Go Back
Homemade Classic Yellow Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting photo

Classic Yellow Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

These Classic Yellow Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting are fluffy, moist, and topped with rich chocolate frosting—perfect for any occasion!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cupcakes:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 ounces Greek yogurt nonfat honey or plain Greek yogurt, or sour cream may be substituted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt optional and to taste
For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¾ cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder sifted
  • 2 to 3 cups confectioners' sugar sifted is ideal
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 splash of cream or milk only as needed for consistency
  • Chocolate sprinkles optional for garnishing

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cupcake pan
  • Cupcake liners
  • Spatula

Method
 

Directions:
  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners to prevent the cupcakes from sticking.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended. Add in the whole egg and egg yolk, mixing until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and optional salt.
  4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Step 5: Using a spoon or a scoop, fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter.
  6. Step 6: Place the cupcake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Step 7: Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Step 8: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add in the sifted cocoa powder and confectioners' sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Add in the vanilla extract and a splash of cream or milk, if needed, to achieve the desired consistency. Beat on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  9. Step 9: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag or a spatula to generously frost each cupcake with the chocolate buttercream. Sprinkle chocolate sprinkles on top!
  10. Step 10: Serve your Classic Yellow Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting at your next gathering or enjoy them as a sweet treat throughout the week.

Notes

  • Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for easier blending.
  • Don’t overmix the batter; this can lead to tough cupcakes.
  • Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Feel free to get creative with your frosting technique; a simple offset spatula can create beautiful swirls!