Home » Cakes » Easy Chocolate Cupcake Recipe
posted by Liz Berg
on April 5, 2020 (updated 4/1/23)
This Easy Chocolate Cupcake Recipe is absolutely scrumptious and a family favorite. Rich and simple, they bake up in no time!
Moist, delicious Blender Cupcakes with Fudgy Frosting utilize an unusual mixing technique with fabulous results!
Table of Contents hide
1 Why You’ll Love this Easy Chocolate Cupcake Recipe
2 How to Make
3 10 Tips for Making the Best Cupcakes
4 Frequently Asked Questions
5 You May Also Like:
6 Blender Cupcakes with Fudgy Frosting
Why You’ll Love this Easy Chocolate Cupcake Recipe
- The batter is made in the blender! This makes for quick cleanup and a pouring spout to easily distribute the batter into the cupcake tin.
- Just look at that fudgy frosting! That should be enough to persuade you to make these!
- Cupcakes come with built-in portion control. When I make cakes, I tend to go back for just one more sliver, and then another!!! One cupcake and I’m done!
Nothing thrills my family more than seeing empty cupcake tins sitting on the counter…the anticipation of fluffy frosting piled high on tender cakes, especially chocolate ones, brings smiles to my grown children’s faces (Nick has reminded me that he’s NOT a child anymore…thus my careful wording). Cupcakes trump brownies and even chocolate chip cookies. Why? Probably because I only make them a few times a year. The gang would be ecstatic with a fresh batch of cupcakes every single week.
How to Make
When I first spotted these frosted chocolate cupcakes, I was intrigued by the recipe for Abby Dodge’s Emergency Blender Cupcakes. They could not be simpler and the taste garnered rave reviews across the board.
With cupcakes, there are a couple of golden rules to help make the final results the best they can be. I’ll note the ones that are specific to this recipe, too!
- The dry ingredients are blended to mix, then the liquids (egg, oil, vanilla, and hot water) are added and mixed.
- For this recipe, one huge perk is that you can pour the batter using the blender’s spout! Super easy. But make sure to use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the blender a couple of times during the blending process. This will ensure there are no pockets of dry ingredients in the batter.
- Always cool your cupcakes completely before frosting. Warm cupcakes will melt the frosting.
- Also, note that the frosting needs to rest at room temperature or even chilled to get it to piping consistency. Feel free to use a knife and spread the cooled chocolate frosting onto the tops of the cupcakes instead of piping!
- PRO-Tip: To clean your blender, fill it 1/3 full of hot water and add a couple of drops of dish soap. Turn your blender on and let the blender do the washing for you!
10 Tips for Making the Best Cupcakes
- Use quality ingredients. Use brand-name butter, pure vanilla extract (never imitation), good cocoa powder, and large eggs. Store-brand butter, for example, generally has a slightly higher percentage of water. European butter is excellent, but a good brand like Land ‘o Lakes works well.
- Baking is a science so measure carefully. Scoop out a cup of flour, then use a knife or offset spatula to swipe the excess off the top. Use a liquid measuring cup to measure liquids. It’s much more accurate.
- Have your eggs at room temperature along with the butter unless it needs to be cold or melted. PRO-Tip: To speed up getting the chill off, you can place your eggs in a bowl of hot (not boiling) water for about 5 minutes.
- Do not overmix as this will activate the gluten and incorporate too much air into the batter. In this blender recipe, note that the directions state to mix until “well blended,” not any longer!
- PRO-Tip: Fill your tins about 2/3 full. This allows for consistent sizes which lets them bake evenly. You can also use an ice cream scoop to dish out equal amounts of batter.
- Preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer to make sure your oven isn’t running too hot or cold.
- PRO-Tip: Bake one tin at a time on the middle rack. This ensures air can circulate all around the tin and that the top or bottom is not too close to an element.
- To check if your cupcakes are done, there are two methods. One is with a toothpick. Insert in the center of a few of the cupcakes. When you pull the toothpick out, there should not be any batter on it. A few moist crumbs are OK, though. Alternatively, use the tip of your finger to tap the middle of the cupcake. It should bounce right back if the cupcakes are done. An indentation will remain if you need to bake them longer.
- Let your tin cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes, then remove the cupcakes from the tin and let them cool completely before frosting or storing. This prevents any residual heat from overbaking and drying out the cupcakes.
- Frost when cool, covering the whole top to seal in the cupcake’s moisture. Store in an airtight container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Blender Do a Good Job Mixing Cake Batter?
The blender perfect tool when you don’t own a mixer. But make sure not to over-blend as that will stimulate the gluten in the flour and make for a less tender cake. Also, you must monitor the area by the blades where dry ingredients may accumulate there.
Why is Corn Syrup Used in the Frosting?
Besides adding moisture and sweetness to the frosting, the corn syrup gives a glossy appearance.
You May Also Like:
- Creamy Chocolate Pudding from Saving Room for Dessert
- Easy Homemade Brownies
- Best Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Chocolate Crinkles
- Flourless Chocolate Cake with Ganache
- More Homemade Chocolate Recipes
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The Recipe:
Blender Cupcakes with Fudgy Frosting
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Yield12 cupcakes
Delicious chocolate cupcakes whipped up in a blender.
Ingredients
For cupcakes:
- 1 cup flour
- ½ unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup hot water
- ½ cup canola oil
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
For the frosting:
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 8 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°. Line 12 capacity muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Combine flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a blender. Cover with the lid and blend on medium till blended.
- Pour in the water, oil, egg, and vanilla. Cover with the lid and blend on medium-high speed till smooth and well blended, pausing to scrape down the sides once or twice.
- Pour into lined muffin cups, dividing evenly.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of one cupcake comes out clean, 17–19 minutes.
- Cool on a rack for about 10 minutes, and then remove cupcakes from pan to rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Melt chocolate and butter in the microwave, stirring occasionally till smooth. Add condensed milk, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt. Whisk until well blended.
- Set aside at room temperature, whisking frequently. Let cool and thicken before frosting cupcakes.
Notes
Adapted from Fine Cooking.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1 cupcake
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 362Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 212mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 0gSugar: 36gProtein: 4g
HOW MUCH DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?
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Cakes Chocolate Desserts
posted by Liz Berg on April 5, 2020
60 Comments // Leave a Comment »
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Ros @ ZenHealth — Reply
The piping is perfection! These cupcakes are exactly what I need right now. Stay safe.
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Roz | La Bella Vita Cucina — Reply
A perfect grab and go comfort treat! I hope you’re staying safe and healthy, Liz.
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Katherine | Love In My Oven — Reply
Sometimes you just need a chocolate cupcake, am I right!? These look fudgy and delicious!
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Eva Taylor — Reply
A blender? Now that is new to me; super easy and easy to clean up (JT would love that)! The piping looks perfect! Hope you’re safe and well.
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andrea@thekitchenlioness — Reply
Dear Liz, I love the ease of this recipe – sounds like a recipe I will definitely have to try and the frosting sounds very decadent too. Your cupcakes look so pretty, perfect presentation, fabulous dark chocolate color and a very pretty, swirly frosting!
Hope you are all keeping safe!
Andrea xo -
Ashley Presciutti — Reply
I want to eat a whole bowl of just that frosting! Delicious Cupcakes!
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Roz — Reply
Oh how much my husband and I would love these cupcakes, Liz! Your frosting alone is absolutely perfect! YUM!
xo
Roz -
Julie @White Lights on Wednesday — Reply
Only one vessel to clean up and super easy mix job, love it! Your cupcakes looks wonderful Liz. 🙂
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HUGS & COOKIES XOXO — Reply
OOOOH-THESE SOUND WONDERFUL LIZZY!!! <3
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Kim — Reply
Just made these this afternoon and THEY ARE AMAZING! So moist! I made mini cupcakes (not sure I’d do this again…but the kids love them).
I have frosting left over. Should I store it in the fridge or is it ok on the counter?
Thanks again for another winner!
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Cindy Harris — Reply
Looks like dessert tonight. My BBQ guests will love them. Thanks.
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Margaret — Reply
Love using the blender for things like this. So handy!! Kids would love these! well, so would I!
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Debbi Does Dinner Healthy — Reply
Great idea in the blender! These look awesome!
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Jennifer Eloff — Reply
That frosting sounds so naughty but so good!!
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Karen - Cinnamon Freud — Reply
Yum, these look good! That frosting looks so chocolatey- to die for.
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Ramona — Reply
I love finding new ways to make cupcakes… mixed in a blender… definite winner. 🙂
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CCU — Reply
That fudginess is killing me, so delicious 😀
Cheers
CCU -
Maureen | org*smic Chef — Reply
A recipe I can make in my thermomix! I love this frosting – it sounds fantastic.
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Hester @ Alchemy in the Kitchen — Reply
Blender cupcakes! How fantastically quick and easy! Love the super-glossy icing too. Heading for the blender right now and having cupcakes for breakfast.
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anne — Reply
Using blender to make these cupcakes sounds interesting ! They sure look yummy , Lizzy !
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Anne ~ Uni Homemaker — Reply
This looks insanely good! I love all things chocolate. Love the idea of using a blender to make these. Delicious Liz!
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Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking.com — Reply
Excuse me? Cupcakes in a blender? I better hide this post from my fiance or he’s going to start wondering where his chocolate cupcakes are this evening! What would my excuse be then? These look amazing! I am half tempted to try them out right now!
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Angie@Angie's Recipes — Reply
They are heavenly with fudge frosting and require no piping! Wonderful!
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Monet — Reply
What a fun and new technique. And I must agree…there is nothing like a cupcake to put a grin on my face. These look especially delicious!
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Hotly Spiced — Reply
My kids also get very animated when they walk in through the door and can either smell something baking or they see evidence in the kitchen that baking has taken place. What gorgeous icing you have on your cupcakes. It’s so glossy and smooth xx
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Kim — Reply
Oh boy! These are next!
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Deanna Segrave-Daly — Reply
Oh my goodness – the frosting on these is to die for! And I love the idea of having an “emergency” blender cupcake recipe on hand, too. Always love your posts and photos, Liz!
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Lisa {AuthenticSuburbanGourmet} — Reply
These look like PERFECT cup cakes and making them in the blender is simply unique. I bet they did not last long in your house. Hope your week is going well!
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Erin @ Making Memories — Reply
Liz, they look wonderful! I’ve never heard of making a batter in the blender before. How fun. And the glaze sounds amazing!
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Becky — Reply
Lizzy,
These cupcakes are amazing, especially with that glossy frosting. Who new you could make cupcakes in the blender? I’ll be making these soon. -
Annamaria @ Bakewell Junction — Reply
Lizzy,
The cupcakes look delicious! It’s hard to imagine that they are so quick to make.
BTW – I have a small sauce pan I use when I don’t want to set up the large deep fryer. Then I just fry stuff in small batches and it saves on oil too.
Annamaria -
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com — Reply
I have not had a cupcake in forever! Berry desserts have taken the priority lately, but after seeing your cupcakes, I want them now too!
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Sandra — Reply
That frosting is calling me and Gabbi would gobble these up in a heartbeat.
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Tammy — Reply
Oh Lizzy! Your cupcakes look marvelous! …Hahaha the bit about your son is hilarious…why how very grown up of him to not want to share some with friends 😉 Very sweet.
Toodles,
Tammy<3 -
Rosella — Reply
Oh wow – those look fabulous and what a simple and efficient recipe! I have tagged this – so often I need a quick cupcake recipe like this one. I had to smile at your son’s objection to being called a child – I’ve been accused of the very same thing.
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Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers — Reply
Wow! Great choice! Your cupcakes look out of this world!!
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Debra — Reply
I am so loving this recipe! Pinning it for sure and making it as soon as I am able! Great post for SRC.
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Abbe@This is How I Cook — Reply
These look great. And so nice that they are so simple to do! Thanks, Liz!
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Ash-foodfashionparty — Reply
This is such a perfect recipe for kids to bake. The cupcakes look so dangerously yummy.
I know what you mean, the moment the liners come out and it smells like baking, my boys hover around me like crazy. -
Juliana — Reply
Awesome recipe Liz, I would not believe if I have not seen these pictures…blender cupcakes…and the shiny frosting look and sound delicious, especially with condensed milk.
Thanks for the recipe and have a wonderful week ahead 😀 -
Pam — Reply
I can see why Nick was upset about his stash! Your cupcakes look delicious and I would hoard them! Thanks for the great recipe, Fine Cooking is the best!
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The Ninja Baker — Reply
These are fantastic, Liz! Love the one stop mixing and the glossy chocolate frosting which result in professional cupcakerie sweets =)
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Nik@ABrownTable — Reply
How fun and easy! The icing looks fantastic.
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Beth — Reply
These cupcakes do sound perfect. I don’t make cupcakes often either, so when I do, they’d better be great! I think you’ve hit the mark with these.
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The Café Sucre Farine — Reply
I’m finding with a growing family that quick and easy recipes are becoming more and more of a necessity! These look and sound great Lizzy!
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Karen (Back Road Journal) — Reply
How simple but they sound irresistible. I’d have to hide them from myself. 🙂
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Emily @ Life on Food — Reply
That frosting looks divine! I cannot wait to try it. Great pick!
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Jasline @ Foodie Baker — Reply
Blender cupcakes sound so wonderfully delicious and easy! Wish I can have one right now, do you still have leftovers?? 😉
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kitchen flavours — Reply
These cupcakes are awesome, made them before and really love the frosting! Yum!
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Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com — Reply
Wow! These cupcakes look heavenly! No Fair – your pictures are making my mouth water!
🙂 Thanks for sharing! -
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) — Reply
I can’t believe how easy these are and how AMAZING they look! OMG that frosting??! YES
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Jamie — Reply
I am so excited that you got me this month! What a wonderful pick – I think I made these 3 times in a pinch since posting the recipe!
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Heather — Reply
That’s awesome, I am so trying these cupcakes as they are dairy-free too. Minus the frosting but I have a df frosting recipe I can easily use on them. Looks like an easy cleanup too 🙂
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gloria — Reply
Look amazing Lizzy!xx
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steph@stephsbitebybite — Reply
BLENDER cupcakes. Oh Liz, you’re gonna get me hooked on something here! Love this!
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Sarah | The Sugar Hit — Reply
This frosting? Looks insane. I want to dive into a vat of it, and eat my way out.
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movita beaucoup — Reply
Love these! I wonder if using the blender would throw 2.0 off? Maybe prevent him from pestering me for treats? Hovering, hovering, hovering…
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Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes — Reply
A blender batter, what can possibly trump that? I hardly ever make cupcakes but when I do they’re usually chocolate. I’m more of a cake person. The slick frosting is very interesting, anything with condended milk has my attention! Gorgeous Liz! (ps: I would love a slice of the olive oil grape cake…jaja)
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Happier Than A Pig in Mud — Reply
A fun technique that as you say, couldn’t be easier! They look great:@)
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Laura (Tutti Dolci) — Reply
I adore that glossy fudge frosting, and how did I not know cupcakes could be made in a blender?! That knowledge could be dangerous ;).
