Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes Recipe

Dreamy Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes Recipe: Sweet Indulgence

Rich, velvety chocolate ganache cupcakes dance between decadence and pure comfort.

Creamy chocolate layers promise an indulgent experience for anyone seeking sweet bliss.

Delicate crumb meets luxurious frosting in a dessert that whispers pure elegance.

Every bite tells a story of culinary passion and carefully balanced ingredients.

Small yet mighty, these cupcakes deliver intense chocolate satisfaction with remarkable depth.

Dessert enthusiasts will find themselves enchanted by this irresistible treat that transforms an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

You can’t help but fall in love with these mini masterpieces of chocolatey perfection.

Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes: Decadence Defined

  • These chocolate ganache cupcakes are incredibly simple to make, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want a delicious dessert without complicated techniques.
  • Rich chocolate flavor and smooth ganache topping make these cupcakes a guaranteed hit at parties, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers with friends.
  • With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can whip up these decadent cupcakes in under an hour, satisfying sudden chocolate cravings with minimal effort.
  • These cupcakes work wonderfully for multiple occasions, from casual afternoon treats to elegant dessert tables at celebrations, making them a go-to recipe for any event.

Chocolate Ganache Cupcake Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental base that provides structure to the cupcakes.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the dessert.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the tender texture of the cupcakes.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the batter.
  • Milk: Provides liquid and helps create a smooth, consistent texture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cupcakes remain moist and tender.
  • Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic essence.
Ganache Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream, Chocolate Chips: Create a rich, glossy topping that adds luxurious chocolate flavor and a smooth finish to the cupcakes.

How to Pipe and Fill Ganache Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Grab your muffin tin and line it with cupcake liners.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the perfect baking environment.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine the following dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Granulated sugar

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

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until the ingredients are completely incorporated and create a smooth mixture.

Step 4: Create Cupcake Batter

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Stir gently and carefully, mixing just until the batter comes together.

Avoid overmixing to keep the cupcakes tender.

Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes

Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter.

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Craft Luxurious Chocolate Ganache

Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer.

Pour the hot cream over chocolate chips in a separate bowl.

Let the mixture sit for five minutes, then stir until you achieve a smooth, glossy ganache.

Step 7: Finish and Decorate

Allow the cupcakes to cool completely to room temperature.

Once cooled, generously top each cupcake with the rich chocolate ganache, creating a decadent and irresistible dessert.

Insider Tips for Silky Ganache Topping

  • Use exact measurements for flour and cocoa powder to ensure consistent, rich chocolate flavor and perfect texture.
  • Insert a toothpick at an angle into the cupcake center; if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, they're perfectly baked.
  • Allow cupcakes to cool completely before adding ganache to prevent melting and ensure a smooth, glossy chocolate topping.
  • Stir chocolate and cream gently to create a silky, lump-free ganache that sets beautifully on top of the cupcakes.
  • Use room temperature eggs and milk for better ingredient integration and a more even cupcake crumb.

Storing and Reheating Ganache Cupcakes

  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid for up to 4 days. Keep them in the coolest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring no air touches the ganache.
  • Leave cupcakes uncovered at room temperature for 12-24 hours maximum. Avoid humid environments that can make ganache lose its shine.
  • Gently warm refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For frozen cupcakes, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before bringing to room temperature.

Perfect Pairings for Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Rich, full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon complement the deep chocolate flavor, creating a luxurious dessert experience with their robust tannins.
  • Match with Espresso: A strong, freshly brewed espresso cuts through the ganache's richness, enhancing the chocolate's complexity and providing a delightful contrast in temperature and intensity.
  • Serve with Raspberry Coulis: Tart raspberry sauce adds a bright, fruity dimension that balances the cupcake's decadent chocolate, creating a vibrant and exciting flavor profile.
  • Accompany with Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Creamy, sweet-salty ice cream provides a cool, smooth counterpoint to the warm chocolate notes, elevating the dessert's overall indulgence.

Flavor Variations on Ganache-Filled Cupcakes

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Haven: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains rich chocolate flavor.
  • Vegan Chocolate Dream: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and substitute dairy chocolate chips with dark vegan chocolate for an animal-product-free treat.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Bliss: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and opt for sugar-free dark chocolate chips in the ganache for diabetic-friendly cupcakes.
  • Dairy-Free Chocolate Comfort: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and select dairy-free chocolate chips to create a creamy ganache suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

  • What makes ganache different from regular frosting?

Ganache is a rich mixture of chocolate and cream, creating a glossy, smooth texture that’s more decadent and intense than traditional buttercream. It has a silky consistency that hardens slightly when cooled, giving a luxurious finish to desserts.

  • Can I use different types of chocolate for ganache?

Yes! Dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate can all work beautifully. Each type will create a slightly different flavor profile – dark chocolate gives a more intense taste, milk chocolate provides a sweeter result, and semi-sweet offers a balanced flavor.

  • How do I prevent my cupcakes from becoming dry?

Avoid overmixing the batter and don’t overbake. Check cupcakes a few minutes before the recommended baking time by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re perfect. Remove from oven immediately to prevent drying out.

  • Is there a way to make these cupcakes more chocolatey?

Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients. Espresso enhances chocolate’s natural depth without making the cupcakes taste like coffee, resulting in a richer, more complex chocolate flavor.

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Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes Recipe

Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent chocolate ganache cupcakes bring rich, velvety layers of pure chocolate bliss to dessert tables. Silky ganache crowns moist chocolate cupcakes, promising delectable moments that chocolate enthusiasts will savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (170 grams) bittersweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Leavening Agents:

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Set the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a muffin tin with cupcake liners, ensuring even spacing.
  2. Sift together the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform powder mixture of flour, cocoa, baking powder, and sugar.
  3. Whisk the liquid components in a separate vessel, blending eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until thoroughly incorporated.
  4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a light texture.
  5. Distribute the batter evenly, filling each liner approximately two-thirds full to allow room for rising during baking.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and free of raw batter.
  7. For the ganache, warm heavy cream until it reaches a gentle simmer, then immediately pour over chocolate chips.
  8. Allow the cream and chocolate to rest undisturbed for five minutes, then whisk until achieving a silky, glossy consistency.
  9. Permit cupcakes to cool completely at room temperature before lavishly coating with the prepared ganache.

Notes

  • Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
  • Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips for richer, more intense flavor.
  • Avoid overmixing batter to prevent tough, dense cupcakes; mix just until ingredients are combined.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend.
  • Test cupcake doneness by gently pressing center – it should spring back when fully baked.
  • Allow ganache to cool slightly before spreading to achieve perfect spreadable consistency.
  • Store cupcakes in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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