Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes Recipe

Irresistibly Sweet Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes Recipe

Sweet chocolate raspberry cupcakes promise a delightful dessert adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Decadent cocoa swirls with bright berry notes create a sophisticated flavor profile.

Delicate crumbs melt on your tongue, revealing layers of rich complexity.

Passionate bakers understand the magic of combining classic chocolate with vibrant raspberries.

Each bite tells a story of indulgence and careful crafting.

Simple ingredients come together to produce an extraordinary treat that feels both comfortable and exciting.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of these irresistible cupcakes.

Variations for Valentine or Date Night Vibes

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains rich chocolate flavor.
  • Vegan Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes: Substitute egg with flax egg, use coconut milk instead of buttermilk, and swap vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Replace granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the intense chocolate taste.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use almond milk or oat milk in place of buttermilk, and select a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil to create a lactose-free cupcake that's still moist and decadent.

Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes Q&A

  • Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. This creates a similar tangy flavor and helps activate the baking soda.

  • Why does the recipe include hot coffee?

Hot coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor and helps create a rich, moist texture in the cupcakes. The heat also helps bloom the cocoa powder, making the chocolate taste deeper and more complex.

  • How do I know when the cupcakes are perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cupcakes are done. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the cupcakes dry.

  • Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just wait to add any frosting or raspberry decoration until right before serving.

Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes That Wow

  • Minimal effort required to create delectable chocolate raspberry cupcakes with simple ingredient mixing and straightforward instructions.
  • Perfect for casual gatherings, birthday parties, potlucks, or weekend family treats that appeal to chocolate and raspberry lovers of all ages.
  • Rich chocolate base complemented by tangy raspberry creates a sophisticated yet comforting taste experience that elevates traditional cupcake recipes.
  • Preparation takes approximately 30 minutes, with minimal baking time of 18-20 minutes, making it an ideal dessert for busy home bakers seeking delicious results without complex techniques.

Must-Have Ingredients for Rich, Fruity Cupcakes

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Cocoa Powder: Essential dry components for creating a rich, moist chocolate cupcake with deep flavor.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness in the cupcake.
Sweeteners:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a tender cake texture.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and creates a soft, tender crumb in the cupcakes.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure to the cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the chocolate flavor.
  • Buttermilk: Provides tanginess and helps create a tender, moist texture.
Liquid Ingredient:
  • Hot Coffee: Intensifies chocolate flavor and creates a more complex, rich taste profile.

How to Bake and Fill These Sweet Treats

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Grab a 12-cup muffin tin and line it with cupcake liners. Fire up the oven to 350F (175C), creating the perfect warm environment for your delicious treats.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and free of lumps.

Step 3: Introduce Moisture

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

Gently mix until the ingredients just come together, avoiding overmixing.

Step 4: Add Liquid Magic

Slowly stream in hot coffee, stirring continuously. The batter will transform into a silky, thin consistency that promises rich flavor.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Distribute the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Slide the tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Prepare

Allow cupcakes to cool completely before adding any frosting or toppings. This ensures they’ll hold their shape and absorb additional flavors perfectly.

Tips for Balancing Cocoa and Berry Notes

  • Brew Coffee Perfectly: Use fresh, hot coffee to enhance the rich chocolate flavor and create a more intense, moist cupcake.
  • Preserve Raspberry Freshness: Add fresh raspberries at the last moment to prevent bleeding and maintain their vibrant color and texture.
  • Prevent Dry Cupcakes: Mix batter just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough, dry cupcakes.
  • Control Sweetness Level: Adjust sugar quantity based on the sweetness of fresh raspberries and personal preference.
  • Boost Chocolate Intensity: Select high-quality cocoa powder for a deeper, more robust chocolate flavor in your cupcakes.

How to Keep Cupcakes Tasting Bakery-Fresh

  • Store cooled cupcakes in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
  • Remove frozen cupcakes from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving. Remove plastic wrap to prevent condensation.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed cupcakes briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, fresh texture. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out.

Drinks and Desserts to Serve Alongside

  • Complement the chocolate's depth with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, enhancing the dessert's complex flavor profile.
  • Create a refreshing contrast by adding a scoop of tangy raspberry sorbet, intensifying the fruity notes in the cupcake.
  • Brew a smooth espresso to accentuate the coffee undertones in the cupcake, providing a delightful bitter-sweet balance.
  • Sprinkle chopped fresh mint leaves on top to add a bright, herbal dimension that cuts through the rich chocolate and raspberry flavors.
Print
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Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes Recipe

Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes Recipe


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4.9 from 25 reviews

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

Description

Sweet chocolate raspberry cupcakes blend rich cocoa with tangy berries in a delightful dessert masterpiece. Moist chocolate bases topped with creamy raspberry frosting promise a luxurious treat that delights taste buds and brings pure culinary joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes

Primary Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup (180 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup (35 grams) cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (110 grams) brown sugar (packed)

Liquid and Supporting Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk (room temperature)
  • ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) hot coffee (or hot water for less intensity)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients and Stabilizers:

  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Raspberry Filling:

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (dissolved in 1 tablespoon water)

For the Raspberry Buttercream:

  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 ½ cups (300 grams) powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 3 tablespoons raspberry puree (from filling, cooled)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk (optional, to adjust consistency)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by positioning an oven rack in the center and warming it to 350F (175C). Arrange cupcake liners inside a standard muffin tin.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all dry components – flour, cocoa powder, leavening agents, salt, and both sugar varieties – using a whisk to eliminate potential lumps.
  3. Incorporate liquid ingredients including vegetable oil, egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Blend gently until ingredients are just integrated, avoiding overmixing.
  4. Gradually stream hot coffee into the batter, stirring consistently to create a smooth, slightly runny texture.
  5. Using a measuring scoop or spoon, distribute batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow proper rising.
  6. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center of a cupcake – it should emerge without raw batter.
  7. Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely within the tin, which helps maintain their delicate structure before potential frosting or garnishing.

Notes

  • Achieve a moist texture by using buttermilk, which helps tenderize the cake and adds a subtle tangy flavor to the chocolate base.
  • Enhance the raspberry element by gently folding fresh or frozen raspberries into the batter just before baking for bursts of fruity goodness.
  • Prevent overmixing the batter to ensure light and fluffy cupcakes, stopping when ingredients are just combined to avoid developing tough gluten.
  • Customize for dietary needs by substituting vegetable oil with applesauce, using gluten-free flour blend, or replacing eggs with flax eggs for vegan options.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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