Chocolate cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes

1 h
Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience with our easy chocolate cupcakes, topped with a velvety nut cream frosting. Ideal for any chocolate enthusiast looking to impress at gatherings or simply treat themselves, these cupcakes strike the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. Accompanied by a velvety frosting that blends the rich flavours of chocolate and hazelnuts, this recipe transforms a classic dessert into an extraordinary treat.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/chocolate-cupcakes/

Instructions

Nut cream frosting
  • Soak the gelatine leaf in cold water for at least 5 minutes.
  • Heat double cream and nut cream in a saucepan until completely melted. Add the softened gelatine leaf and stir until smooth
  • Pour into a bowl, cover with cling film, and allow to set in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
Chocolate cupcakes
  • Preheat the oven to 175°C (conventional oven).
  • Melt butter in a saucepan.
  • Mix flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder in a bowl.
  • In another bowl, use an electric mixer to whisk eggs and sugar until white and fluffy. Sift in the flour mixture a little at a time, simultaneously adding melted butter and milk.
  • Gently whisk to form a smooth batter. Distribute the batter into muffin cases and bake in the middle of the oven for about 20 minutes. Leave to cool.
  • Whip the nut cream frosting with an electric mixer for a few minutes until it becomes fluffy and quite firm.
  • Pipe onto the cupcakes using a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle.
  • Optionally, decorate with chocolate-dipped hazelnuts.
Enjoy!
Tip

You can make the frosting the day before, letting it set in the fridge overnight. When you are ready to decorate the cupcakes, whip the frosting until fluffy and firm. You can also make the cakes the day before, storing them in an airtight container at room temperature so both cakes and frosting are ready to assemble just before serving.

Tip

For evenly baked and identically looking cupcakes, use a measuring cup or an ice cream scoop to fill the muffin cases. Fill them about 2/3 to prevent overfilling. If your oven bakes unevenly, turn the baking tray or muffin tray halfway through baking. This should ensure the cupcakes rise evenly and bake uniformly.

Ingredients

Nut cream frosting
Leaf gelatine
1
Nuts cream or nut spread with chocolate
100 ml
Chocolate cupcakes
Butter
100 g
Wheat flour
100 ml
Cocoa powder
100 ml
Baking powder
1 tsp
Eggs
3
Sugar
200 ml
Milk
100 ml

Enjoy our easy chocolate cupcakes

Chocolate lovers will not be able to resist these moist chocolate cupcakes. With a few basic ingredients, they deliver a deep, indulgent chocolate flavour encased in a tender, moist crumb. Ideal for any occasion, these cupcakes become truly special when topped with our velvety nut cream frosting. The combination of the spongy cake base and the smooth, creamy frosting, maybe topped with a crunchy hazelnut dipped in dark chocolate, offers a perfect balance of textures and flavours, ensuring each bite is a memorable experience. Easy to bake and delightful to eat, they will make anyone with a sweet tooth happy.

Decorate with velvety nut cream frosting

The frosting is alpha and omega for this recipe, taking it from simple chocolate muffins to luxurious, rich, and irresistible small desserts. It is a special type of frosting, close to an Italian panna cotta with its ingredients, but fluffy and airy like a classic cream cheese frosting. It is made with nut cream or nut spread, yielding a delightful mixture of chocolate and hazelnut flavours, offering a taste that is both indulgent and comforting. The addition of double cream gives it a silky-smooth texture, while gelatine ensures it holds its shape. If you want to try other types of frosting, look at our recipes for Easter cupcakes with cream cheese frosting or cinnamon and apple muffins with brown butter frosting . And if you are in the mood for other chocolaty recipes, try this carrot chocolate cake with frosting or this delicious baked chocolate cheesecake.

A delightful combination of hazelnuts and chocolate

The luxurious topping transforms the muffins into a decadent delight, marrying the rich taste of chocolate with the nutty essence of hazelnuts. This pairing elevates the simple chocolate muffin to an indulgent treat, giving each bite a perfect balance of texture and taste. The velvety consistency of the frosting ensures that every cupcake is both beautifully piped and tastes amazing, promising an unforgettable dessert experience.

Experiment with flavours and toppings

For more chocolaty goodness, make chocolate chip cupcakes by adding a handful of dark chocolate chips or chunks in different sizes to the batter. This way, you get a kick of gooey chocolate in the moist cupcakes. Another classic addition is orange zest, giving you indulgent as well as fruity orange chocolate cupcakes. Chocolate and orange are a classic combination, and it goes perfectly with hazelnut from the frosting. For an added Easter flair, consider garnishing with mini chocolate eggs or use edible flowers for a cheerful spring touch. For birthdays or other festive occasions, you can decorate with sprinkles, chocolate gold pearls, or other colourful and stylish toppings. You can also garnish with fresh berries on top, adding small juicy bursts with every bite.