Chocolate Cupcakes (Dutch recipe)

Chocolate Cupcakes – An Irresistible Delight

If you are looking for a chocolate cupcake recipe that will delight your taste buds, you've come to the right place! These cupcakes are moist, fluffy, and packed with chocolate, making them the perfect choice for any occasion or simply for a treat. I invite you to discover how to transform simple ingredients into a little masterpiece.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes

Ingredients

- 250 g flour
- 125 g brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 75 g melted butter
- 1 packet (about 10 g) baking powder
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 150 g chocolate (small pieces)
- 250 ml milk
- A pinch of salt

A Brief Story About Cupcakes

Cupcakes are often associated with moments of joy, parties, and celebrations. These individual cakes originated in the 18th century and have evolved over time, becoming an essential part of modern desserts. With a generous topping of cream or chocolate, they are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Our chocolate cupcake recipe is a Dutch variant that brings a touch of history and tradition in every bite.

Let’s Get Started: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. This step is essential to ensure even baking and a perfect texture for the cupcakes.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix the dry ingredients well with a spatula or a fork, ensuring there are no lumps and that they are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Preparing the Wet Mixture
In another bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Add the milk and egg to this bowl, mixing well to combine the ingredients. It’s important that the butter is not too hot to avoid scrambling the egg.

Step 4: Combining the Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently mix until the ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s normal for the batter to have a few lumps.

Step 5: Adding the Chocolate
Add 100 g of the chocolate pieces to the batter and mix gently. These pieces will add extra flavor and texture to your cupcakes. If you prefer a more elegant look, you can save the remaining chocolate for decoration.

Step 6: Filling the Muffin Cups
Prepare the muffin tins. You can use cupcake liners or grease the tins with butter and flour to prevent sticking. Fill each cup with the batter, leaving a little space at the top. Add a piece of the remaining 50 g of chocolate on top of each cupcake for a delicious decoration.

Step 7: Baking
Place the tins in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You can check if they are done by inserting a toothpick in the center of one; if it comes out clean, the cupcakes are baked.

Step 8: Cooling and Serving
Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tins for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These delicious chocolate cupcakes can be served plain or with a buttercream or whipped cream topping, depending on your preferences.

Helpful Tips for a Perfect Result

- Keep ingredients at room temperature: Make sure the milk and egg are at room temperature for a uniform and well-combined batter.
- Don’t overmix: Excessive mixing can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix only until the ingredients are incorporated.
- Customize the recipe: You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or berries to the batter for a personal touch. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate (dark, milk, or white).

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

Each cupcake contains approximately 260-300 calories, though these values may vary depending on the ingredients used. These chocolate cupcakes are rich in antioxidants due to the chocolate, and the brown sugar adds moisture and a caramelized flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate, but the cupcakes will be sweeter. Adjust the sugar amount if you prefer a more balanced flavor.

- How can I keep the cupcakes fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for a longer period, ensuring they are well-wrapped.

Delicious Pairings

These chocolate cupcakes pair perfectly with various beverages. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of warm milk are excellent options. You can also serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or with a caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.

Personal Note

I recommend trying to add a splash of vanilla extract to the batter for an extra boost of flavor. This small adjustment can make a significant difference in the flavor profile of your cupcakes.

I invite you to enjoy this simple yet extremely delicious recipe. With every bite, you'll feel the chocolate melt in your mouth, bringing a smile to your face. Enjoy!