Indulge in these Raspberry Chocolate Cupcakes, a delightful dessert featuring rich chocolate cupcakes filled with a luscious raspberry filling and topped with velvety chocolate buttercream. Perfect for any special occasion, these cupcakes balance the sweetness of chocolate with the tartness of fresh raspberries, making them a must-try treat for dessert lovers.
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Cupcakes
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup hot water
For the Raspberry Filling
1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
For the Chocolate Buttercream
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk and hot water, until just combined.
Bake the Cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely.
Prepare the Raspberry Filling: In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook the raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water, stirring until thickened. Set aside to cool.
Make the Chocolate Buttercream: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and heavy cream, beating until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled, cut out the centers and fill each cupcake with the raspberry filling. Pipe or spread the chocolate buttercream over the filled cupcakes and garnish with fresh raspberries if desired.
Serving Tips:
Garnish Creatively: Enhance the presentation by garnishing each cupcake with fresh raspberries, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of powdered sugar. This not only adds visual appeal but also complements the flavors.
Pairing Suggestions: These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or a raspberry-infused tea, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Temperature Matters: Serve the cupcakes at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. If they’ve been refrigerated, let them sit out for about 30 minutes before serving.
Cutting for Sharing: If you’re serving at a party, consider cutting the cupcakes in half to showcase the beautiful raspberry filling. This allows guests to see the delicious layers and makes them easier to share.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The chocolate buttercream can hold up well, but the freshness of the raspberries may decrease over time.
Freezing: If you want to enjoy these cupcakes later, you can freeze them. To freeze:
Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
To serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before enjoying.
Frosting Options: If you plan to freeze the cupcakes, consider freezing them without the buttercream frosting. Frost them after thawing for a fresh and fluffy finish.
Avoid Overloading: When storing, avoid stacking cupcakes to prevent them from getting squished. Use a cupcake carrier if you have one.
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