Chocolate Brownie Cupcake Recipe (Delicious Fudgy Frosting)

Like it? Share it!

This Chocolate Brownie Cupcake Recipe is perfect for Valentine’s Day for any chocolate addict or someone with a sweet tooth. The moist chocolate cupcakes are topped with a luscious chocolate frosting, making them an immediate hit at your Valentine’s Day party!

If you are looking for fun, rich, and festive Valentine’s Cupcakes then this recipe will definitely fit the bill. This delicious cupcake has a rich chocolate flavor and frosting making the end result as sweet and creamy as they come.

Why You’ll Love These Valentine Cupcakes

• Festive and fun, these cupcakes are the perfect Valentine’s Day dessert.
• They are rich, chocolaty and so easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
• The frosting is smooth, creamy, and incredibly sweet – making it an instant hit with any chocolate lover!

If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes recipe.

Ingredients For Brownie Cupcake Recipe

Brownies

• Unsalted sweet cream butter is melted and cooled to impart a rich flavor to the brownies, while not adding any additional salt.
• Canola oil is used to ensure that the brownies remain moist.
• Sugar and light brown sugar add sweetness, with the latter providing a depth of flavor with its molasses content.
• Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile.
• Large eggs act as binding agents, ensuring the brownies hold their shape.
• Flour provides the structure for the brownies.
• Cocoa powder delivers an unmistakable chocolatey flavor.
• Kosher salt and baking powder aid in achieving the perfect texture.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips are added for an extra layer of chocolate richness.

Chocolate Cupcakes

• Triple chocolate cake mix is used as a base to infuse the cupcakes with a robust chocolate flavor.
• Large eggs, whole milk, and unsalted sweet cream butter are incorporated to create a soft, moist texture.

Chocolate Frosting

• Unsalted sweet cream butter is the foundation for a creamy and smooth frosting.
• Powdered sugar and Hershey’s cocoa powder are used to create a sweet and chocolatey flavor.
• Heavy whipping cream and pure vanilla extract are added to achieve the desired creamy consistency.
• Mini Valentine’s Day heart confetti sprinkles are included for a festive touch.

Chocolate Ganache

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream are combined to produce a rich and smooth ganache.
• Mini heart Valentine’s Day confetti sprinkles are used on top for a celebratory garnish.

Substitutions and Variations

• Use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter and more mellow cupcake.
• Instead of using ganache, you could simply top the frosting with sprinkles or sugar crystals.
• Substitute any other flavored extract for the vanilla extract called for in this recipe.
• Replace the chocolate frosting with your favorite flavor of icing (buttercream, cream cheese, etc.) to change up these delicious Valentine cupcakes.

How To Make Chocolate Brownie Cupcakes

Brownie Directions

1. Get the oven heated to 350℉  degrees and make sure a 9×13 baking pan won’t stick by spraying it with non-stick spray.
2. In a medium bowl, melt some butter.
3. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, oil, and sugar together. Add the eggs and a bit of vanilla extract into the mix.
4. In another big bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder. Slowly mix the flour mixture into the butter mixture.
5. Add chocolate chips to the batter.
6. Pour the brownie batter into the pan and bake it in the oven for 25-30 minutes. If you poke it with a toothpick and it comes out clean, it’s done.
7. Let the brownies cool off before cutting them into little squares.

Chocolate Cupcake Directions

1. Set your oven to preheat at 350℉  degrees and ensure your cupcake tin is prepared with cupcake liners.
2. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and beat them smoothly using a handheld mixer.
3. Spoon batter into the paper liners of a cupcake/muffin tin, filling each approximately ¾ of the way.
4. Allow to bake for 21 minutes in the oven and let it cool before removal from the pan.

Chocolate Frosting Directions 

1. Combine butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract in the standing mixer, ensuring it’s smooth, combined, and stiff. 
2. Transfer the prepared frosting into the piping bag and put it aside for later use.

How To Make Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat the heavy cream until boiling in a small saucepan.
2. Put the chocolate chips in a bowl, pour the hot cream over them, and wait for a minute. Stir until you get a smooth mix.
3. Fill a piping bag with the melted chocolate mix and cut off the tip (you can use a piping tip if you prefer). Drizzle the chocolate mixture over the brownies, then add sprinkles.
4. Leave it for 30 minutes to harden.

The complete list of ingredients, quantities, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

How To Assemble The Cupcakes

• Put a ring of chocolate frosting on the top of the cooled cupcakes. See (Photo 1).
• Add Valentine’s Day sprinkles to the frosting. See (Photo 2).

• Place a brownie bite in the center of the frosting. See (Photo 3). 
• Add a small amount of frosting in the center and put more heart confetti sprinkles on top. See (Photo 4).

Expert Tips 

• If the brownies are still warm when you cut them, they may crumble. Wait until they are completely cool before cutting.
• Make sure you don’t skip any detailed recipe instructions because every step is important!
• Be careful not to overmix the batter; otherwise, your cupcakes may be tough. Mix until just combined.
• For the ganache, be sure to use very good chocolate. Ghiradelli chips work well and are easy to find!

Storing Tips 

These cupcakes are best served immediately but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

These chocolate brownie cupcakes freeze well. Let the cupcakes and frosting cool completely to room temperature, then wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. The next time you want some just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

What To Serve With This Chocolate Brownie Cupcake Recipe

These Chocolate Brownie Cupcakes are a delight on their own, but they pair exceptionally well with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk. If you’re serving them for a special occasion, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgent treat. 

You can also serve them alongside a fruit plate, as the fresh, tangy flavors of fruits like strawberries or raspberries complement the rich, chocolatey goodness of these cupcakes.

Recipe FAQs

More Great Valentine’s Day Recipes You Will Love

• Mickey Tye Dye Cookies
• Godiva Chocolate Whoopie Pies
• Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
• Valentine’s Day Popcorn Mix
• Valentine’s Message Cookies
• Italian Ricotta Cookies
• Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Cake Balls
• Heart Shaped Brownies

Like it? Share it!