I have an old experience making Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe, something I always enjoyed baking during quiet afternoons.
I first saw this Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe being made in a cooking show years ago, and the deep chocolate flavor stayed with me ever since. That inspired me to recreate it in my kitchen.
The main specialty of this Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe is the rich, moist texture of the cupcakes combined with the smooth fudgy ganache on top.
The melted chocolate chips inside make each bite indulgent. I decided to bring this recipe back today. Now I will show step-by-step how to make this Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe.
Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe
This Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes recipe is a rich, indulgent treat made with a blend of cocoa powder, melted butter, and a touch of hot coffee to deepen the chocolate flavor.
The cupcakes are moist, soft, and loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra richness. Topped with a creamy ganache made from real chocolate and heavy cream, they deliver a bakery-style result right from your kitchen.
This Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe balances sweetness and texture perfectly, making it a favorite for chocolate lovers.
It’s straightforward to prepare and reliable for any skill level, making it a go-to choice for satisfying a chocolate craving.
How To Prepare Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe?
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: Makes 12 cupcakes
Kitchen Utensils
- Muffin tin
- Paper cupcake liners
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Small saucepan
- Heatproof bowl (for ganache)
- Cooling rack
- Ice cream scoop or spoon (for portioning batter)
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup buttermilk, room temperature
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup hot coffee (or hot water)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Fudgy Ganache Frosting:
- 12 oz chocolate (milk, semisweet, or dark), chopped or chips
- 1½ cups heavy cream or full-fat coconut cream
- ½ to 1½ tbsp honey (sweeten to taste)
How To Make Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe
To make these Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe perfectly, I’ll guide you through each step clearly and simply. I’ll also share the kitchen tools that help make the process smoother though you don’t need every single one to succeed.
Use what you have, and you’ll still end up with rich, moist cupcakes topped with smooth, fudgy ganache that everyone will love!
1. Get things ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder. Pour in the melted butter and whisk until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
2. Mix wet and dry stuff
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Add the buttermilk and stir until it’s all blended. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mix into your wet ingredients, a bit at a time, mixing gently.
3. Add coffee and chocolate
Pour in the hot coffee (or hot water) slowly while stirring—this will loosen up the batter. Fold in the chocolate chips until they’re spread throughout. The batter will be runny, but that’s what you want.
4. Fill the pan and bake
Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ of the way. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Let them sit in the pan for about 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool down.
5. Make the ganache
While the cupcakes are cooling, heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer don’t boil it. Pour it over the chopped chocolate in a bowl and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Then stir until smooth and shiny. Stir in a bit of honey if you’d like it sweeter. Let it cool until it thickens up enough to spread or pipe.
6. Frost and enjoy
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, top each one with the ganache. Use a spoon for a rustic look or a piping bag for a more polished swirl. Let the frosting set for a bit, then they’re ready to serve.
Notes:
Buttermilk keeps the cupcakes moist and tender. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1½ tsp lemon juice or vinegar to ½ cup milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Coffee enhances the richness of the chocolate but doesn’t leave a coffee flavor. If preferred, hot water works too.
These Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe store well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Facts Of Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe
Nutrition | Amounts |
---|---|
Calories | 320 |
Fat | 20g |
Saturated Fat | 12g |
Carbohydrates | 34g |
Sugar | 24g |
Protein | 4g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sodium | 150mg |
Why We Love This Recipe
This Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe is loved because it creates incredibly moist and rich chocolate cupcakes that satisfy any sweet craving.
The combination of cocoa powder, melted butter, and hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor deeply. The addition of gooey chocolate chips inside adds a delightful surprise with every bite.
Topped with a creamy, fudgy ganache, these Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe feel indulgent but are surprisingly easy to make.
They’re perfect for sharing and always bring smiles, making them a favorite for both bakers and chocolate lovers like.
How To Decorate And Serve
To decorate these Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe, start by letting the ganache cool until it thickens slightly but is still spreadable.
Use a spoon or a piping bag with a large round or star tip to apply the ganache evenly on each cupcake. For extra flair, sprinkle some chocolate shavings, mini chocolate chips, or a dusting of cocoa powder on top.
You can also add a fresh raspberry or a small mint leaf for a pop of color. Serve the cupcakes at room temperature on a pretty plate or cupcake stand to impress guests.
My Tips Tips For Success!
● I always take the eggs and buttermilk out of the fridge ahead of time so they reach room temperature. This step makes mixing much easier and helps the cupcakes rise evenly with a tender crumb.
● Using Dutch-processed cocoa powder is my go-to because it has a smoother, less acidic taste that gives the cupcakes a deep, rich chocolate flavor. It really makes a difference.
● I add hot coffee to the batter—it enhances the chocolate intensity without adding any coffee flavor, which surprises a lot of people but works perfectly.
● When combining the wet and dry ingredients, I mix just until everything is incorporated. Over mixing can make the cupcakes dense or tough, so I keep it gentle for a light texture.
● For the ganache, I invest in good-quality chocolate. It melts smoothly and gives the frosting a glossy, velvety finish that looks and tastes amazing.
● I always wait for the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting them. Frosting warm cupcakes causes the ganache to melt and slide off, so patience here pays off.
● If the ganache is too soft for spreading, I chill it in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes. It firms up just enough to spread easily without being too stiff or runny.
Why My Recipe Works
My recipe works because every ingredient has a purpose, and I’ve tested it enough times to know what really matters. The mix of white and brown sugar gives the cupcakes both sweetness and moisture.
Using melted butter instead of oil gives a rich flavor and smooth texture. The buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to keep the cupcakes soft and fluffy.
Hot coffee enhances the chocolate without making it taste like coffee. Adding chocolate chips gives extra bursts of richness, and the ganache frosting ties it all together with a silky, fudgy finish. Every step is designed for flavor and texture.
Additions And substitutions
Here are some additions and substitutions you can try with this Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes recipe, spoken like you sharing your personal tips:
➤ If you want to add a little extra texture, I sometimes mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans—adds a nice crunch. For a fruity twist, a handful of raspberries or dried cherries folded into the batter works great.
➤ If you don’t have buttermilk, I substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar let it sit for a few minutes before using.
➤ You can swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate, depending on how rich or sweet you want it.
➤ For a dairy-free version, I use coconut cream instead of heavy cream in the ganache and a plant-based milk for the buttermilk substitute.
Variations For Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes
◆ Mint Chocolate Fudge — Add peppermint extract to the batter and garnish with crushed candy canes or mint chocolate chips for a cool, refreshing twist.
◆ Mocha Fudge — Boost the chocolate flavor by adding a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the batter and increase the coffee for a rich mocha taste.
◆ Peanut Butter Surprise — Drop a spoonful of creamy peanut butter in the center of each cupcake before baking for a gooey peanut butter filling inside.
◆ Salted Caramel Fudge — Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the ganache frosting and sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-salty combo.
◆ Orange Zest Fudge — Mix fresh orange zest into the batter to add a bright citrus note that complements the deep chocolate flavor perfectly.
Storage Recommendations
Store the Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and fresh.
If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to four days, but bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
The ganache frosting may firm up in the fridge, so let it soften slightly before eating. For longer storage, you can freeze the cupcakes without frosting for up to three months and thaw them completely before adding the ganache.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe has always been an easy success for me rich, delicious, and enjoyed every single time.
The Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe turn out moist with a deep chocolate flavor and that fudgy ganache takes them to the next level.
I hope you’re interested to try it for you and that you’ll be making them soon. Once you do, let me know how they turned out for you. I’d love to hear your thoughts after baking and enjoying these treats just like I did.
More Chocolate Cake Recipes You’ll Love
Gluten-Free Dark Chocolate Cake Recipe – Chocolate Experience
Chocolate Heaven Cake | Best & Easy
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Muffins – Healthy
Sarah Lee Chocolate Cake: Homemade Tribute
Matilda Chocolate Cake – Multiple Layers

Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe
Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Paper cupcake liners
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Small saucepan
- Heatproof bowl (for ganache)
- Cooling rack
- Ice cream scoop or spoon (for portioning batter)
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder Dutch-processed preferred
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup buttermilk room temperature
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup hot coffee or hot water
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Fudgy Ganache Frosting:
- 12 oz chocolate milk, semisweet, or dark, chopped or chips
- 1½ cups heavy cream or full-fat coconut cream
- ½ to 1½ tbsp honey sweeten to taste
Instructions
Get things ready
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder. Pour in the melted butter and whisk until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix wet and dry stuff
- Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Add the buttermilk and stir until it’s all blended. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mix into your wet ingredients, a bit at a time, mixing gently.
Add coffee and chocolate
- Pour in the hot coffee (or hot water) slowly while stirring—this will loosen up the batter. Fold in the chocolate chips until they’re spread throughout. The batter will be runny, but that’s what you want.
Fill the pan and bake
- Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ of the way. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Let them sit in the pan for about 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool down.
Make the ganache
- While the cupcakes are cooling, heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer don’t boil it. Pour it over the chopped chocolate in a bowl and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Then stir until smooth and shiny. Stir in a bit of honey if you’d like it sweeter. Let it cool until it thickens up enough to spread or pipe.
Frost and enjoy
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, top each one with the ganache. Use a spoon for a rustic look or a piping bag for a more polished swirl. Let the frosting set for a bit, then they’re ready to serve.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Of Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes Recipe
Nutrition | Amounts |
---|---|
Calories | 320 |
Fat | 20g |
Saturated Fat | 12g |
Carbohydrates | 34g |
Sugar | 24g |
Protein | 4g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sodium | 150mg |