Chocolate Cupcakes with Blackberry Buttercream Recipe
Delight in these rich and moist chocolate cupcakes topped with a vibrant, tangy blackberry buttercream frosting. The combination of semi-sweet chocolate and fresh blackberries with a hint of lime creates a sophisticated dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cupcakes
- 2 1/2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 6 tablespoons unbleached flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 + 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
Blackberry Buttercream
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 drop almond extract
- Handful clean blackberries (12-15 berries)
- 1/4 teaspoon lime zest
- Lime juice, to taste
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat the oven to 350°. Place 4 paper liners along the outside edge of a cupcake pan. Gather ingredients to make cupcakes.
- Melt chocolate mixture: Add the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and canola oil to a medium bowl. Melt in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each to ensure smooth melting. Let cool slightly.
- Combine sugar and vanilla: Once the chocolate mixture is cooled, add the sugar and vanilla extract then whisk until fully blended.
- Add egg: Beat in the large egg until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Add this to the chocolate mixture and stir gently until evenly incorporated.
- Bake cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cupcake liners. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare buttercream ingredients: Gather all ingredients for the blackberry buttercream.
- Beat butter and flavorings: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter, almond extract, and lime zest together until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy.
- Incorporate blackberries: Add the blackberries to the buttercream and beat vigorously to break up the berries. For a smoother frosting, mash and strain the berries beforehand to remove seeds.
- Adjust flavor with lime juice: Add lime juice to taste to enhance the blackberry sweetness. For best flavor and texture, chill the frosting in the refrigerator for a few hours before spreading on the cooled cupcakes.
Notes
- To avoid crunchy seeds in the frosting, mash the blackberries and strain before adding.
- The frosting improves in texture and flavor if chilled for several hours or overnight.
- You can substitute canola oil with vegetable oil or melted coconut oil if preferred.
- Use paper liners to prevent cupcakes from sticking and for easy removal.
- Ensure the melted chocolate is not too hot before mixing with egg to avoid scrambling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake with frosting
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: chocolate cupcakes, blackberry buttercream, chocolate dessert, easy cupcake recipe, fruit frosting