Double Chocolate Orange Cupcakes

These Double Chocolate Orange Cupcakes are rich, moist, and bursting with citrusy goodness! Featuring deep chocolate flavor with a hint of orange zest and topped with a luscious chocolate-orange frosting, these cupcakes are perfect for special occasions, holidays, or whenever you crave a decadent treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Moist – A double dose of chocolate with a hint of orange for a unique twist.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients with bakery-style results.
• Perfectly Balanced – The combination of citrus and chocolate is irresistible.
• Decadent Frosting – Creamy chocolate-orange buttercream takes these cupcakes to the next level.
• Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or chocolate lovers!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cupcakes:

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Whole milk (or buttermilk for extra moisture)
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Fresh orange zest
• Fresh orange juice
• Hot coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness)

For the Chocolate Orange Frosting:

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Heavy cream (or milk)
• Fresh orange zest
• Fresh orange juice
• Vanilla extract
• Melted dark chocolate (optional, for extra richness)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Orange zest curls
• Chocolate shavings
• Candied orange slices

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

1. Preheat Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Whisk Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, beat eggs, sugar, brown sugar, milk, oil, vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice until combined.
4. Combine Wet & Dry – Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until smooth.
5. Add Hot Coffee – Stir in hot coffee (batter will be thin, but that’s normal).
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips – If using, mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes

1. Fill Cupcake Liners – Pour batter into liners, filling about ¾ full.
2. Bake – Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
3. Cool Completely – Let cupcakes cool before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

1. Beat Butter – In a bowl, beat butter until creamy.
2. Add Cocoa & Sugar – Gradually mix in powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
3. Add Liquid Ingredients – Stir in orange zest, orange juice, vanilla, and heavy cream.
4. Melt Chocolate (Optional) – Mix in melted dark chocolate for a richer frosting.
5. Beat Until Fluffy – Whip frosting until light and creamy.

Step 4: Frost & Decorate

1. Pipe or Spread Frosting – Use a piping bag or spatula to frost cupcakes.
2. Garnish – Top with orange zest, chocolate shavings, or candied orange slices.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 20 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Triple Chocolate Orange Cupcakes – Add a melted chocolate drizzle.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Extra Citrus Flavor – Add a splash of orange extract to the batter.
• Dairy-Free Version – Use almond milk and dairy-free butter.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months.
• Serving Tip: Let refrigerated cupcakes sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before eating.

FAQs

Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange juice?

Yes! Use ½ teaspoon orange extract instead of fresh juice.

What kind of cocoa powder should I use?

Unsweetened Dutch-process or natural cocoa powder works best.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes! Bake and store them unfrosted for up to 2 days, then frost before serving.

How do I get extra fluffy frosting?

Whip the butter for 3-5 minutes before adding sugar for a light, fluffy texture.

Can I make mini cupcakes?

Yes! Bake mini cupcakes at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

How do I prevent cupcakes from sinking?

Use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Yes! Dark chocolate will add a richer, deeper flavor.

Can I make this as a cake?

Yes! Pour batter into an 8-inch cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

Add a pinch of salt or extra cocoa powder to balance the sweetness.

What pairs well with these cupcakes?

A hot cup of coffee, tea, or orange-infused hot chocolate!

Conclusion

These Double Chocolate Orange Cupcakes are the ultimate indulgence—rich, moist, and bursting with citrusy chocolate goodness. Whether for a holiday, birthday, or chocolate craving, they’re guaranteed to impress. Try them today and experience the magic of chocolate and orange together!

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