Description
Indulgent double chocolate orange cupcakes meld rich cocoa with zesty citrus notes for a luxurious dessert experience. Chocolate lovers will savor each moist, velvety bite that balances intense chocolate depth with refreshing orange undertones.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) cocoa powder
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter (softened)
Additional Ingredients:
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup (85 grams) dark chocolate chips
- 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and arrange cupcake liners in a standard muffin tin.
- Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, thoroughly blending flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well incorporated.
- In a separate large bowl, vigorously whisk together eggs, sugar, milk, vegetable oil, and fragrant orange zest until the mixture reaches a silky, uniform consistency.
- Gently incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to avoid overmixing; fold in chocolate chips with a light touch.
- Carefully distribute batter into cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Place muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake – it should emerge clean and free of raw batter.
- Remove cupcakes from oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before preparing the frosting.
- Create the decadent frosting by blending butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and fresh orange juice until smooth and creamy.
- Once cupcakes are thoroughly cooled, generously spread or pipe the chocolate-orange frosting over each cupcake.
Notes
- Select high-quality cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips for a rich, intense chocolate flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
- Zest fresh oranges instead of using bottled juice to ensure a bright, vibrant citrus note that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense cupcakes; stop stirring as soon as the dry and wet ingredients are just combined.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same tender crumb and delicious taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg