Triple Chocolate Brownie Cupcakes – Rich, Fudgy & Chocolate-Lover Approved!
These cupcakes combine the dense, fudgy richness of a brownie with the soft, moist crumb of a cupcake. Topped with velvety chocolate buttercream and triple chocolate in every bite, they’re made for true chocolate lovers.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE:
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Triple chocolate layers – brownie base, chocolate chips/chunks, and chocolate frosting
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Fudgy inside, soft top – a brownie texture in cupcake form
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Perfect for parties, birthdays, cravings, or just a rainy day indulgence
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Easy to make in under 1 hour!
INGREDIENTS (Makes 12 cupcakes)
For the Brownie Cupcake Base:
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
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Unsalted Butter (melted) | 1/2 cup (115g) | Richness, moisture, classic brownie texture |
Granulated Sugar | 1 cup (200g) | Sweetness, helps create that brownie crust |
Eggs (large) | 2 | Structure, fudgy consistency |
Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | Flavor enhancer |
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder | 1/3 cup (30g) | Deep chocolate flavor |
All-Purpose Flour | 1/2 cup (65g) | Binding ingredient |
Salt | 1/4 tsp | Balances sweetness |
Baking Powder | 1/4 tsp | Light leavening for cupcake height |
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips | 1/2 cup (85g) | Melty chocolate bites |
Dark Chocolate Chunks | 1/4 cup (40g) | Bittersweet richness and texture variation |
For the Chocolate Frosting:
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Unsalted Butter (softened) | 1/2 cup (115g) | Smooth frosting base |
Powdered Sugar | 1 1/2 cups (180g) | Sweetness, creamy texture |
Cocoa Powder | 1/4 cup (25g) | Chocolate flavor |
Heavy Cream or Milk | 2 tbsp (or more as needed) | To achieve creamy pipeable consistency |
Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | Warm flavor boost |
Salt | Pinch | Balances sweetness |
Optional Toppings:
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Mini chocolate chips
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Chocolate shavings
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Fudge or chocolate syrup drizzle
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Cocoa nibs or even a sprinkle of sea salt
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
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Lightly spray with non-stick baking spray if needed for easy release.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Cupcake Batter
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Mix Wet Ingredients:
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine melted butter and sugar.
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Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly glossy (about 1 minute).
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Add in eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk again until fully combined and the batter lightens in color.
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Sift and Add Dry Ingredients:
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Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.
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Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet — avoid overmixing to keep them fudgy.
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Fold in the Chocolate:
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Gently fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips and dark chocolate chunks.
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The batter will be thick, rich, and loaded with chocolate — exactly what we want.
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Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes
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Portion & Bake:
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Use a cookie scoop or spoon to divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners.
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Fill each about 3/4 full.
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Bake:
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Bake in the center rack for 18–20 minutes.
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A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs, not completely clean — this means they’re moist and fudgy inside.
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Cool Completely:
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Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
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Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before frosting. (Warm cupcakes will melt the frosting!)
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Step 4: Make the Chocolate Frosting
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Cream the Butter:
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In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand or stand mixer until pale and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
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Add Cocoa and Sugar:
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Gradually sift in powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
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Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
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Adjust Consistency:
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Add 2 tbsp of heavy cream or milk, beating on medium-high until the frosting is smooth and pipeable.
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Add a little more cream/milk if it’s too thick.
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Step 5: Frost and Decorate
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Frost the Cupcakes:
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Use a piping bag with a star tip or offset spatula to apply generous swirls of frosting on each cooled cupcake.
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Garnish (Optional but Extra!):
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Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or shavings.
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Drizzle melted chocolate or warm fudge over the top.
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Final Details:
Description | Info |
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Prep Time | 20 minutes |
Bake Time | 18–20 minutes |
Cooling Time | 30 minutes |
Total Time | ~1 hour |
Servings | 12 cupcakes |
Calories | Approx. 370 kcal per cupcake |
Expert Tips
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Don’t overbake! Slightly underbaking gives you that gooey, brownie-like center.
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Use good-quality chocolate for best flavor (especially for the chunks).
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Want mocha flavor? Add 1/2 tsp instant espresso powder to the batter.
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Make ahead: Cupcakes can be baked 1 day ahead. Frost the day of serving for best texture.
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Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temp (2 days) or fridge (up to 5 days). Freeze (without frosting) up to 1 month.
Variations
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Peanut Butter Swirl: Add 1 tbsp peanut butter to the top of each before baking and swirl with a toothpick.
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Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle salted caramel sauce after frosting.
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Stuffed Surprise: Add a square of chocolate or hazelnut spread into the center of the cupcake before baking.