Small Batch Chocolate Cupcakes

A small batch of 6 chocolate cupcakes, made in one bowl, and topped with vanilla buttercream frosting.

My husband and I just celebrated our 10 year anniversary. TEN years! That makes me feel old – like a real grown-up. When the heck did that happen?!  I will say though, I’m so happy to be at the stage of life that we’re in. Even though we are going non-stop with the demands of our two young children, I know that these are the days I’m going to look back at fondly in years to come.

On our anniversary, we spent the day as a family. We made plans to go out for dinner, and I wanted to have a little something sweet to finish the day with. Since it was just the four of us (one of which doesn’t yet eat solid food), I didn’t want to make anything too big or labor intensive. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to make these small batch chocolate cupcakes.

Small Batch Cupcakes

This is a super simple cupcake recipe made in only one bowl. The cupcakes are moist and light with a mild chocolate flavor. I topped them with a vanilla buttercream frosting because I love the combo of chocolate and vanilla together. And since I was making these for a special occasion, I took the extra step of making chocolate hearts to top the cupcakes with. Feel free to skip the chocolate hearts, or make another design of your choosing.

To make chocolate shapes: Melt chocolate chips (I used 1/2 cup)  in a microwave or double boiler. Let cool for 5 minutes, then transfer into a plastic bag. Snip off a small corner of the plastic bag and squeeze the melted chocolate into desired patterns on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator for the chocolate to firm up.

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Small Batch Chocolate Cupcakes

A small batch of 6 chocolate cupcakes, made in  one bowl, and topped with vanilla buttercream frosting.

Course Dessert

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 6 cupcakes

Calories 280 kcal

Author Allison - Celebrating Sweets

Ingredients

Cupcake:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• heaping 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• pinch salt
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup hot coffee see note

Vanilla frosting:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar sifted
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons milk, half and half, or cream

Instructions

For the cupcakes:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 6 muffin cups or place 6 liners in a muffin pan. Set aside.
2. With a stand mixer or hand mixer, combine sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add egg, milk, oil, and vanilla extract and beat for 2 minutes. Add hot coffee or hot water, and beat until just combined. Batter will be thin.
3. Divide evenly between 6 prepared muffin cups. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, until the tops spring back when you touch them, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the frosting:

1. Beat butter and powdered sugar for several minutes, until smooth. Add vanilla extract and milk, and beat for several more minutes, until light and fluffy. If the frosting seems a little too thick, beat in a splash of milk. If it seems too thin, add another tablespoon of powdered sugar.
2. Frost the cooled cupcakes using a decorating tip or a butter knife. Garnish with sprinkles, if desired.

Recipe Notes

The flavor of the coffee will not come through in the cupcakes. The coffee flavor will help intensify the chocolate flavor. If you'd rather not use coffee, you can substitute hot water.

Nutrition Facts

Small Batch Chocolate Cupcakes

Amount Per Serving

Calories 280

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Chocolate hearts inspired by Uproot from Oregon