Decadent Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes Recipe

Heavenly Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Decadent chocolate meets tangy raspberry in these irresistible chocolate raspberry cupcakes that burst with rich, velvety flavor.

The combination of deep cocoa and bright fruit creates a dessert that dances between indulgent and refreshing.

Each bite promises a delightful surprise with swirls of raspberry nestled into moist chocolate cake.

Luxurious and smooth chocolate buttercream crowns these delectable treats, adding an extra layer of pure bliss.

The fresh raspberries scattered on top provide a vibrant pop of color and a zesty contrast to the sweet base.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this recipe with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

These cupcakes are sure to become a cherished favorite at any gathering, so roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake pure magic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 13

Raspberry Cupcake Essentials

For Dry Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb for cupcake base, choose unbleached flour for best texture.
  • Dutch Process Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor, select high-quality cocoa for rich color and taste.
  • Baking Powder: Helps cupcakes rise and become fluffy, ensure it's fresh for maximum lift.
  • Baking Soda: Neutralizes acidic ingredients and promotes browning, check expiration date.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine table salt.
  • Espresso Powder: Intensifies chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste, optional but recommended.
For Wet Base Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, tender texture, soften at room temperature for smooth mixing.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create tender crumb, white sugar works best.
  • Egg, Egg Yolk: Provide structure, moisture, and richness, use room temperature eggs.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, comforting flavor, choose pure vanilla for best taste.
  • Whole Milk: Adds moisture and tenderness, room temperature milk blends easily.
  • Sour Cream: Creates tangy flavor and extra moisture, ensure it's at room temperature.
For Filling And Topping Ingredients:
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Creates smooth ganache, choose good quality chocolate for best results.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps create glossy chocolate ganache, use fresh cream.
  • Raspberry Preserves: Adds fruity burst of flavor, select seedless for smooth texture.

Tools for Chocolate Raspberry Cupcake Bliss

  • Cupcake Pan: 12-cup standard muffin tin for perfectly sized cupcakes.
  • Cupcake Liners: Prevents sticking and makes serving easier.
  • Mixing Bowls: Medium-sized for combining dry and wet ingredients.
  • Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, creating fluffy texture.
  • Whisk: Helps sift and mix dry ingredients smoothly.
  • Wire Rack: Allows cupcakes to cool evenly without soggy bottoms.
  • Sifter: Ensures lumps are removed from dry ingredients.
  • Piping Bag: Creates beautiful buttercream swirls on top of cupcakes.
  • Offset Spatula or Corer: Helps remove center of cupcakes for filling.
  • Saucepan: For heating cream when making ganache.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise ingredient measurements.

Instructions for Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes

Chocolate Raspberry Cupcake Adventure

  • Oven Warmup Cozy kitchen preparation begins by setting the oven to a toasty 350°F and nestling cute paper liners into a cupcake pan.
  • Dry Ingredient Magic combining cocoa, flour, and other powdery companions creates the foundation for incredible chocolate magic.
  • Wet Ingredient Harmony blending sugar, butter, eggs, and creamy additions transforms ordinary ingredients into a silky smooth batter that promises deliciousness.
  • Baking Transformation carefully distributing batter into cupcake homes and letting the oven work its wonder creates perfectly risen, tender cupcakes that will make taste buds dance.
  • Chocolate Ganache Surprise melting chocolate with warm cream and swirling in raspberry preserves creates a luscious filling that adds unexpected depth and excitement.
  • Raspberry Buttercream Dream whipping butter with powdered sugar and crushed freeze-dried raspberries produces a vibrant, fluffy topping that brings playful color and intense flavor.
  • Cupcake Assembly delicate coring, filling with ganache, and crowning each cupcake with raspberry buttercream turns simple ingredients into an elegant dessert experience that celebrates chocolate and raspberry's romantic partnership.

Creative Tips for Cupcake Flavors

  • Cupcake Texture Perfection: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother, more evenly mixed batter that creates light, tender cupcakes with a delicate crumb.
  • Raspberry Boost Trick: Enhance the raspberry flavor by adding a splash of raspberry extract to the buttercream or ganache for an extra intense fruit profile that makes these cupcakes truly spectacular.
  • Storage Secret: Keep these cupcakes fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Always bring to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full depth of flavors.
  • Decoration Wow Factor: Get creative with garnishes by sprinkling crushed freeze-dried raspberries on top, adding chocolate shavings, or creating a delicate chocolate drizzle to elevate the visual appeal and taste experience.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cupcake batter and freeze unfilled cupcakes for up to 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature, then fill and frost when ready to serve, making party prep a breeze and ensuring fresh-tasting treats.

Presentation Ideas for Raspberry Cupcakes

  • Dessert Centerpiece Magic: Create a stunning display by arranging cupcakes on a multi-tiered cake stand, garnishing with fresh raspberries and delicate chocolate shavings for an elegant presentation.
  • Decadent Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a small glass of dessert wine to elevate the tasting experience and complement the rich chocolate and tangy raspberry flavors.
  • Gifting Gourmet Style: Package individual cupcakes in clear gift boxes with a ribbon, making them a thoughtful homemade treat for birthdays, anniversaries, or as a sweet surprise for someone special.
  • Afternoon Tea Delight: Incorporate these cupcakes into a sophisticated tea party spread, matching them with complementary tea flavors like Earl Grey or raspberry herbal blend for a luxurious afternoon indulgence.

Keep Cupcakes Fresh for Later

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore their perfect texture and softness.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and flavor.
  • Ganache Care: Keep leftover chocolate ganache in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Gently reheat in short microwave bursts or using a double boiler when ready to use again, stirring until smooth.
  • Buttercream Brilliance: Store raspberry buttercream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using, let it come to room temperature and re-whip briefly to restore its creamy consistency and vibrant color.
Print
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Decadent Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes Recipe

Decadent Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Delightful chocolate raspberry cupcakes deliver rich cocoa flavors paired with tart berry notes. Silky ganache and fresh raspberries crown these elegant desserts that let bakers showcase culinary creativity.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ¾ cup (168g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (195g) powdered sugar
  • ½ cup (16g) freeze-dried raspberries, ground
  • ¼ cup (85g) raspberry preserves
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 4 oz (113g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • ¼ cup + 2 tbsps (90 ml) heavy cream
  • ¼ cup (85g) raspberry preserves
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup + 1 tbsp (25g) Dutch process cocoa powder
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated white sugar
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp espresso powder
  • ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 egg, at room temperature
  • 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, at room temperature
  • ¼ cup (61g) sour cream, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with 12 paper liners.
  2. Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder into a bowl, setting aside for later use.
  3. Creaming: Utilize an electric mixer to blend sugar and butter until light, airy, and smooth, creating an ideal base for the cupcake batter.
  4. Wet Ingredients Integration: Incorporate egg, additional egg yolk, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, mixing thoroughly until well combined, then gently fold in milk and sour cream on low speed.
  5. Batter Composition: Carefully fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to preserve a tender cupcake texture, then distribute evenly among cupcake liners, filling each approximately three-quarters full.
  6. Baking Process: Bake for 17-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, then cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Ganache Creation: Heat heavy cream until steaming, pour over chopped chocolate, allow to sit for 2 minutes, then stir until achieving a silky smooth consistency, folding in raspberry preserves to create a rich, fruity filling.
  8. Buttercream Preparation: Cream butter with a pinch of salt, gradually add powdered sugar, ground freeze-dried raspberries, additional raspberry preserves, and vanilla extract, beating until light, fluffy, and vibrant with raspberry flavor.
  9. Cupcake Assembly: Once cooled, carefully core the center of each cupcake, fill with chocolate-raspberry ganache, pipe raspberry buttercream generously on top, and garnish with a fresh raspberry for an elegant finish.

Notes

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir dry and wet ingredients just until combined to keep cupcakes tender and light, avoiding a tough, dense texture.
  • Temperature Matters: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother blending and better incorporation of ingredients.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Use the toothpick test to confirm cupcakes are fully baked, inserting it into the center and looking for a clean removal.
  • Cooling is Crucial: Allow cupcakes to cool completely before filling and frosting to prevent melting and maintain structural integrity.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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