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One-Bowl Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

by Savoring Italy

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One-Bowl Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting are a tried and true recipe! These easy one bowl chocolate cupcakes are rich, moist and delicious topped with a luscious, fudgy dark chocolate frosting. Make them for your sweetheart today!

Frivolous and self-indulgent. Tease me with your colorful sprinkles on top of your luscious chocolate frosting. Hidden underneath your thick and buttery topping, I find your moist and delicate cupcake.
 
These are cupcakes from my childhood. Maybe from your childhood? If not, you wish they were. Simply because they possess magical powers. Yes, cupcakes can be magical!
 

One-Bowl Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

Originally published January 26, 2011 and updated on February 8, 2020.

 
Staring at the photos of the cupcakes we devoured this weekend, I feel some slight relief. My eyes are hypnotized again by the colorful sprinkles. I can smell all that chocolately goodness. I remember how good these chocolate cupcakes tasted!

 
 
Could life be better? I’m not going to lie…It could. There are things going on now that I’ve mentioned. Health issues that won’t leave me alone. It should’ve been comforting yesterday having my high school friend Berta, my dear doctor calling me with some results. “Berta baby” is what I still call her after all these years. Berta baby, I’d rather you call me to meet for a coffee. Berta tells me not to worry.

I tinker slightly on the edge of a little despair. I pride myself in being a positive and happy person. Tears well up in my eyes all day as I wonder is Berta telling me the truth? I snap at my daughter tonight for not going to bed when I tell her to for the 3rd time. I have no patience when my son tells me he doesn’t like my drawing of Disney’s Cars. He tells me Luigi just doesn’t look like that. Inside I feel like I’m a crappy mommy. My daughter asks me why am I so grumpy.
 

I take a deep breath. I breath out and I dream of waking up tomorrow to some cinnamon bread with my caffe’ latte. I bolt to the kitchen and I start to bake. Somehow measuring out the flour and the sugar takes the edge off. I crack the eggs and start to smile a little. When did baking become my therapy?

I made these cupcakes this past Sunday with my kids. We baked and photographed our creations. We giggled as sprinkles were strewn across the counter and the floor. The dogs happily licked up the crumbs.

We then took a batch to my daddy. His eyes lit up when he saw us arrive. He called later to tell us how happy he was we came to visit and how good they were.
 

You could surprise your daddy (or mommy, or neighbor even?)and make him smile. Bake him a batch of chocolate cupcakes this weekend. Call your best friend to come over and catch up with a cup of coffee and a cupcake. Or maybe some of the fluffiest cinnamon swirl bread. 

One-Bowl Chocolate Cupcakes
yields: 18-24

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup warm water
3/4 cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons safflower oil (or canola oil)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners; set aside. Sift together cocoa powder, flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Add eggs, warm water, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla, and mix until smooth, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of bowl to assure batter is well mixed.

Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each 2/3 full (I use a one scoop ice-cream scooper). Bake until tops spring back when touched, about 20 minutes, rotating pan once if needed. Transfer to a wire rack; let cool completely.
recipe from: Martha Stewart

Chocolate Frosting

2 1/4 c. confectioner’s sugar
1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
Pinch salt
6 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
1 1/2 sticks butter, at room temperature
9 oz. bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled
3/4 c. sour cream
Sift sugar, cocoa, and salt into a bowl.

Beat cream cheese and butter in separate bowl on medium-high speed until smooth. Reduce speed and add sugar/cocoa/salt mixture slowly.  Add melted chocolate slowly and beat until combined. Add sour cream and beat until smooth. Add your sprinkles. Take a bite. Smile and enjoy!

Thank you for passing by to see what’s baking in the Duchess’ kitchen! I appreciate your comments and your friendship. As always, thank you for showing me your support.

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5 from 1 vote

One-Bowl Chocolate Cupcakes

These easy one bowl chocolate cupcakes are rich, moist and delicious topped with a luscious, fudgy dark chocolate frosting. Make them for your sweetheart today!
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chocolate, cupcakes, one bowl recipe
Servings: 24 cupcakes
Author: Lora

Ingredients

  • CUPCAKES
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 3 tablespoons safflower oil or canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • FROSTING
  • 2 1/4 c. confectioner’s sugar
  • 1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 6 oz. cream cheese at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 sticks butter at room temperature
  • 9 oz. bittersweet chocolate melted and cooled
  • 3/4 c. sour cream
  • Sift sugar cocoa, and salt into a bowl.

Instructions

  • CUPCAKES
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners; set aside. Sift together cocoa powder, flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Add eggs, warm water, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla, and mix until smooth, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of bowl to assure batter is well mixed.
  • Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each 2/3 full (I use a one scoop ice-cream scooper). Bake until tops spring back when touched, about 20 minutes, rotating pan once if needed. Transfer to a wire rack; let cool completely.
  • FROSTING
  • Beat cream cheese and butter in separate bowl on medium-high speed until smooth. Reduce speed and add sugar/cocoa/salt mixture slowly. Add melted chocolate slowly and beat until combined. Add sour cream and beat until smooth. Add your sprinkles.
Tried this recipe?Mention @savoringitaly or tag #savoringitaly!

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Comments

  5. Kim says

    Well you're definitely not a crappy mommy. I hope things pick up for you health wise soon. *hugs*

    These cupcakes look so delicious and would certainly satisfy my chocolatey sweet tooth with no problem. Now if only I could get the motivation to bake. With it being only one bowl though, well, that's not a problem. Hmm. I just might consider baking these over the weekend.

    Reply

  11. MaryMoh says

    Wow….I wish I have one. It will take me to chocolate heaven 😀 Yes, I think cooking and baking is very therapeutic. See, I am happy now cos I had just baked some chocolate muffins 😀 My hubby took almost all to the office to share with his colleagues. I'm sure there are going to be lots of smiles there. I should frost them with chocolate, too, but I did not have time. I'm sure your children enjoy baking with you and having fun with all the sprinkles.

    Reply

  13. Lizzy says

    These would make my hubby smile, too! I think you'd be a crappy mom only if you never doubted yourself…we've all had those moments! But I know your children will forget that you snapped at them once or twice, and just cherish the memories of baking such deliciousness with you! You are one great mom! xoxo

    Reply

  20. Pretend Chef says

    Your story made my eyes well up because I can understand the feelings of not being an up to par parent. Even though my son is only 2 1/2 sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up and wondering what I'm doing wrong as a parent. I snap at him and his daddy some days and then I have to take a timeout. Being in the kitchen is my therapy as well. You are such a good mama and a great woman! You are an inspiration to me. Forget about the cupcakes (they do look marvelous) but you and your blog make me more giddy! Hope you have a much better day and I'm sending you an air hug right now!

    Reply

  21. Roxan says

    Lora! I have so missed your entries and delicious baked goods! Hope you have been doing well. These cupcakes are so adorable – it's amazing what a few sprinkles can do, yes? 🙂 I hope you are having a beautiful week!

    Reply

  22. Anonymous says

    I love making cupcakes like this! One of my favorites is to make chocolate-chocolate with the multi-colored sprinkles on top. These are really pretty and I am sure they are perfectly delicious!

    Reply

  24. Brandie@thecountrycook says

    Please don't be too hard on yourself. I think a good parent always questions if they are a good parent or not. We're only human and I think it's important that your kids see all sides of you so they know it's okay to be imperfect. Great post and those cupcakes are seriously AMAZING!! I'm your newest follower 🙂

    Reply

  29. Susan says

    Cupcakes ARE magical! Remember all those classroom parties when we were kids? Or bake sales where it was a tough decision choosing what cupcakes to buy? Or making cupcakes for your boyfriend? Ah … cupcakes! Yours look spectacular! Channel the positive energy that cupcakes exude … hope the health issues subside!

    Reply

  30. Bridgett says

    Ah sweetie, I am so sorry you aren't feeling well but please know you are on my mind and I am sending you happy thoughts. We all have those phases where we snap at our kids and lose the pleasure out of life's little things but if baking makes you happy, then I am happy to be your taste-tester if needed 🙂
    These ARE the cupcakes of my childhood. My mom didn't do fancy, she did traditional things with simple sprinkles like this and we LOVED it. At the end of the day, we could all use one of these gorgeous cupcakes.

    Reply

  31. BakingWithoutaBox says

    Oh wow. Look at those photos! They are a-maz-ing. The pink background just makes those babies pop and I want them!! And any time with daddy helps everything.
    I'm so sorry about that phone call and hope with fingers crossed that it's nothing serious.

    Reply

  34. Magic of Spice says

    The cupcakes look wonderful and I bet daddy was quite happy 🙂
    All parents have those moments when stresses are just too much…don't worry too much,it's the cupcake moments they will remember most 😉

    Reply

  37. Christina says

    These are the cupcakes I remember from my childhood! I'm glad your baking therapy makes you feel better! Please know that we're all sending good healing thoughts your way and wishing you a healthy and happy forever!

    Reply

  39. Sandra says

    Perfection as always!
    I know how you feel, I have to tell my kids every day for 30 minutes to go and sleep, and yes they always tell me why I am so mad all the time:( And in general I am very happy person!

    Reply

  44. Elin says

    Lora…great post! of course you are not a crabby mom . Just that certain times in our life we face health issues . Don't worry, think positive and I am sure your doc friend will not hide things from you. We are with you and I love those cupcakes..I am sure they make you feel good with those colorful sprinkles 🙂 Take care and tomorrow will be another great day for you 🙂

    Regards,
    Elin

    Reply

  45. Raina says

    Great idea to cheer yourself up by baking. These would definitely cheer me up. They sound wonderful. I hope everything is okay for you. It is tough enough being a mom, never mind when you are worring about your health. Don't beat yourself up. You are a very positive person and a wonderful mom; I can tell:)

    Reply

  46. vanillasugar says

    you know you have the nicest comments on my blog. and i wanted to tell you "thank you". i truly mean that. your comments are always so smile-worthy. just passing on the love….

    Reply

  48. Koci says

    I'm sorry that you're having a tough time right now. You're definitely right about baking, though. It's very therapeutic with very tasty results. And sprinkles are always a great way to put a smile one your face! 🙂

    Reply

  50. Taylor says

    Mmm cupcakes always make me smile too 🙂 I missed chocolate cake day (which was this past week) and this would be a great way to make up for it!

    Reply

  53. Aggie says

    awwww…you are most def not a crappy mom. I feel that all the time. Stay positive…little do you know how much your positive happy face inspires me everytime I see it! (and that's just on Twitter!!)

    Your first photo just made me nuts, I'm not even a huge chocolate cake fan but who would not LOVE these!! And the fact that they are one bowl makes me even happier.

    And I agree…being in the kitchen is my therapy as well. xo

    Reply