Devil's Food Cupcake Explosion

Name: Devil's Food Cupcake Explosion
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 cup 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; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/4 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Recipes

I absolutely love these Devil's Food Cupcakes, and I'm excited to share my recipe with you! The combination of rich chocolate and an explosion of creamy filling is simply irresistible. Every bite feels like a decadent treat, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. I also enjoy adding a touch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor. These cupcakes are great for celebrations or just an indulgent afternoon snack. Trust me, once you try them, you'll understand why I can't get enough!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-07T17:34:27.251Z

Making these cupcakes has been a delightful journey for me. I started experimenting with different chocolate cake recipes, and the Devil's Food variety quickly became my favorite. The secret is in the quality of cocoa you choose; I always opt for a high-quality dark cocoa for that deep, intense flavor that truly elevates my cupcakes.

Another tip I discovered is how to create the perfect filling. I like to use a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream to achieve a light and fluffy center that contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate cupcake. It’s been a game changer for me and I can't help but smile when I serve these beauties to friends and family!

Why You'll Love These Cupcakes
Decadent chocolate flavor that satisfies any craving
Irresistible creamy filling for an extra surprise
Perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or just because!

Cupcake Technique Tips

When it comes to baking these Devil's Food Cupcakes, ensuring the batter is mixed properly is crucial for achieving a light and airy texture. After combining the dry ingredients, make sure to beat the wet ingredients thoroughly with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. This aerates the batter and helps create that soft, tender crumb that will elevate your cupcakes.

One common challenge with cupcakes is overmixing the batter, which can lead to dense cupcakes. It's important to mix just until the ingredients are incorporated. Be mindful of the texture; it should be smooth but not overworked, resembling a thick liquid yet still pourable. If you notice lumps, that’s usually fine—as long as they’re not dry flour patches.

Filling and Frosting Essentials

The cream cheese filling is a delightful surprise inside your cupcakes, but achieving the right consistency is key. When whipping the heavy cream, pay attention to the formation of soft peaks; this stage ensures that the filling remains light and fluffy. If you accidentally whip the cream too much, it can turn grainy and lose its airy texture; so stop mixing as soon as peaks begin to form.

For the frosting, it's essential to beat the butter until it becomes fluffy and pale, which can take up to 5 minutes. This step not only improves the texture but also ensures the frosting is spreadable. If it becomes too firm, adding a tablespoon of milk at a time will help loosen it to the perfect consistency for spreading over your cupcakes.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start to make the process smoother!

For the Cupcakes

1 cup 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
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to measure carefully for the best outcomes!

Instructions

Let's walk through the steps together!

Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add in the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Beat the mixture until smooth and well combined.

Bake the Cupcakes

Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter. Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.

Assemble the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are cool, use a knife or cupcake corer to remove the center of each cupcake. Fill each cavity with the cream cheese filling and replace the tops.

Frost the Cupcakes

In another bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until fluffy. Frost each cupcake with the chocolate frosting, adding any decorative touches as desired.

Enjoy your delicious cupcakes!

Pro Tips

For an extra twist, try adding a pinch of espresso powder to your batter to intensify the chocolate flavor. Also, letting the cupcakes sit for a few hours before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in these Devil's Food Cupcakes plays a vital role, particularly the cocoa powder and the buttermilk. The cocoa powder imparts a rich chocolate flavor, while the buttermilk adds moisture and enhances the overall taste. You can replace buttermilk with a homemade version by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, allowing it to sit for 5-10 minutes, which will simulate the tangy flavor.

If you prefer a lighter frosting, consider substituting some of the butter with cream cheese, creating a tangy twist on the classic chocolate frosting. This not only reduces the richness, but also complements the chocolate of the cupcake, providing a sweet yet slightly tart finish.

Storing and Serving Tips

To keep your cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Make sure they are well-wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture and flavor.

These cupcakes are fun to decorate! Consider garnishing them with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or even a dollop of whipped cream on top of the frosting. Present them on a decorative platter for special occasions, or package them in colorful boxes featuring a small tag for gifting, ensuring they look as delightful as they taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

→ How do I store leftover cupcakes?

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

→ Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Absolutely! You can freeze the unfilled and unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before filling and frosting.

→ What can I use instead of cream cheese for the filling?

You can use mascarpone cheese or a non-dairy cream cheese alternative if you're looking for a different flavor or a dairy-free option.