Chocolate Cupcakes with Ganache Filling

If you’re a chocolate lover, these Chocolate Cupcakes with Ganache Filling are pure bliss in every bite. Picture a moist, tender chocolate cupcake with a surprise inside — a luxurious, glossy ganache that oozes out when you take your first bite. Topped with creamy frosting or a drizzle of extra ganache, these cupcakes are elegant enough for any celebration yet simple enough to make at home.

This recipe brings together the best of both worlds — the fluffy, bakery-style cupcake and the decadence of a chocolate truffle. The contrast between the soft cake and the smooth, rich filling makes these cupcakes absolutely irresistible.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it turns an everyday chocolate cupcake into something truly special. The ganache filling adds a layer of indulgence that takes this treat from good to extraordinary. The cupcakes are moist, rich, and chocolatey — not too sweet, but perfectly balanced with deep cocoa flavor and velvety texture.

Another reason I adore this recipe is its versatility. You can dress them up with swirls of frosting for a fancy occasion or keep them simple with a ganache glaze. They’re a chocolate lover’s dream come true — one bite and you’ll be hooked!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

These Chocolate Cupcakes with Ganache Filling are a must-try because they’re a showstopper dessert that never fails to impress. The combination of textures — moist cake, silky ganache, and creamy topping — feels like something straight out of a gourmet bakery.

They’re perfect for celebrations, holidays, or even when you simply want to treat yourself. Once you see that luscious ganache center, you’ll understand why this recipe is so beloved. It’s an experience, not just a dessert!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18–20 minutes
• Cooling and Assembly Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Calories: Approximately 320 per cupcake

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: American / European-inspired

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cupcakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (high quality)
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + ½ tsp vinegar)
• ½ cup hot coffee (or hot water for milder flavor)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache Filling:

• 4 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for shine)

Optional Frosting or Topping:

• Whipped chocolate ganache
• Chocolate buttercream
• Powdered sugar dusting

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Ganache Filling:

1. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until just simmering.
2. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a bowl.
3. Let sit for 1 minute, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
4. Stir in butter for extra shine (optional).
5. Chill the ganache in the fridge for about 30 minutes, until it thickens slightly but is still spoonable.

2. Make the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs, sugars, and oil until smooth.
4. Add buttermilk and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
6. Stir in hot coffee until the batter is smooth and slightly thin.
7. Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full.
8. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let cupcakes cool completely before filling.

3. Fill the Cupcakes with Ganache:

1. Use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove the center of each cupcake (don’t cut all the way through).
2. Spoon or pipe about 1 teaspoon of ganache into each hollow center.
3. Replace the top “lid” of the cupcake if desired.

4. Frost or Finish:

• You can top with chocolate buttercream, a swirl of whipped ganache, or drizzle with leftover ganache for extra decadence.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare ganache and let it chill until thickened.
Step 2: Mix dry cupcake ingredients.
Step 3: Combine wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Fold dry ingredients into wet, add hot coffee, and mix.
Step 5: Bake cupcakes until fluffy and moist.
Step 6: Cool, core, and fill each cupcake with ganache.
Step 7: Top with frosting or drizzle and serve!

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Chocolate Cupcakes with Ganache Filling at room temperature for the perfect texture and flavor. The ganache should be soft and creamy inside.

Perfect pairings:

• A cold glass of milk or hot espresso
• Vanilla ice cream for a dessert duo
• Fresh berries for a fruity contrast

These cupcakes are ideal for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or anytime you need a show-stopping treat.

Recipe Tips

• Use quality chocolate: It makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined for fluffy cupcakes.
• Cool before filling: Warm cupcakes will melt the ganache.
• Temperature tip: Serve slightly chilled if you prefer a firmer ganache center.
• Double the ganache: If you want to use it for both filling and frosting!

Variations

1. Salted Caramel Chocolate Cupcakes: Replace ganache with salted caramel for a sweet-salty twist.
2. Peanut Butter Ganache Filling: Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to your ganache.
3. Mint Chocolate Version: Add peppermint extract to the ganache or frosting.
4. Raspberry Ganache: Stir in raspberry purée or jam for a fruity surprise.
5. Mocha Cupcakes: Use espresso powder in the cupcake batter and coffee-flavored ganache.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Filled cupcakes can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw and fill with ganache before serving.
• Avoid freezing ganache-filled cupcakes — the texture can become grainy after thawing.

Special Equipment Needed

• 12-cup muffin pan
• Cupcake liners
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Saucepan (for ganache)
• Spoon or piping bag (for filling)
• Cooling rack

Conclusion

These Chocolate Cupcakes with Ganache Filling are the ultimate indulgence — soft, moist, and filled with luscious chocolate perfection. The surprise ganache center adds a touch of sophistication and makes every bite unforgettable.

They’re the perfect dessert for celebrations, gifts, or any time you need a little chocolate therapy. Simple to make yet utterly impressive, this recipe transforms ordinary cupcakes into a decadent masterpiece.