Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes

Decadent chocolate cupcakes topped with creamy raspberry buttercream frosting and fresh raspberries for the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes combine the rich, deep flavor of moist chocolate cake with a vibrant, tangy raspberry buttercream frosting. The fresh raspberry garnish adds a burst of freshness, making these cupcakes both indulgent and refreshing. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you want a luscious, fruity chocolate treat.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cupcakes:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup boiling water

For the Raspberry Buttercream Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup raspberry puree (fresh or store-bought)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For Garnish:

Fresh raspberries

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Cupcakes

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth. Gradually add boiling water, mixing until batter is well combined (batter will be thin). Pour batter into liners about 2/3 full. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Raspberry Buttercream Frosting

In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, raspberry puree, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes). Adjust consistency by adding more powdered sugar or a little milk if needed.

Assemble the Cupcakes

Pipe or spread a swirl of raspberry buttercream frosting onto each cooled cupcake. Garnish with a fresh raspberry.

Serve

Enjoy these rich and fruity chocolate raspberry cupcakes at any occasion!

Servings and timing

Makes 12 cupcakes
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per cupcake

Variations

• Use frozen raspberries, thawed and pureed, if fresh are unavailable.
• Add a small spoonful of raspberry jam inside each cupcake before frosting.
• Substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer cake.
• Top with chocolate shavings or sprinkles alongside raspberries.
• Make mini cupcakes for bite-sized treats.

Storage/Reheating

Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving. Do not freeze cupcakes with buttercream frosting.

FAQs

Can I use a boxed chocolate cake mix?

Yes, but the homemade recipe offers deeper flavor and moistness.

How do I make raspberry puree?

Blend fresh or thawed raspberries until smooth and strain to remove seeds if desired.

Can I make frosting without fresh raspberries?

Use store-bought raspberry puree or substitute with other berry purees.

What piping tip is best for frosting?

A large star or round tip creates beautiful swirls.

Can I use dairy-free butter?

Yes, choose a dairy-free butter substitute suitable for frosting.

Can I prepare cupcakes ahead?

Bake and cool cupcakes in advance; frost shortly before serving.

How do I prevent frosting from melting?

Keep cupcakes refrigerated until serving, especially in warm climates.

Can I add alcohol flavor?

Add a splash of raspberry liqueur or vanilla extract to frosting for extra flavor.

Are these cupcakes kid-friendly?

Yes, they’re a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Can I substitute milk with plant-based milk?

Yes, use almond, oat, or soy milk as preferred.

Conclusion

Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes are an irresistible treat that marry rich chocolate cake with vibrant raspberry buttercream. Their balance of sweet and tart flavors, combined with moist texture and beautiful presentation, make them ideal for any celebration or simply as a delightful homemade dessert.

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