Description
Prepare yourself for the most intensely chocolatey experience with these absolutely divine Ultimate Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes that are pure chocolate heaven in every bite! These rich, moist cupcakes feature a deep chocolate base made with Dutch-processed cocoa and are topped with the most luxurious fudgy ganache frosting that melts on your tongue. The secret is in the perfect balance of ingredients and the incredible ganache that’s made with real chocolate and cream for that bakery-quality finish. Perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or anytime you need a serious chocolate fix. One bite and you’ll understand why these are the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream!
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup hot water
- ½ cup sunflower or canola oil (or other neutral oil)
- ¼ cup milk (regular or dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Fudgy Ganache Frosting:
- 1½ cups heavy cream (or full-fat coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 12 oz milk, semisweet, or dark chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
- ½–1½ tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Create Your Luxurious Ganache First: Chop chocolate and place in a heatproof bowl. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour over chopped chocolate and stir until completely melted and smooth. Add honey to taste, then refrigerate until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Prep Your Baking Station: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with 12 paper liners. This ensures even baking and easy removal.
- Build Your Dry Foundation: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until perfectly combined. The Dutch-processed cocoa is key for that intense chocolate flavor!
- Create the Perfect Batter: Add egg, vanilla extract, oil, milk, and hot water to the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is completely smooth—the hot water helps bloom the cocoa for maximum chocolate impact.
- Fill and Bake to Perfection: Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake for 11-15 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Don’t overbake!
- Cool Like a Pro: Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents soggy bottoms and ensures the ganache won’t melt when applied.
- Finish with Fudgy Glory: Once cupcakes are completely cool, beat the chilled ganache with a hand mixer until light and spreadable. Pipe or spread generously over each cupcake for that bakery-perfect finish.
- Let Magic Happen: Allow the ganache to firm up before serving for the ultimate texture. Then watch as these incredible cupcakes disappear before your eyes!
Notes
The secret to these incredible cupcakes is using Dutch-processed cocoa powder, which gives them that deep, intense chocolate flavor. For the best results, measure your flour and cocoa using the scoop-and-level method or, even better, use a kitchen scale for precision. The ganache can be made ahead and stored in the fridge—just bring to room temperature and whip before using. These cupcakes store beautifully for up to 5 days in an airtight container and can be frozen for up to 3 months. For extra indulgence, try using dark chocolate in the ganache!
- Prep Time: 50 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 381
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 119mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: chocolate fudge cupcakes, ganache frosting, double chocolate cupcakes, rich chocolate dessert