Small Batch Chocolate Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcake topped with white frosting and chocolate shavings.

This is the perfect recipe for a small batch of 6 soft and fluffy chocolate cupcakes. The cupcakes are quick and easy (made in one bowl) and topped with vanilla buttercream frosting.

Course Dessert

Cuisine Dessert

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 35

Servings cupcakes

Calories 557kcal

Author Allison - Celebrating Sweets

Ingredients

Cupcakes:

½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup all purpose flour
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ cup hot coffee see note

Vanilla frosting:

½ cup unsalted butter softened
3 cups powdered sugar sifted if lumpy
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk, half and half, or cream plus more, if needed

Instructions

Cupcakes:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 6 muffin cups or place 6 liners in a muffin pan. Set aside.
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 until well combined, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as necessary. Add hot coffee and beat until just combined. Batter will be thin.
Divide evenly between 6 prepared muffin cups. Bake for 15-18 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.

Frosting:

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.
Frost the cooled cupcakes using a decorating tip or a butter knife. Garnish with sprinkles or chocolate shavings, if desired.

Video

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.

Recipe updated February 2023: I increased the oil by one tablespoon (to make the cupcakes more moist) and I doubled the frosting portion of the recipe so that the cupcakes can be frosted more generously.

Nutrition