Cocoa Cupcakes

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 30 Cuisine: American

Rich, moist cocoa cupcakes with deep chocolate flavor, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and ideal for parties or anytime indulgence.

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Ingredients

  • 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2/3 cup cocoa
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 eggs

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line 30 medium muffin cups with paper baking cups or grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt cake pan.
  3. Beat all ingredients on low speed, scraping the bowl constantly, for 30 seconds.
  4. Beat on high speed, scraping the bowl occasionally, for 3 minutes.
  5. Pour the batter into muffin cups.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes or 40 to 45 minutes for Bundt cake.
  7. Let cool and then ice with Creamy Cocoa Frosting.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer chocolate flavor, consider using Dutch-processed cocoa instead of regular cocoa powder. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Make sure to mix the batter just until combined to keep the cupcakes tender.

Serving Suggestions

These cocoa cupcakes can be served plain or topped with Creamy Cocoa Frosting for an indulgent treat. They are perfect for birthday parties or as a sweet finish to a meal. Consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serving alongside a slice of Sarah'S Yams for a delightful contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to maintain their moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cocoa Cupcakes contains roughly 73 calories, with 1g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 5g fat.

73 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.7g 1% DV
Total Fat 4.5g 6% DV
Carbs 4.6g 2% DV
Fiber 0.6g 2% DV
Sugar 1.3g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 413mg 18% DV
Potassium 61.3mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 2.1mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.4mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 4.4mg 5% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 19.7mg 2% DV
Iron 0.1mg 1% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of fat instead of shortening?

Yes, you can substitute the shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer flavor. Alternatively, vegetable oil can also work well, providing moisture without altering the taste significantly.

What can I do if I don't have enough muffin cups?

If you run out of muffin cups, you can bake the remaining batter in a greased and floured cake pan. Just adjust the baking time, as a Bundt cake may take longer to cook through — around 40 to 45 minutes at the same temperature.

How can I make these cupcakes more festive?

For a festive touch, consider adding sprinkles or colorful frosting on top. You can also fill the cupcakes with a surprise filling, like raspberry jam or chocolate ganache, before frosting them for an extra special treat.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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