There’s something truly magical about sinking your teeth into a moist chocolate cupcake topped with luscious ganache. These little bites of heaven are rich, indulgent, and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a birthday, a party, or just a cozy evening at home. The best part? You can make these delicious chocolate cupcakes with ganache right in your kitchen. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a baking pro—this recipe is simple, straightforward, and guaranteed to wow anyone who tastes it.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Cupcakes
These chocolate cupcakes are more than just dessert; they’re an experience. Here’s why you’ll love them:
- Rich Flavor: The combination of cocoa and dark chocolate creates an intense, irresistible chocolate flavor.
- Moist and Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the buttermilk-like effect from the lemon juice, these cupcakes stay soft and tender.
- Elegant Finish: The glossy ganache frosting adds a touch of luxury, making these cupcakes look as good as they taste.
Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a gathering, these cupcakes will always hit the spot.
Ingredients for Chocolate Cupcakes with Ganache
Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering cupcakes:
For the Cupcakes
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 120g |
| Cocoa powder | 25g |
| Baking powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Baking soda | ¼ teaspoon |
| Sugar | 125g |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Vanilla powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Milk | 220ml |
| Vegetable oil | 50ml |
| Lemon juice | ½ teaspoon |
For the Ganache
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dark chocolate, chopped | 150g |
| Hot milk | 60g |
| Butter | ½ teaspoon |
How to Make Delicious Chocolate Cupcakes with Ganache
1. Prepare the Cupcake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the sugar and vanilla powder, then whisk everything to combine.
- In a separate bowl, mix the milk, vegetable oil, and lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the lemon juice to curdle the milk slightly, creating a buttermilk effect.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until the batter is smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cupcakes.
2. Bake the Cupcakes
- Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each one about two-thirds full.
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean, they’re ready.
- Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Ganache
- Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heat-resistant bowl.
- Heat the milk in a small saucepan until it is just about to boil. Pour the hot milk over the chocolate and let it sit for about a minute.
- Add the butter and stir the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
- Let the ganache cool for a few minutes until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
4. Frost the Cupcakes
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a spatula or a piping bag to spread or pipe the ganache onto the tops.
- For an elegant finish, swirl the ganache or add sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa powder.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Allow the ganache to set for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve these decadent cupcakes to your family and friends, and watch them disappear in seconds!
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cupcakes
- Use Quality Cocoa and Chocolate: High-quality cocoa powder and dark chocolate make a big difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Frosting warm cupcakes can cause the ganache to melt and lose its smooth finish.
- Customize Your Toppings: Add a personal touch by decorating with fresh berries, nuts, or edible glitter.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Cupcake |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 5mg |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
Creative Variations for Chocolate Cupcakes
- Salted Caramel Ganache: Add a pinch of sea salt and a drizzle of caramel sauce to the ganache for a sweet-salty twist.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl a teaspoon of peanut butter into the batter before baking for a rich, nutty flavor.
- Mint Chocolate: Add a drop of peppermint extract to the ganache for a refreshing kick.
- Fruit-Infused: Top each cupcake with a fresh strawberry or raspberry for a fruity finish.
FAQ: Chocolate Cupcakes with Ganache
1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the ganache?
Yes, but keep in mind that milk chocolate is sweeter and less intense, so the flavor will differ slightly.
2. How do I store these cupcakes?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, but bring them to room temperature before serving.
3. Can I make the ganache in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the ganache up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature and stir before using.
4. Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature and frost them with fresh ganache.
5. How can I make the cupcakes vegan?
Replace the milk with almond or oat milk, use dairy-free chocolate, and swap the butter with coconut oil for a vegan-friendly recipe.
6. What if I don’t have a piping bag?
You can use a plastic zip-top bag with a corner snipped off as a makeshift piping bag or simply spread the ganache with a spatula.
Conclusion: Bake Your Own Chocolate Masterpieces
Chocolate cupcakes with ganache are more than just a dessert—they’re a little piece of joy that you can make in your own kitchen. With their moist, chocolatey base and creamy, glossy ganache topping, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. Plus, they’re so easy to customize that you can truly make them your own.
Ready to create something delicious? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and start baking your way to chocolate perfection. These cupcakes are guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face!
Print
Delicious Chocolate Cupcakes with Ganache
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
Description
Rich, indulgent, and topped with a luscious ganache, these chocolate cupcakes are a must-try! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or satisfying a chocolate craving, this simple yet elegant recipe will leave everyone impressed. Perfectly moist and topped with silky ganache, they’re a chocolate lover’s dream.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 120g all-purpose flour
- 25g cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 125g sugar
- A pinch of salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla powder
- 220ml milk
- 50ml vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
For the Ganache:
- 150g dark chocolate, chopped
- 60g hot milk
- ½ teaspoon butter
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cupcake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the sugar and vanilla powder, then mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the milk, vegetable oil, and lemon juice. Stir and let it sit for a few minutes to curdle slightly, mimicking buttermilk.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a light texture.
2. Bake the Cupcakes
- Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
3. Make the Ganache
- Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat the milk in a saucepan until it is just about to boil. Pour the hot milk over the chocolate and let it sit for one minute.
- Add the butter and stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
4. Frost the Cupcakes
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a spatula or piping bag to frost each cupcake with the ganache.
- Add sprinkles, chocolate curls, or a dusting of cocoa powder for decoration if desired.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Allow the ganache to set slightly before serving.
- Enjoy these decadent chocolate cupcakes with family and friends—they’re sure to disappear quickly!
Notes
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
- If you don’t have vanilla powder, use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract instead.
- The cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to two days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
