Small-Batch Chocolate Cupcakes
These Small Batch Chocolate Cupcakes are rich, moist, and full of deep chocolate flavor. The espresso powder helps the cocoa pop, and the small batch size means you get just 6 cupcakes. It’s the perfect scratch recipe when you’re craving chocolate cupcakes but don’t want to make two dozen.
Equipment
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup hot water
For the Frosting:
- 4 tablespoons butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 6 muffin cups with paper liners.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a medium bowl.1/2 cup all-purpose flour,1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder,1 teaspoon instant espresso powder,1/2 teaspoon baking soda,1/4 teaspoon salt,1/3 cup granulated sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, milk, oil, and vanilla.1 large egg,1/4 cup whole milk,3 tablespoons vegetable oil,1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Stir in hot water (batter will be thin).1/4 cup hot water.
- Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely.
- For frosting: Beat butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth, adding more cream if needed for desired consistency.4 tablespoons butter,1 1/2 cups powdered sugar,2 tablespoons cocoa powder,2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk,1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract,Pinch of salt.
Notes
Pro Tip: The batter will be thin after you add the hot water, which creates the moist, tender texture. Don't add extra flour to thicken it up. It's the secret to keeping these easy chocolate cupcakes so moist.
Nutrition
Calories: 240.2kcalCarbohydrates: 54.1gProtein: 3.6gFat: 16.3gSaturated Fat: 6.7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.1gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 52.3mgSodium: 265.3mgPotassium: 127.1mgFiber: 2.2gSugar: 11.8gVitamin A: 294.7IUCalcium: 28.2mgIron: 1.4mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
