Simple Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream

Close-up of a chocolate cupcake with a swirl of vanilla buttercream frosting and sprinkles.

5 from 1 vote

Simple Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream

These homemade chocolate cupcakes with vanilla buttercream are soft, rich, and topped with a fluffy swirl of classic vanilla frosting. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you want a homemade chocolate dessert.

Prep Time20

Cook Time30

Total Time50

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: cupcakes

Ingredients

For the cupcakes:

3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 ¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
¾ cup hot water
1 ½ cups unsalted butter
2 ¼ cups sugar
4 eggs
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream

For the frosting:

2 cups unsalted butter at room temperature (4 sticks)
4 cups confectioners’ sugar sifted
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pans with paper liners.
To make the cupcakes, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk and set aside. In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and hot water until smooth.
Melt the butter with the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is completely melted. Remove from heat, and transfer the mixture to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium-low speed until the mixture is cooled, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Blend in the vanilla and then the cocoa mixture until smooth. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture in three additions alternating with sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients and mixing each addition just until incorporated.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared liners, filling each about ¾-full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 18 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through baking. Let cool in the pan about 5 to 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the frosting, in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed for about 5 minutes. Turn the mixer down to low speed and gradually add in the confectioners’ sugar until incorporated. Add in the vanilla and salt and mix until incorporated. Turn the mixer back up to medium-high speed and beat for an additional 4 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Pipe as desired onto each cupcake.

Notes

Use Dutch process cocoa for the best chocolate flavor.
Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cupcakes tender.
Unfrosted cupcakes freeze well for up to 2 months.

Recipe inspiration: The chocolate cupcake base is adapted from Martha Stewart’s Devil’s Food Cupcakes, and the vanilla buttercream is adapted from Cake Merchant’s Simple Vanilla Cupcakes frosting.

Want more details? Scroll up for step by step instructions, tips, and variations.

Nutrition