Never Fail Recipe For Cupcakes(Makes 18 To 20 Cupcakes)

Cook: 20 min Serves: 18 Cuisine: American

A foolproof chocolate cupcake recipe with rich cocoa flavor, moist texture, and simple ingredients, perfect for any celebration or casual treat for all chocolate lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup cocoa
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup sour milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup hot water

Instructions

  1. Put the egg, shortening, cocoa, flour, sour milk, vanilla, baking soda, sugar, and hot water into a bowl in the order given.
  2. Mix after the last item is added and beat well.
  3. Pour the batter into cupcake liners or a greased pan.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
  5. Frost the cupcakes once cooled.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider sifting the flour and cocoa together before mixing. If you don't have sour milk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. For a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of salt or a tablespoon of coffee to enhance the chocolate. Make sure to beat the batter well to incorporate air for fluffy cupcakes.

Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes are perfect for birthday parties or casual gatherings. Consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serving alongside Frances' Pecan Pie for a delightful dessert spread. They also pair well with coffee or milk, making them a great treat for afternoon tea. For added flair, top with colorful sprinkles or fruit.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving, or enjoy them cold. Frosting can be stored separately to maintain texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Never Fail Recipe For Cupcakes(Makes 18 To 20 Cupcakes) contains roughly 178 calories, with 3g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

178 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.2g 6% DV
Total Fat 2.5g 3% DV
Carbs 23.9g 9% DV
Fiber 3.1g 11% DV
Sugar 2.7g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 98.9mg 4% DV
Potassium 268.7mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 17.2mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.2mcg
Vitamin C 2.5mg 3% DV
Calcium 34.5mg 3% DV
Iron 1.8mg 10% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk 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 butter instead of shortening?

Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening in this recipe. It will add a richer flavor, but be aware that the texture may be slightly different. Use the same amount of butter as the shortening called for in the recipe.

What can I use instead of cocoa powder?

If you don't have cocoa powder, you can use carob powder as a substitute, though the flavor will be different. Alternatively, you can try a chocolate syrup, but you'll need to adjust the liquid content in the recipe to maintain the right batter consistency.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these cupcakes gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, like baking soda and cocoa, are also gluten-free to ensure the cupcakes are safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

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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