Indulge in the rich, chocolatey goodness of brownie cupcakes, a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts. These treats are perfect for any occasion, offering a moist and fudgy interior with a slightly crisp exterior. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and guarantees delicious results.
Most of the ingredients for this brownie cupcake recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually bake, you might need to pick up unsweetened cocoa powder and vanilla extract from the supermarket. These ingredients are essential for achieving the rich chocolate flavor and aromatic sweetness that make these cupcakes irresistible.
Ingredients For Brownie Cupcake Recipe
Melted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cupcakes.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a tender texture.
Eggs: Provide structure and stability to the cupcakes.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the cupcakes their deep chocolate flavor.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the batter, providing structure.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and become fluffy.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When mixing the melted butter and sugar, ensure that the butter is not too hot, as this can cook the eggs when added. Allow the butter to cool slightly after melting. This will help in achieving a smooth and well-combined mixture, which is crucial for the texture of your brownie cupcakes.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
melted unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture level, adding a slight coconut flavor.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a caramel-like flavor.
large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor profile.
unsweetened cocoa powder - Substitute with carob powder: Carob powder is naturally sweeter and caffeine-free, offering a similar texture and color.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour is gluten-free and adds a nutty flavor, though it may make the texture denser.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a more complex flavor profile.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Mix ¼ teaspoon of baking soda with ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar to replace 1 teaspoon of baking powder. This combination will help the cupcakes rise.
Alternative Recipes to Try
How to Store / Freeze Your Cupcakes
- To keep your brownie cupcakes fresh and delightful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days.
- If you want to extend their shelf life, place the cupcakes in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week, but make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.
- For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, then place them in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- When you're ready to enjoy a frozen brownie cupcake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. For a quicker option, you can microwave the cupcake on a low setting for 20-30 seconds.
- If you plan to frost your brownie cupcakes, it's best to do so after thawing. This ensures the frosting remains fresh and doesn't get compromised during the freezing and thawing process.
- For added freshness, consider placing a slice of bread in the container with your cupcakes. The bread will absorb any excess moisture, keeping your brownie cupcakes from becoming too dry.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the brownie cupcakes on a baking sheet.
- Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- Enjoy your dessert as if it were freshly baked!
Microwave Method:
- Place a brownie cupcake on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
- Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
- Check the temperature and heat in 10-second intervals if needed.
- Relish the gooey, warm treat!
Steamer Method:
- Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
- Place the brownie cupcakes in the basket, ensuring they don't touch the water.
- Cover and steam for about 5 minutes.
- Carefully remove and let them cool slightly before devouring.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the brownie cupcakes in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through.
- Savor the crispy edges and warm, fudgy center!
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) to bake the brownie cupcakes.
Muffin tin: Holds the cupcake liners and batter during baking.
Cupcake liners: Line the muffin tin to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Whisk: Mixes the ingredients together until smooth.
Sifter: Sifts the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder to remove lumps and ensure even distribution.
Spatula: Stirs the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Measuring cups: Measure the butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and flour accurately.
Measuring spoons: Measure the vanilla extract, salt, and baking powder precisely.
Toothpick: Tests the doneness of the cupcakes by inserting into the center.
Wire rack: Cools the cupcakes completely after baking.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting to save time during the baking process.
Use a mixer: Use an electric mixer to quickly combine butter and sugar, ensuring a smooth mixture.
Melt butter in microwave: Melt the butter in the microwave instead of on the stove to save a few minutes.
Sift dry ingredients together: Sift the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder together in one step to streamline the process.
Use a cookie scoop: Use a cookie scoop to evenly distribute the batter into the cupcake liners, ensuring uniform cupcakes.
Brownie Cupcake Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the bowl, and whisk until smooth.
- Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
Check out these recipes too!
- Teriyaki Chicken Wraps Recipe35 Minutes
- Spinach Feta Crescents Recipe25 Minutes
- Chicken Caesar Wraps Recipe25 Minutes
- Quinoa Sweet Potato Burgers Recipe45 Minutes
- Chicken Quesadillas Recipe25 Minutes
- Mango Salsa Shrimp Tacos Recipe25 Minutes
- Chicken Tacos Recipe35 Minutes
- Green Smoothie Recipe5 Minutes
- Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe5 Minutes
- Chocolate Almond Overnight Oats Recipe10 Minutes
- Zucchini Noodles Pesto Recipe15 Minutes
- Spinach Feta Muffins Recipe40 Minutes
Leave a Reply