Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes Recipe
Delight in these rich and moist Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes, perfectly balanced with a luscious raspberry chocolate ganache center and topped with a fluffy raspberry buttercream frosting. Combining the deep flavors of Dutch cocoa, espresso powder for depth, and fresh raspberry preserves, this recipe is a decadent treat for chocolate and berry lovers alike.
- Author: Rico
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Chocolate Cupcakes
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp (25 g) Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp espresso powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup (56 g) softened, unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated white sugar
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup (61 g) sour cream, at room temperature
Raspberry Chocolate Ganache
- 4 oz (113 g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp (90 ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (85 g) raspberry preserves
Raspberry Buttercream
- 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups (195 g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (16 g) freeze dried raspberries, measured then ground
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (85 g) raspberry preserves
Decoration
- Fresh raspberries (optional, for topping)
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup cupcake pan with liners and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed with an electric mixer until fluffy and light in color, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, around 1-2 minutes.
- Incorporate Milk and Sour Cream: Mix in the milk and sour cream on low speed until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Bake Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 17-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cupcakes: Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Raspberry Chocolate Ganache – Heat Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until just steaming and about to boil.
- Melt Chocolate: Place chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a medium bowl. Pour hot cream over it and let it sit for 2 minutes to melt the chocolate.
- Combine Ganache: Stir the mixture until smooth. Add raspberry preserves and stir until incorporated. Let the ganache cool for 15 minutes before transferring it to a piping bag.
- Make Raspberry Buttercream – Beat Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with a pinch of salt on high speed until smooth, pale, and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Add powdered sugar and mix on low speed until just combined.
- Prepare Freeze Dried Raspberries: Crush freeze dried raspberries into a fine powder using a rolling pin inside a sealed bag.
- Mix in Raspberry Ingredients: Add the powdered freeze dried raspberries, raspberry preserves, and vanilla extract to the buttercream. Mix on low speed to combine, then increase to medium-high speed and beat until light and fluffy.
- Fill Piping Bag: Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip, such as the Wilton 1M.
- Core Cupcakes: Once cupcakes are completely cooled, use a cupcake corer or a small knife to remove a small portion from the center of each cupcake.
- Fill with Ganache: Pipe the raspberry chocolate ganache into the hollowed centers of each cupcake.
- Pipe Buttercream: Generously pipe the raspberry buttercream over the top of each cupcake.
- Decorate and Serve: Optionally, top each cupcake with a fresh raspberry for an elegant finishing touch. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients ensure better mixing and fluffier cupcakes.
- Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor but is optional.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes tender.
- Freeze dried raspberries add natural raspberry flavor and color without extra moisture.
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use a cupcake corer or small knife to hollow cupcakes carefully to avoid breaking.
- Fresh raspberries on top add a fresh burst and make a pretty presentation.
Keywords: Chocolate Cupcakes, Raspberry Cupcakes, Ganache, Buttercream, Dessert, Baking, Party Treat