I especially love these rich, moist chocolate cupcakes for their ability to pull off that magic trick of working beautifully for everything from kids’ birthday parties and dinner parties to when you’re just having one of those days when you really need chocolate.
Not counting, I really have lost count of how many batches I have made, because some friend had one of those bad days or, more likely, because I needed that mid-week pick-me-up. There’s just something about that rich, deep, chocolate flavor-wrapped-around-you cupcake that’s quite like getting a hug in a mug. And then there is the frosting: creamy chocolate buttercream, sweet cloud atop each scrumptious cupcake.
These cupcakes bake, showing one great avenue to invest quality time with my family. Well, my kids joined in the wonderful mess; making our kitchen a chocolate-smearing playground every Sunday afternoon was just priceless. Pure joy in their faces, making them savor the batter from a spoon-who can resist?-and helping swirl the frosting. It really reminds me of my childhood, standing beside my mom while she was baking something.
The cupcakes are more about recipes, binding heritage, families, and friends through happenings and sweet courses. Be you a master baker or a novice, I hope these cupcakes bring the same joy into your life as they have brought into mine for so many years.

A Childhood Memory Baked Into Every Batch
There’s just something extra special about a homemade chocolate cupcake. It is one of those simple pleasures that instantly lifts your day. Always have been a firm believer-the smell of chocolate baking in the oven can cure just about anything.
I remember my first-ever batch of homemade chocolate cupcakes when I, for the first time, asked Mom at 12 if I could bake by myself. I saw her bake cakes, cookies, and cupcakes a gazillion times, and I just wanted a chance to prove I was just as good. It is one of those days that is still fresh in my mind-mostly because, along the way, I somehow managed to get flour and chocolate all over me! The cupcakes came out a little lopsided, but the flavors were just rich and moist, with just that perfect touch of sweetness to immediately win my family over.
Since then, I’ve tweaked and perfected the recipe over the years, turning it into a foolproof go-to whenever I’m in need of some chocolate comfort. Now, these cupcakes have become my signature dessert. Friends and family request them for birthdays, potlucks, and even just casual get-togethers. There’s something so comforting about sharing homemade treats, and these cupcakes always bring smiles.
But let me elaborate on this recipe that’s been warming my home with chocolatey goodness since the beginning of time.
Serving Information
- Servings: 12 cupcakes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: 380 per cupcake (including frosting)

Emma’s Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your egg and milk are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter and consistent baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense cupcakes, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Frosting Consistency: If the buttercream is too thick, add an extra tablespoon of cream. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar until it reaches the perfect consistency for piping.

Serving Suggestions
- Add a Little Sparkle: For a festive touch, sprinkle edible gold dust or glitter on the frosting. This elevates them for special occasions like birthdays or holidays.
- Serve with Ice Cream: These cupcakes pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream on the side.
- Garnish Ideas: Top with chocolate curls, mini chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel for an added layer of indulgence.

Dear Reader
There you have it-a surefire recipe for moist, indulgent chocolate cupcakes that will no doubt make you the belle of the ball. Be it a special occasion or just to treat yourself with a touch of sweetness, these cupcakes never disappoint. Each morsel brings a rich reminder of the pleasure homemade desserts bring, and such cupcakes are an ideal way to create such moments-remembered and cherished for years with family and friends.
Now I want you to go ahead and play with combinations-perhaps changing up the fillings or adding new toppings-to make these cupcakes totally your own. If you do, I would surely love to hear from you. Please share your experiences in comments below or tag me in a photo of your perfectly frosted cupcake on social media. And let us spread a little more joy, one cupcake at a time!
How to Make Moist Homemade Chocolate Cupcakes
Course: Cake Ideas12
servings20
minutes20
minutes380
kcalIngredients
For the Cupcakes:
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
6 tablespoons (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, room temperature
1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups (440g) powdered sugar, sifted
1/2 cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Steps
For the Cupcakes:- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, warm water, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Create the Batter: Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Fill the Cupcake Liners: Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter.
- Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
- Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy and smooth (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed.
- Add Cream and Vanilla: Pour in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high speed for 3-4 minutes, until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a piping bag fitted with a large star tip to swirl the frosting generously on top of each cupcake. Optionally, add chocolate shavings or sprinkles for an extra decorative touch!

Can I make this in a 9×23 pan? If so how long to bake? Thank you GiGi
Hi Gigi, yes, you can make this recipe in a 9×23 cm pan (that’s roughly 3.5 x 9 inches). It will bake more like a loaf cake, so I’d recommend starting with about 30–35 minutes at 350°F (177°C). Keep an eye on it around the 30-minute mark and test with a toothpick. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Hope it turns out beautifully for you 😊