/BLFCiYUhFrJ/?taken-by=pbandp&hl=en
Your recipe looks out of this world. I will try your recipe for my next batch, after all if you found the best chocolate cupcake recipe, I'm in. Love the idea of the coffee in it, and not the espresso powder That's something I always forget to buy when at the store. Happy baking to you my friend.
Betty says
this does sound like an winner - definitely going to give it a try!!!
Chris Scheuer says
Think you'll love them Betty!