Decadent Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes Recipe

Dive into Decadent Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes Recipe Today

Chocolate lovers swoon over these irresistible chocolate ganache cupcakes that blend rich, velvety chocolate with a silky smooth ganache filling.

Every delectable bite promises pure indulgence and culinary magic.

The tender crumb melts on your tongue, creating an explosion of deep cocoa flavors.

These cupcakes bring restaurant-quality dessert right to your kitchen with surprising ease.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike will appreciate the elegant simplicity of this recipe.

Layers of intense chocolate and creamy ganache transform an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary treat that will impress everyone at the table.

Prepare to elevate your baking skills and treat yourself to a truly luxurious chocolate experience.

Decadent Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes Explained

  • Craft Delicious Mini Pizzas: Perfectly sized treats that bring joy to lunchboxes and snack times.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Only two ingredients create the pizza dough, making this recipe super simple and budget-friendly for busy families.
  • Kid-Friendly Cooking Adventure: Engage children in the kitchen by letting them cut out dough rounds and choose their favorite toppings, turning meal preparation into a fun bonding experience.
  • Quick Customization Potential: Swap pepperoni for ham, add veggies, or experiment with different cheeses to match individual taste preferences and keep meals exciting.

Ingredients Needed For Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A classic baking staple that provides structure to the cupcakes.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and rich dark color to the dessert.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cupcake texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Contributes moisture and a subtle caramel-like flavor to the batter.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the cupcakes rise and become light.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall sweet flavor profile.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Buttermilk: Provides tanginess and helps create a moist, tender crumb.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cupcakes remain soft and prevents dryness.
  • Eggs: Act as a binding agent and contribute to the cupcake's structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic background flavor.
  • Hot Water, Brewed Coffee: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and creates a richer taste.
Ganache Ingredients:
  • Dark Chocolate: Forms the base of the rich, silky ganache filling and topping.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, creamy texture for the ganache.
  • Butter: Adds shine and richness to the ganache mixture.

Step-By-Step Chocolate Ganache Cupcake Baking

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Space

Warm up the oven to 350F. Line a muffin tin with colorful cupcake liners.

This sets the stage for delicious chocolate magic.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Blend these ingredients until perfectly combined and lump-free.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Pour in:
  • Buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Stir everything until the batter becomes silky smooth. Gently fold in hot water or brewed coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Step 4: Bake Cupcake Bases

Fill each cupcake liner about three-quarters full with the batter. Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Craft Luxurious Chocolate Ganache

Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until steaming but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over finely chopped dark chocolate and let it rest for two minutes.

Stir until the mixture becomes perfectly smooth. Add butter and mix until the ganache looks glossy and irresistible.

Step 6: Chill Ganache

Let the ganache cool slightly, then refrigerate for 10-15 minutes until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.

Step 7: Fill Cupcake Centers

Carefully cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake.

Fill these pockets with the rich ganache.

Step 8: Decorate and Finish

Spread or pipe additional ganache on top of each cupcake.

Create swirls, peaks, or smooth tops – let your creativity shine!

Expert Advice On Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes

  • Add a pinch of espresso powder to the batter to intensify the chocolate flavor without making the cupcakes taste like coffee.
  • Let ganache cool at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before spreading to achieve the ideal consistency for smooth, glossy coverage.
  • Do not overmix the batter; stir just until ingredients are combined to keep cupcakes tender and soft.
  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week to maintain freshness.
  • Replace buttermilk with dairy-free milk mixed with apple cider vinegar and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a vegan-friendly version.

Different Spins On Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes

  • Vegan Chocolate Bliss: Replace eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use dairy-free dark chocolate, and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a plant-based ganache.
  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Dream: Swap all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
  • Espresso Chocolate Kick: Enhance the chocolate flavor by using strong espresso instead of hot water, adding depth and richness to the cupcake base.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Option: Use sugar alternatives like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and opt for dark chocolate with higher cocoa content to reduce overall sugar content.

Foods That Pair Well With Chocolate Cupcakes

  • Pair Dessert Wine: Complement the rich chocolate ganache with a sweet Porto or Madeira wine, enhancing the deep cocoa flavors and providing a luxurious tasting experience.
  • Brew Espresso Companion: Serve a strong, freshly pulled espresso shot alongside the cupcakes, cutting through the ganache's richness and intensifying the chocolate's complex notes.
  • Match Creamy Liqueur: Sip a smooth Bailey's Irish Cream or chocolate liqueur that echoes the ganache's velvety texture and adds an extra layer of indulgent sweetness.
  • Enhance Sparkling Contrast: Add a crisp champagne or prosecco to cleanse the palate between bites, providing a light, bubbly counterpoint to the dense chocolate cupcake.

Keeping Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes Fresh Longer

  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Keep at room temperature for 1-2 days in a sealed container, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Warm refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

  • Why use buttermilk in this recipe?

Buttermilk helps create a moist, tender cupcake texture and adds a subtle tangy flavor that enhances the chocolate’s richness.

  • Can I substitute dark chocolate for milk chocolate in the ganache?

While possible, dark chocolate provides a deeper, less sweet flavor that complements the cupcake’s richness better than milk chocolate.

  • What's the purpose of adding hot water or coffee to the batter?

Hot liquid helps bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor and creating a more robust, deeper chocolate taste in the cupcakes.

  • How do I know when the ganache is the right consistency for filling?

The ganache should be smooth and slightly thickened but still pourable, allowing it to easily fill the cupcake centers without being too runny or too stiff.

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Decadent Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes Recipe

Decadent Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes Recipe


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4.5 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Chocolate lovers rejoice with these mouthwatering chocolate ganache cupcakes, a divine dessert that melts hearts and satisfies sweet cravings. Rich chocolate layers and silky ganache create an indulgent experience you’ll savor down to the last delectable crumb.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk

Sweeteners:

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup hot water or brewed coffee

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and arrange cupcake liners in a muffin tin.
  2. Combine dry ingredients including flour, cocoa powder, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Incorporate wet ingredients: buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter becomes uniformly smooth.
  4. Gently fold in hot water or brewed coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor.
  5. Distribute batter evenly, filling each liner approximately three-quarters full.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
  7. Transfer cupcakes to a wire rack and allow complete cooling.
  8. Create ganache by heating heavy cream in a saucepan until steaming, avoiding boiling.
  9. Pour hot cream over chopped dark chocolate and let rest for 2 minutes.
  10. Whisk the mixture until achieving a glossy, uniform consistency, then blend in butter.
  11. Refrigerate ganache for 10-15 minutes to achieve a slightly thickened texture.
  12. Carefully hollow out the center of each cupcake using a small knife.
  13. Fill the cupcake centers with prepared ganache.
  14. Generously coat or pipe additional ganache on top for a decadent finish.

Notes

  • Ensure buttermilk is at room temperature for smoother batter consistency and better cupcake texture.
  • Replace hot water with strong brewed coffee to enhance the deep chocolate flavor without adding extra moisture.
  • Use high-quality dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content for rich, intense ganache that elevates the overall taste experience.
  • When filling cupcake liners, use an ice cream scoop for uniform size and even baking, preventing uneven or overflowing cupcakes.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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