Chocolate Orange Cupcakes Recipe
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Rating: 5 stars (6 reviews)
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of rich chocolate and zesty orange with these Chocolate Orange Cupcakes, a recipe designed for sharing and perfect for any occasion. Each bite delivers a moist and flavorful experience, enhanced by a luscious chocolate frosting that is sure to impress both children and adults alike.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Hot water | 3 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 1¼ cups |
| Baking powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Orange zest | Zest of 1 orange |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup |
| Buttermilk | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, melted | ½ cup |
| Bittersweet chocolate, melted | 6 ounces |
| Unsalted butter, softened | ¼ cup |
| Confectioners’ sugar | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (per cupcake)
| Nutritional Value | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 367.9 kcal |
| Total Fat | 20.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 82.2 mg |
| Sodium | 142.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 45.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g |
| Sugars | 33.7 g |
| Protein | 3.3 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Begin your culinary journey by preheating your oven to a warm 350°F (180°C), ensuring that it reaches the perfect temperature for baking these decadent cupcakes. -
Prepare the Muffin Cups
Line a standard muffin tin with 12 paper liners, a step that will not only prevent sticking but also add a touch of charm to your finished treats. -
Dissolve the Cocoa
In a small bowl, stir together the cocoa powder and hot water until the cocoa is completely dissolved. Set this mixture aside to cool slightly as it will enrich the batter. -
Sift the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, creating a harmonious blend of dry ingredients ready to be combined with the wet components. -
Add Orange Zest
Using the finest rasps of a hand-held grater, grate the zest from your freshly washed orange into the bowl with the dry ingredients, allowing the bright citrus aroma to infuse your mixture. Set aside. -
Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until they are well combined and light in color. This aeration is crucial for fluffy cupcakes. -
Incorporate Buttermilk and Flavorings
Whisk in the buttermilk and vanilla extract to the egg mixture, followed by the cooled cocoa mixture, creating a luscious blend of flavors that will serve as the foundation of your batter. -
Combine with Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold in the melted butter, allowing it to enrich the mixture further. Carefully add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cupcakes. -
Fill the Muffin Cups
Using a tablespoon or an ice cream scoop, divide the batter evenly among the lined muffin cups, filling each cup about halfway to allow room for the cupcakes to rise beautifully in the oven. -
Bake
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cupcakes are puffed and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. This is the moment where the wonderful aromas of chocolate and orange fill your kitchen. -
Cool
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial for achieving the ideal texture and preventing sogginess. -
Make the Frosting
While the cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting by melting the bittersweet chocolate using a double boiler or microwave. Allow the melted chocolate to cool to room temperature. -
Beat the Frosting
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened unsalted butter and confectioners’ sugar on medium speed until creamy and smooth, approximately 3 minutes. This will create a fluffy base for your frosting. -
Incorporate the Chocolate
Gradually beat in the cooled melted chocolate until fully combined, resulting in a rich and decadent frosting that is sure to delight. -
Frost the Cupcakes
Fill a pastry bag fitted with a ½-inch star tip with the chocolate frosting. Pipe a beautiful spiral on top of each cooled cupcake, showcasing your artistic flair and adding an elegant touch. -
Chill
For best results, refrigerate the frosted cupcakes for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the frosting to set, making each cupcake even more delightful to enjoy.
These Chocolate Orange Cupcakes, with their exquisite flavor combination and delightful presentation, are perfect for birthday celebrations, family gatherings, or simply as a treat to brighten your day. Enjoy sharing this delightful recipe from Love With Recipes with friends and family!
