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Cream-Filled Chocolate Cupcakes with vanilla cream filling and chocolate ganache topping, cut open to show center

Cream-Filled Chocolate Cupcakes

5 from 1 vote
These rich Cream-Filled Chocolate Cupcakes hide a cloud of vanilla cream and are finished with a glossy chocolate topping.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Cooling & chilling 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 32 minutes
Servings: 15 Cupcakes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Baking
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour spooned and leveled for accuracy
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder natural not Dutch-processed
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda for lift
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder for extra rise
  • ½ teaspoon salt fine to balance sweetness
  • cup vegetable oil neutral flavored
  • 1 cup granulated sugar white sugar for sweetness
  • 1 large egg room temperature for better mixing
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure not imitation
  • ½ cup buttermilk room temperature for moisture
  • ½ cup hot coffee or hot water very hot to bloom cocoa
  • 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate finely chopped for easy melting
  • cup heavy cream full-fat for smooth ganache
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 2 cups powdered sugar sifted if lumpy
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream for a fluffy texture
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract for flavoring the filling
  • 1 pinch salt to balance sweetness

Method
 

  1. Set the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a muffin pan with paper liners, preparing a second pan if needed for all the batter.
  2. Stir the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl until evenly blended.
  3. In another bowl, whisk the oil, sugar, egg, vanilla, and buttermilk until smooth and unified.
  4. Combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients, pour in the hot coffee or water, and whisk until a thin, smooth batter forms.
  5. Divide the batter between the liners, filling each only about two-thirds full to prevent overflow.
  6. Bake the cupcakes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 20–22 minutes.
  7. Let the cupcakes rest in the pan briefly, then move them to a rack and allow them to cool completely before filling.
  8. Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl, then heat the cream until just beginning to steam and pour it over the chocolate.
  9. Let the mixture sit for a couple of minutes, then slowly stir until fully smooth and glossy, and refrigerate until thickened.
  10. Beat the softened butter until creamy, then add the powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, and salt and whip until very light and fluffy.
  11. Cut a small cone-shaped piece from the center of each cooled cupcake to create a pocket for the filling.
  12. Spoon or pipe the vanilla cream into each cavity, trim the cake plugs, and gently set them back over the filling.
  13. Spread a thick layer of the set ganache over each cupcake, letting it settle into a smooth, fudge-like top.
  14. If desired, pipe a small swirl of the remaining cream on top for decoration, then serve or chill until ready to enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 110gCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 5gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 260mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 3gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 9IUCalcium: 6mgIron: 12mg

Notes

The contrast between the fluffy center and the silky chocolate top makes these cupcakes unforgettable, especially when shared. They’re the kind of treat that disappears fast and gets requested again and again.

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