Fresh and Happy Post: Classic Chocolate Cupcake Recipe

There is just something about cupcakes that make a party special! For my daughter’s 7th birthday we were planning a big carnival party and needed something simple & easy. We were serving about 80 people, so cutting cake slices for that size of crowd was out.

I have always had a thing for my mom’s traditional chocolate cupcake recipe. She has used this recipe ever since I can remember. They are so easy to whip up, and taste great! I spent some time perfecting the recipe to suit my tastes by amping up the richness of the chocolate flavor and adding a hint of espresso. They are so good, and pretty much the easiest cupcakes ever!

What you’ll need for the chocolate cupcake

1/2 cup butter (softened)
2 large eggs
6 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 cup milk
1 1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon instant espresso
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup hot water
2 teaspoons baking soda

Makes 24 cupcakes

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a cupcake pan with your choice of decorative cupcake liners. In a small mixing bowl, mix together the hot water and baking soda and set aside. In another mixing bowl mix together all the other ingredients. Mix the batter together until it’s smooth. Once smooth, mix in the hot water and baking soda mixture. Next, fill each baking cup about 2/3 full of batter. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove the cupcakes and allow them to cool before frosting them.

What you’ll need for the buttercream frosting

1 1/2 pounds butter (softened)

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract (or lemon)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk (add more to thin out frosting)

8-10 cups confectioners sugar (add more to thicken frosting)

Will frost 24 cupcakes

Using an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, whip together the butter, vanilla, almond (or lemon) extract, and salt until the frosting becomes light and fluffy. Add 6 cups of the confectioners sugar and mix well. Add the milk and mix well. Use the extra confectioners sugar to obtain the consistency you desire. Place the frosting into a piping bag and frosting the cupcakes with the frosting tip of your choice. Enjoy!

I am also sharing a FREE Carnival Party Invitation Printable & a FREE Carnival Party Cupcake Flag Printable on my blog today! Be sure to swing by and check it out. They are hand doodled and watercolored. We just loved how they turned out and couldn’t keep them all to ourselves!

Thanks for partying with me today friends! Be sure to check out my blog, Fresh & Happy for more party fun and fresh recipes!