Ok, so these cupcakes aren’t fancy, or ingenious or a new invention.
BUT they are yummy.
Isn’t that why we are all here?
They are simple and yummy and necessary.
Necessary because you should be able to whip up a delicious chocolate cupcake whenever you get the urge.
A cupcake that is rich, chocolatey, indulgent, delicious….and easy.
You should definitely have a good chocolate cake/frosting recipe in your life.
This is mine.
Also…since I did my buttercream frosting post a while back I got some requests on how to pipe a swirl on a cupcake.
I am not an expert decorator, but I can pipe an adequate swirl.
Let’s begin.
Make your yummy fudgy frosting…
I use disposable piping bags.
Please keep your judgement on my disposable bag use to yourself. I’m wasteful. I get it.
I also use my Wilton 1M tip for a swirl most often. You need this tip. They’re cheap, so buy two.
Snip off the end of the disposable bag…about an inch.
Slide your tip into the end of the bag tightly…
Now fill your bag with the frosting.
I put my bag into a cup and fold over the edges to help me fill it easier…
Only fill it about 1/2 – 3/4 full. Too much and it will ooze out the top. Trust me, it’s happened to me.
Twist the top of the bag a little bit and squeeze the frosting into the tip.
Now, start with a your naked chocolate cupcake…
I most often do a “regular swirl” and an “inside-out swirl”. Those are not the official names…it’s just what I call them.
Here’s how I do a “regular swirl”.
Start from the outside of the cupcake and work in a circle.
Here’s your finished swirl…
Now an “inside out swirl”…some people call it a rose swirl…tomato-toMAHto
Start from the inside out.
Here’s how it will look…
I love them both!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa Powder (you can also use regular cocoa powder)
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make
- Preheat oven to 350
- Line muffin pan with cupcake liners
- In your stand mixer sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and baking powder together. Add in the sugar and salt.
- With your mixer on low speed add eggs, one at a time and then the vanilla, water, vegetable oil and buttermilk.
- Mix on medium for 2 minutes until combined.
- Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 20 minutes until set.
- Remove from pan immediately and cool on wire rack.
Notes
Makes approx 36 cupcakes I prefer the Dark Chocolate cocoa powder, as it gives a deeper chocolate flavor, but you could certainly use regular or Dutch processed cocoa powder.
Adapted from Martha Stewart
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 2/3 cup boiling water
- 1 cup Hershey's Special Dark cocoa powder, sifted *you can use regular cocoa powder if you prefer
- 8 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
How to Make
- In a mixer combine all ingredients and over low speed for 30 seconds.
- Increase speed to medium and beat for 1 minute until smooth.
- Let frosting cool for 15-20 minutes before you frost cake or cupcakes.
Notes
I prefer the dark cocoa powder, as it gives a deeper chocolate flavor, but you can certainly use regular or Dutch Processed cocoa powder.
Hi! I’m Shelly and I’m an addict. Of the buttercream sort. I started this site a few years ago as a way to justify my sugary, buttery obsession with desserts. It has worked out well for me so far, because as it turns out you guys all love sugary, buttery desserts too! It feels good to know you are not alone, doesn’t it? 
Yep, these look really yummy!
Maria recently posted..Raspberry Hugs Chocolate Cookies
YUM. There are no other words to describe….
Those do look “really yummy”… and now I want chocolate cake. Thanks.
Lauren at Keep It Sweet recently posted..Revisiting a Favorite
Love the cup/piping bag trick! Why hasn’t that idea popped in my life earlier! Life will be so much easier
Thanks!
I adore my Wilton 1M tip. It does make very pretty cupcakes with relatively little effort. And these look like the perfect chocolate cupcakes.
Cookin’ Canuck recently posted..Healthy Lasagne Recipe with Turkey, Pesto & Peppers
It doesn’t matter how good something looks, its gotta taste good or there’s no point, you’re right! These sound delicious.
Sarah recently posted..How to Make a Castle Cake Tutorial – Part 1
So pretty and they look delish!
Emily ~SoDomesticated~ recently posted..Brown Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream… and A Giveaway!!!
Oh my. I need these today. NEED!
Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch recently posted..Pinterest Rule of Thirds {Mingle Monday}
OK…who knew that rose swirl was so easy?!?
And, um…can I borrow this statement for my blog…
“Please keep your judgement on my disposable bag use to yourself. I’m wasteful. I get it.”
Haha! Love it!
bridget {bake at 350} recently posted..True Love
Such lovely cupcakes! Simple deliciousness is HEAVEN!
Wonderful tutorial on frosting cupcakes…many thanks!
avril recently posted..Buttermilk Berry Muffins
I love that recipe from Martha! Such good cupcakes!!
Jessica recently posted..Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas
oh yum, they look really rich!
Sue @ Cakeballs, cookies and more recently posted..Cinnamon Roll Waffles
These look absolutely delicious! I love the inside out swirl.
YUM! These look amazing. Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting is my absolute favorite. And I totally use the disposable plastic piping bags too. They’re just so convenient!
Tara Lynn recently posted..First Trip to a Bookstore
Oh yum!!!! A yummy and simple chocolate cupcake is best!!!!
Jocelyn recently posted..Carrot Cake Donuts
Thanks for the tutorial. I’ve always wondered
Avanika {Yumsilicious Bakes} recently posted..Flourless Chocolate Cake
Lol waste away! My Nanny had us washing ziplock bags for years! I’m scarred for life, lol! These are perfect!
GORGEOUS!
These sound so yummy!
These look super yummy! I have a certain adorable almost 10yo that LOVES chocolate frosting and cake…. I might have to make these for him!
and commentluv must not like my blogger blog because it never links to my most recent post
Hrrmmpph! (no biggie, LOL)
I want to nosedive into that chocolate frosting!
Heather (Heather’s Dish) recently posted..Blood Orange Salmon en Papillotte
I am so dumb, never thought to put that darn bag in a glass to fill! thanks for tip.
I have those same cups!!
Those look so yummy! And you make frosting really easy!
Chocolate makes the world a better place. So going to try that fudge frosting!
http://wp.me/p1W7eo-5K
Bronya recently posted..Luuuuuuv Biscuits
Everyone needs a recipe like this in their lives….that frosting looks crazy insane good!!!!
Yum! Pretty much nothing beats this classic combo!
Glory/ Glorious Treats recently posted..Chocolate Chip Cookie Pops
They may not be fancy but all that matters is that they are delicious. They look absolutely incredible. Great job on the decoration.
Eliana recently posted..Buttermilk Doughnuts with Raspberry Coulis
This post was right on time. I can’t wait to make these.
These look amazing and certainly very chocolatey – just the way I like them
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
there is never anything boring about a little chocolate on chocolate action, especially pretty chocolate on chocolate action!
Putting the frosting bag in a cup = genius! Thanks for the super-smart tip!
I really love that first photo! And the title. I don’t know what it is about it. I guess it just makes me happy when other people use the word yummy.
Your swirling looks perfect! I’m keeping this for reference for when I make cupcakes next. Thanks for the tutorial.
Erin @ Texanerin Baking recently posted..100% Whole Grain Orange Blueberry Scones (vegan)
the cupcakes look amazing and about a year ago I did a food styling and food photography class with Matt Armendariz of Matt Bites and his partner Adam and our job was to create swirls in frosting/whipped cream WITHOUT cake decorating tips, just a spoon. It was such a fun day.
Thanks for this step-by-step post!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga recently posted..Creamy
Man. Those look seriously YUM!
heather recently posted..Chocolate Amaretto Crêpe Cake
I am always so happy to pin your creations but this will be my all-time favorite. Chocolate-chocolate cupcakes. Just the way I like them.
Tabitha (a.k.a. Penny) recently posted..Fabulous Valentine’s Day Ideas {Linky Party}
Sometimes all you need is a classic chocolate cake recipe. Topping it with a fudgy frosting? Oh, yes, please!!!
But I would prob microwave this before I ate it. Warm and gooey-melty.
JenMarie recently posted..Movie Review and Brick Walls
I love the conversational tone you write with. It’s so enjoyable to read and easy to follow along. Thanks!
Maria recently posted..Disney Body Pillows (Morena Blvd Costco)
Classic chocolate cupcakes…yes please
leslie recently posted..10 Super Bowl Foods
But…if the frosting oozes out of the top then I get to eat it. Right? That seems like a plus to me. Major plus.
I use disposable bags also. It’s the only way to go.
Major chocolate cravings going on right now. It’s about to be TTOTM and you are NOT helping.
Joanne recently posted..Recipe: Quinoa Chowder with Sweet Potatoes, Spinach, Feta, and Scallions
Wow…those look chocolatey….Um YUM!!!
I love how dark your chocolate fudge frosting came out, it looks awesome!!! I guess that’s from the dark cocoa powder
Excellent “swirls” btw…they look wonderful!!
Mighty Morgan recently posted..It’s Give Away Time…
Looks so yummy:) Oh, and I use disposable bags too. The other take too much time to clean;)
I think the only decorating I know how to do is the swirl! I’m all for a great chocolate cupcake, and these look perfect!
Deborah recently posted..Red Velvet Week – Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies
so dark and fantastic!!
I love cupcakes, & I love them even more when they are filled with chocolate.
These cakes look delicious.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe.
-Jessica
Jessica Love recently posted..how to get a girlfriend
That looks tooo yummy!!! I want
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com recently posted..Roasted Beet Salad
I REALLY love the “inside out swirl”!!
Karen @ Sugartown Sweets recently posted..Hearts In Bloom Brownie Bites!
I think I like the rose swirl from the top view & the regular swirl from the side view.
Recently started following you & love your blog!
And I like all your posts & photos from all the views
Cheesy? I know
Nisha recently posted..Rabdi: No-Condensed Milk No-Microwave Version – Rabri, Indian Sweet
I made these today and let me tell you they were amazing! My entire house is wired from all the chocolate frosting! Love them!
Man, that frosting looks GOOD!!!!
I’m just drooling just looking at that beautiful cupcake.
These look amazing. I love that Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Cocoa powder!
Jodie recently posted..Mini Pop-Tarts
Made the Chocolate Cupcakes and I will never use another recipe, these are the BEST EVER. Thank You.
I made these cupcakes and they were wonderful. Everyone loved them. They are my new go to recipe for chocolate cupcakes. I did have to reduce the amount of water in the frosting a little in order to get a piping consistency. Thank you so much for sharing!
I just made the frosting and I want to just eat it by the spoonful. So yummy! And so easy! And so yummy! Did I mention it’s yummy?
How come these things look so gorgeous…. does it taste that delicious too..
Samuel recently posted..Component Video Cable: Choosing the Right Component Video Cable for Your Needs
I really am impressed seeing this… I wish I could taste this right now…
Jenifer Aniston recently posted..Basic Techniques on Reducing Temp Car Insurance Bill
Wow Nice little addition to the cupcakes…. I am impressed…. I would try it out….
Thnaks
Jessica Allintone recently posted..Sell PSP to Get Cash
its so nice amazing