Super chocolatey with a deliciously gooey center, these Double Chocolate Brownie Cupcakes will be your new favorite dessert!
Indulge in Pure Bliss: Double Chocolate Brownie Cupcakes with a Gooey Center
Happy Monday, everyone! Although for me, this particular Monday isn’t quite as ‘happy’ as I transition back to reality. I’m currently packing up to head home to the chilly embrace of Philadelphia, bidding a fond farewell to the glorious 85-degree sunshine of Naples, Florida. Oh, what a stark contrast!
My recent trip was exactly what I needed – a blissful few days spent with my wonderful mom. The weather was simply perfect, the company was (as always) fabulous, and having nothing on the agenda but pure rest and relaxation was truly restorative. It’s hard to leave behind shorts and flip-flops for coats and cold weather, but I’m armed with the perfect antidote to those post-vacation blues: a batch of incredibly delicious Double Chocolate Brownie Cupcakes!
We all know that a little (or a lot!) of chocolate has a magical way of making everything better. And these aren’t just any chocolate treats; they’re an experience. Imagine a dessert that combines the rich, fudgy texture of your favorite brownie with the convenient, individual portion of a cupcake. Add to that not one, but double the chocolate intensity, a decadent, irresistibly gooey center, and the delightful crunch of generously chopped walnuts, and you have a recipe for pure happiness. This recipe is designed to bring a smile to your face, no matter the weather or your Monday mood.
The Ultimate Comfort Dessert: Why These Brownie Cupcakes Are a Must-Try
Why settle for a regular brownie or a simple chocolate cupcake when you can have the best of both worlds? Our Double Chocolate Brownie Cupcakes bridge the gap between these two beloved desserts, delivering a treat that is both familiar and exciting. The secret lies in their unique texture: a slightly crispy edge that gives way to an intensely moist, fudgy interior, reminiscent of the best homemade brownies you’ve ever tasted. But unlike traditional brownies, these are baked in a muffin tin, creating perfectly portioned, easy-to-serve delights that are ideal for parties, lunchboxes, or simply a cozy night in.
The “double chocolate” aspect comes from using both unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep, robust chocolate flavor in the batter, and then topping each cupcake with chopped semi-sweet chocolate, which melts into glorious puddles of chocolatey goodness. This dual approach ensures every bite is bursting with rich, complex chocolate notes. And let’s not forget the walnuts! They add a crucial textural contrast, a nutty undertone that perfectly complements the sweetness and richness of the chocolate. If you’re a chocolate lover, preparing to be completely smitten.
Unlocking the Secrets to Perfect Brownie Cupcakes
Creating these heavenly Double Chocolate Brownie Cupcakes is surprisingly simple, but a few key details will ensure your treats turn out perfectly every time. From selecting the right ingredients to mastering the baking process, we’ll guide you through making these show-stopping desserts.
Quality Ingredients Make All the Difference
- Butter: Using melted butter is essential for that signature fudgy brownie texture. It also makes the mixing process incredibly straightforward.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create that wonderful crust on the top of the cupcakes.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is where a significant portion of your deep chocolate flavor comes from. High-quality cocoa powder will elevate your brownies immensely.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances and deepens the chocolate flavor, adding a layer of aromatic complexity.
- Eggs: Large eggs provide structure and moisture, contributing to the gooey, chewy texture we’re aiming for.
- All-Purpose Flour: Just enough flour to bind the ingredients without making the brownies cakey. We want fudgy, not fluffy!
- Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add a fantastic crunch and earthy flavor that beautifully balances the sweetness of the chocolate. While we recommend Diamond of California walnuts for their quality, feel free to use your favorite brand or even another nut like pecans if preferred.
- Semisweet Chocolate: Chopped semisweet chocolate (or chocolate chips) scattered on top melts into delightful pockets, ensuring every bite is supremely chocolatey.
Baking with Precision: Tips for Success
Achieving that coveted gooey center while ensuring the edges are perfectly set is the art of baking these brownie cupcakes. Here are some pointers to help you:
- Preheat Accurately: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C) before baking. Consistent oven temperature is crucial for even baking.
- Prepare Your Muffin Tin: Whether you generously spray with nonstick cooking spray or use cupcake liners, proper preparation prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
- Don’t Overmix: After adding the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher, less fudgy texture.
- Fill Correctly: Spoon the batter into muffin cups, filling them a little over 3/4 full. This allows for a nice rise without overflowing.
- The Key is Underbaking (Slightly): The most important tip for a gooey center! Bake for 18-20 minutes. The edges should be set and a toothpick inserted near the edge might come out clean, but a toothpick inserted in the very center should still come out with moist crumbs. They will continue to set as they cool.
- Cooling Time: Allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully removing them. This helps them firm up slightly, making them easier to handle without falling apart.
Elevate Your Dessert Experience: Variations and Serving Suggestions
While these Double Chocolate Brownie Cupcakes are absolute perfection on their own, there are many ways to customize them or enhance the serving experience to suit your taste or occasion:
- Nutty Alternatives: Not a fan of walnuts? Try pecans, almonds, or even a mix of your favorite nuts for a different crunch. For a nut-free version, simply omit them.
- Chocolate Choices: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips for sprinkling on top – milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for a contrasting sweetness.
- Frosting Fun: For an extra layer of decadence, consider topping these brownie cupcakes with a swirl of chocolate ganache, a rich buttercream frosting, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
- A Scoop on the Side: The only thing that would make these cupcakes better would be a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream on the side. The cold creaminess wonderfully contrasts the warm, gooey brownie.
- Drizzle Delights: A drizzle of caramel sauce, hot fudge, or even a raspberry coulis can add another dimension of flavor and a touch of elegance.
- Seasonal Twists: In the fall, a sprinkle of sea salt or a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the chocolate. During the holidays, add a peppermint extract to the batter for a festive treat.
These Double Chocolate Brownie Cupcakes are incredibly versatile and perfect for any gathering, from casual family dinners to more formal celebrations. They also make a wonderful edible gift or a delightful treat to brighten up an ordinary day. With their rich flavor and irresistible texture, they’re sure to become a cherished recipe in your baking repertoire.
Double Chocolate Brownie Cupcakes
MaryAnn Dwyer
14
cupcakes
Print Recipe
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10
20
30
Ingredients
-
1 1/4
cups (2 1/2 sticks)
butter,
melted -
2
cups
granulated sugar -
1 1/3
cups
unsweetened cocoa powder -
1
tsp.
vanilla extract -
4
large
eggs -
3/4
cup
all-purpose flour -
1 1/2
cups
walnuts,
chopped (I use Diamond of CA walnuts) -
1
cup
semisweet chocolate,
chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160 C). Generously spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray or line with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder and vanilla until well blended. Add eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Add the flour and stir until well blended. Stir in the walnuts.
- Spoon batter evenly into muffin cups, filling just a little over 3/4 full. Sprinkle each cupcake with some semisweet chocolate chips or chopped semisweet chocolate pieces.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes. Edges should be set but the cupcakes should still be gooey in the middle. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove carefully. Repeat with any remaining batter. Serve immediately with ice cream on the side, if desired.
Nutrition
Calories:
480
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
46
g
|
Protein:
6
g
|
Fat:
32
g
|
Saturated Fat:
15
g
|
Cholesterol:
99
mg
|
Sodium:
174
mg
|
Potassium:
282
mg
|
Fiber:
4
g
|
Sugar:
33
g
|
Vitamin A:
610
IU
|
Vitamin C:
0.2
mg
|
Calcium:
45
mg
|
Iron:
2.9
mg
American
Dessert
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