Introduction
If you’re a chocolate lover, German Chocolate Cupcakes are the perfect indulgence! Moreover, these cupcakes are rich, moist, and packed with deep chocolate flavor, topped with a luscious homemade coconut-pecan frosting. Furthermore, every bite is a combination of fudgy cake and caramelized, nutty goodness—a true classic!
Despite its name, German chocolate cake isn’t from Germany—it was actually named after Samuel German, an American baker who developed the sweet baking chocolate that made this dessert famous. These cupcakes bring all the flavors of the traditional cake in an easy-to-eat, single-serving form—perfect for parties, birthdays, or just because you deserve a treat.
So, let’s get baking! 🎂
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Moist & Rich – Made with buttermilk and melted chocolate.
- Authentic Coconut-Pecan Frosting – The best part of German chocolate cake!
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Birthdays, holidays, or a weekend treat.
- Easy to Make – No complicated steps, just delicious results.
Ingredients for German Chocolate Cupcakes
Cupcakes:
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (120ml) hot coffee or hot water (enhances the chocolate flavor)
Coconut-Pecan Frosting:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
- ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- ½ cup (120ml) evaporated milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (100g) shredded coconut
- ¾ cup (90g) chopped pecans
Chocolate Ganache Drizzle (Optional but Amazing!):
- ½ cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
Necessary Tools for Making German Chocolate Cupcakes
- Mixing Bowls – To mix the batter and frosting.
- Cupcake Tin & Liners – For easy baking and cleanup.
- Electric Mixer – Helps blend ingredients smoothly.
- Saucepan – For making the coconut-pecan frosting.
- Cooling Rack – To cool the cupcakes before frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make German Chocolate Cupcakes
1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Then, line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Later, in a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3: Cream the Butter & Sugar
- In another bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Then, add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Later, stir in vanilla extract.
4: Add Wet & Dry Ingredients
- Add half the flour mixture and mix just until combined.
- Pour in buttermilk, then mix in the remaining flour mixture.
- Stir in hot coffee or hot water until smooth.
5: Bake the Cupcakes
- Fill each cupcake liner ¾ full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
6: Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Then, stir in brown sugar, egg yolks, and evaporated milk.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Later, remove from heat and stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans.
- Let the frosting cool completely before spreading onto cupcakes.
7: Make the Chocolate Ganache Drizzle (Optional but Amazing!)
- Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until just steaming (do not boil).
- Then, pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes.
- Stir until smooth, then drizzle over the cupcakes for an extra chocolatey touch.
8: Assemble the Cupcakes
- Spoon coconut-pecan frosting onto each cupcake.
- Then, drizzle with chocolate ganache for extra indulgence.
- Optional: Top with extra pecans or coconut flakes for decoration.
So, take a bite of pure chocolate heaven! 🤤
Also, these German Chocolate Cupcakes from Preppy Kitchen are a rich, indulgent treat with layers of chocolatey goodness, topped with a delicious homemade coconut-pecan frosting that perfectly complements their fudgy texture.
Storing & Serving
- Room Temperature: Store cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Can be kept for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Freezing: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before frosting.
FAQs About German Chocolate Cupcakes
1. Can I make this recipe without buttermilk?
Yes! Substitute ½ cup milk + ½ tbsp vinegar for homemade buttermilk.
2. Why add hot coffee to the batter?
It enhances the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
3. Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, but homemade coconut-pecan frosting is what makes German chocolate cupcakes special!
4. How do I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour instead of all-purpose flour.
5. Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes! Walnuts work just as well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, German Chocolate Cupcakes are a delightful and indulgent treat that brings together rich chocolate flavors and a luxurious coconut-pecan frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying your chocolate cravings, these cupcakes are sure to impress with their moist texture, irresistible frosting, and decadent chocolate ganache drizzle. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they’re a perfect choice for any dessert lover.
These Flower Cupcakes are a delightful blend of beauty and flavor, featuring soft vanilla cupcakes topped with vibrant, buttercream flowers that make for a stunning and delicious dessert at any occasion.
So, go ahead and treat yourself to these mouthwatering cupcakes—you won’t regret it!