Classic Chocolate Cupcake Recipe from Scratch (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to good cupcakes? ›

The fluffy batter is what gives cupcakes their soft, spongy texture. Muffins, on the other hand, are moist and dense. Another important difference between a cupcake and a muffin is that cupcakes tend to have more sugar and so they're a lot sweeter than muffins.

If you're using all-purpose flour, consider using a combination of all-purpose and cornstarch to mimic cake flour. 2. Fat: Butter or oil adds moisture to the cupcakes. Butter contributes a rich flavor, while oil tends to make the cupcakes more moist.

Don't Over-mix, Don't Under-mix

Not too much, not too little. Make sure you're mixing the cupcake batter together *just until* the wet and dry are combined. Overmixing batter, whether that's for cakes, cupcakes, breads, muffins, etc, lends a tough-textured baked good. Don't turn on the mixer then leave the room.

Flour is the main ingredient of the batter and provides the base for the cupcake. Butter or oil provides flavor, tenderizes the batter and helps provide volume.

Frosting: The main difference between cupcakes and muffins lies in the use of frosting. While muffins do not feature frosting, the creamy, sweet whipped topping is a cupcake staple.

Cupcake has various variations in its meaning, depending who says it, and to whom it is said. In essence, calling someone a “cupcake” is saying they're “soft and sweet”. Therefore, as a term of endearment between lovers, it means something similar to “Sweetie”, “Sugar” or “Honey”.

Cupcake recipes generally have more sugar and fat (butter, oil, or dairy) than muffins and may include ingredients like whipped eggs or even mayo for texture. And yes, cupcakes almost always include frosting. Muffins, on the other hand, are typically mixed with the muffin method no matter their flavor.

It depends on your personal preference and the recipe you're following. Generally, butter is the more traditional choice for cakes, as it lends a rich flavor and moist texture. However, some recipes may call for oil instead, as it can create a lighter and fluffier cake.

Use milk instead of water

Most box cake recipes will tell you to add water to the mix. Instead, try adding milk using the same proportions. This will make the cake richer and creamier because it ups the fat content. You can even use buttermilk here for a pleasant tang.

Should I use milk instead of water for cupcakes? ›

Baking tip #2: adding milk to your box cake mix in place of water adds a dense texture to your dessert leaving it moist and flavorful like a homemade cake. Or, if you prefer, you can add buttermilk, giving your cake a tangy flavor to balance out the sweetness.

On the other hand, cake flour only contains 6-8% protein. It has a lighter and more velvety texture, and also is a little bit lighter in color. The lower protein count creates a more tender and delicate final product. This is ideal when you are making cakes and cupcakes to get that light and fluffy texture.

In short, you can use hot chocolate powder as a cocoa powder substitute in a pinch, but you may not experience the depth of flavour you want. Because most brands of hot chocolate powder include sugar or sweetener, you may wish to reduce the amount of sugar you add to your baking recipe.

Baking your cupcakes too long is a sure way to make them dry. And while you are checking the baking time, also check the oven temperature, if the temperature is too high, it's going to make it easier for the cupcakes to over bake as well. Not measuring the ingredients accurately will also make for dry cupcakes.