Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes are rich, moist, and deeply chocolate treats topped with smooth, creamy fudge frosting.
I made these cupcakes because I was inspired after watching a baking show where a chef created them from scratch.
The texture looked soft and the glossy fudge topping caught my attention. I felt the urge to try them myself, recreate that indulgent look and taste at home.
I gathered all the ingredients and followed each step carefully, making sure every detail was just right. Now I want to show how I made these Cupcakes, step by step, so others can enjoy them too.
About This Recipe
This Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes is all about making soft, deeply chocolatey cupcakes with a rich fudge-style frosting that sets slightly on top but stays smooth and creamy inside.
The combination of brown and white sugar gives the cupcakes a moist crumb and a hint of caramel flavour. Using hot coffee brings out the full depth of the cocoa, while the buttermilk adds a gentle tang that balances the sweetness.
The frosting is made on the stove top for a velvety texture that spreads easily. These cupcakes are homemade from scratch, easy to follow, and made for anyone who loves a dense, indulgent chocolate treat.
How To Prepare Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes?
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Mixing bowls (at least 2)
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Muffin tin with cupcake liners
- Saucepan (for frosting)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup buttermilk, room temperature
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ cup hot coffee or hot water (to enhance chocolate flavor)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Fudge Frosting:
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- Pinch of salt
How To Make Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes?
1. Get the oven ready and prep your pan:
Turn your oven on to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners so the cupcakes don’t stick.
2. Mix the dry stuff:
In a big bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for now.
3. Blend the sugars and wet ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk melted butter with the granulated and brown sugars until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Then stir in the vanilla.
4. Combine everything:
Add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mix, alternating between them. Start and finish with the dry mix. Pour in the hot coffee or hot water and stir just until everything comes together don’t overdo it.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips:
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips gently so they’re spread throughout the batter.
6. Bake the cupcakes:
Spoon the batter evenly into the lined cups. Bake for about 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the fudge frosting:
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in cocoa powder, heavy cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Take the pan off the heat and slowly whisk in sifted powdered sugar until smooth and easy to spread. If it feels too thick, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen it.
8. Frost and enjoy:
When the cupcakes are totally cool, spread or pipe the fudge frosting on top. Then dig in and enjoy!
Special Notes
For an extra burst of flavour, try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter. It enhances the chocolate richness without making the cupcakes taste like coffee.
You can swap buttermilk with regular milk plus a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute. Feel free to add chocolate chips inside the batter for an even fudge surprise.
Nutrition Facts Of Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Sugars | 28g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Why My Recipe Works
My Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes works because it balances rich chocolate flavour with the right texture moist, tender cupcakes with a fudge finish. Using ingredients like hot coffee enhances the chocolate without overpowering the taste.
Room temperature eggs and buttermilk help create a smooth batter, while careful mixing prevents toughness. The fudge frosting adds creamy sweetness that complements the cake perfectly.
Every step is designed to bring out the best in the ingredients, resulting in cupcakes that are easy to bake and delicious to eat. This thoughtful combination makes the Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes reliable and satisfying every time.
How To Serve And Decorate?
To serve, make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before applying the fudge frosting to prevent melting. Use a spatula or a piping bag to spread or pipe the frosting onto each cupcake.
For decoration, sprinkle some chocolate chips, cocoa powder, or finely chopped nuts on top. You can also add a few chocolate shavings or a small piece of chocolate candy for an extra touch.
These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee. Serve them on a pretty platter or cupcake stand to make them look even more inviting for guests or family.
Pro Expert Tips For Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes
Choose Dutch processed cocoa powder to give the cupcakes a deeper, smoother chocolate taste.
Let your eggs and buttermilk sit out for a bit before baking to help the batter blend more evenly.
Substitute hot brewed coffee for water to boost the chocolate flavour without overpowering it.
Mix the batter gently and only until everything is combined to avoid dense cupcakes.
Cool the cupcakes completely before applying frosting so it doesn’t melt or slide off.
Try adding a small amount of instant espresso powder to the batter for an extra chocolate kick.
Health Benefits Of Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes
While these Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes are a treat, they do offer a few benefits. Cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants, which can support heart health and improve mood.
Using dark or semi sweet chocolate chips provides some minerals like iron and magnesium. The buttermilk adds calcium and protein, contributing to bone strength.
Brown sugar contains small amounts of minerals compared to white sugar. However, these benefits are modest since the Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes are high in sugar and fat, so they’re best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Treating yourself occasionally can also support mental well being by satisfying sweet cravings.
Additions And substitutions
Here are some additions and substitutions you can try with this Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes:
Additions:
- Stir in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Mix in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to boost chocolate intensity.
- Fold in dried cherries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
- Add a swirl of peanut butter or caramel sauce before baking for a surprise center.
Substitutions:
- Replace buttermilk with plain yogurt or milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice.
- Use dairy free butter and plant-based milk to make it vegan-friendly.
- Swap semi sweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference.
- For a gluten free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Best Variations Of Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes
To keep things exciting, I love experimenting with these tasty twists:
1. Salted Caramel Fudge Cupcakes: Add a swirl of caramel sauce inside the batter and drizzle caramel over the fudge frosting. The salty sweet combo is irresistible.
2. Mocha Fudge Cupcakes: Incorporate a teaspoon of instant espresso powder into both the batter and frosting for a bold coffee chocolate flavour.
3. Peanut Butter Fudge Cupcakes: Top the cupcakes with a peanut butter fudge frosting or add a dollop of peanut butter in the center before baking for a creamy surprise.
4. Mint Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes: Mix a few drops of peppermint extract into the frosting and garnish with crushed peppermint candies.
5. Berry Fudge Cupcakes: Fold fresh or freeze dried berries into the batter and add a berry compote on top for a fruity balance.
How to Store Leftovers?
To store leftover Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes, first make sure they are completely cooled and the frosting is set. Place them in an airtight container to keep them moist and fresh.
Store at room temperature if you plan to eat them within 1-2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but bring them to room temperature before serving to soften the frosting.
You can also freeze unfrosted cupcakes or frosted ones wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen cupcakes overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
FAQs About Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes
Can I make these cupcakes gluten free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.
How do I know when the cupcakes are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cupcakes are ready.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
You can mix the batter and refrigerate it overnight, but let it come to room temperature and give it a gentle stir before baking.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Use regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
How do I get the fudge frosting extra smooth?
Sift the cocoa powder and powdered sugar before mixing, and add the milk gradually to avoid lumps. Whisk thoroughly until creamy.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes turned out absolutely delicious, and I truly enjoyed every bite. The rich chocolate flavour, soft texture, and smooth fudge frosting made the whole experience so satisfying.
Making them was fun, and the result was worth every step. I’m sure you’ve followed along easily and now feel confident to make them yourself.
Once you do, you’ll see how rewarding and enjoyable it is to create these from scratch. So go ahead, bake a batch, and enjoy the same chocolatey delight I did.
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Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Turn your oven on to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners so the cupcakes don’t stick.
- In a big bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for now.
- In another bowl, whisk melted butter with the granulated and brown sugars until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Then stir in the vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mix, alternating between them. Start and finish with the dry mix. Pour in the hot coffee or hot water and stir just until everything comes together don’t overdo it.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips gently so they’re spread throughout the batter.
- Spoon the batter evenly into the lined cups. Bake for about 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in cocoa powder, heavy cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Take the pan off the heat and slowly whisk in sifted powdered sugar until smooth and easy to spread. If it feels too thick, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen it.
- When the cupcakes are totally cool, spread or pipe the fudge frosting on top. Then dig in and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350 | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Sugars: 28g | Protein: 4g | Fiber: 3g“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”