Chocolate Cupcakes with Pink Buttercream Frosting (from Scratch!)

Sharing is caring!

Do you need a quick and simple chocolate cupcake recipe that’s great for any occasion?

Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, a birthday party, Christmas, or New Year’s – this chocolate cupcake recipe with pink buttercream frosting is perfect!

In this article, we will learn how to make chocolate cupcakes from scratch, along with the perfect buttercream frosting!

Cupcake Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• ⅓ cup + 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup cold brew coffee
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup buttermilk
• 1.5 tsp vanilla extract

Cupcake Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Add cupcake liners to a pan and set aside.

In a mixing bowl combine dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Mix to combine.

In a larger mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, oil, coffee, egg, buttermilk and vanilla.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix with a hand mixer for 1 minute or until the batter is fully combined and smooth.

Scoop 3 Tbsp of mixture into each cupcake liner. Bake for 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

Transfer to a rack and allow to come to room temperature before frosting.

Pink Buttercream Frosting Ingredients

• ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2.5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 TBSP heavy cream
• ⅛ tsp salt
• Red food coloring

How to Make Buttercream Frosting

To make the frosting, add butter to a large bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat on medium-high speed for 1 minute.

Reduce speed and slowly add in powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, and salt. Continue to mix until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Add in food coloring until the desired pink shade has been achieved. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag.

How to Make the Chocolate Hearts

Chocolate Heart Ingredients:

• ¼ cup red melting wafers
• ¼ cup white melting wafers

Chocolate Heart Directions:

1. Warm chocolates in the microwave in 30-second increments until fully melted.
2. Transfer to a piping bag with a very fine tip and pipe red and white hearts onto parchment paper. Allow the chocolate to set.

Once the cupcakes and chocolate hearts are cool, frost the cupcakes as desired. Place one or two candy hearts on top!

Icing Variations:

Buttercream frosting is a versatile frosting that can be flavored in many different ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Vanilla: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to your frosting for a classic flavor that pairs well with chocolate cupcakes.
• Chocolate: Mix in some cocoa powder or melted chocolate to make a rich, chocolatey frosting.
• Fruit: Add a few tablespoons of fruit puree or jam to your frosting for a fruity twist.
• Coffee: Dissolve a tablespoon of instant coffee in a teaspoon of hot water and mix it into your frosting for a delicious coffee flavor.
• Different food colorings: the frosting can be any color you choose to suit any occasion!

By experimenting with different flavors, you can create a unique and delicious buttercream frosting that will take your cupcakes to the next level.

Storing and Shelf Life

When it comes to storing your chocolate cupcakes with buttercream frosting, it’s important to keep a few things in mind to ensure they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here are some tips on how to properly store your cupcakes:

Refrigeration Tips

If you plan on storing your cupcakes for a few days, it’s best to keep them in the refrigerator. This will help to prevent the frosting from melting and the cupcakes from becoming stale. Here are some tips on how to refrigerate your cupcakes:

• Place your cupcakes in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• Store the container in the refrigerator on a flat surface to prevent the cupcakes from tipping over.
• Make sure to bring your cupcakes to room temperature before serving to ensure they are soft and moist.

Freezing and Thawing Procedures

If you want to store your cupcakes for a longer period, freezing is a great option. Here’s how to freeze and thaw your cupcakes:

• Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped cupcakes in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Label the container with the date and type of cupcake.
• Freeze the cupcakes for up to three months.

To thaw your cupcakes, simply remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. Alternatively, you can microwave them on a low setting for a few seconds to speed up the process.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your chocolate cupcakes with buttercream frosting stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the secret to making moist chocolate cupcakes?

The secret to making moist chocolate cupcakes is to not overbake them. Overbaking can dry out the cupcakes and make them tough. To ensure moist cupcakes, use a toothpick to check if they are done. Insert the toothpick into the center of the cupcake, and if it comes out clean, they are ready to be taken out of the oven.

How do you ensure your buttercream frosting is smooth and spreadable?

To ensure your buttercream frosting is smooth and spreadable, make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start making the frosting. Softened butter will mix more easily with the powdered sugar and other ingredients, resulting in a smoother texture. Additionally, sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the butter to avoid lumps in the frosting.

How much buttercream frosting is typically needed for a dozen cupcakes?

For a dozen cupcakes, you will typically need about 2 cups of buttercream frosting. This will give you enough frosting to generously frost each cupcake with a piping bag or spatula. However, the amount of frosting can vary depending on how much frosting you prefer on your cupcakes.