Classic Yellow Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

Soft, buttery, and topped with rich chocolate frosting—these yellow cupcakes are a timeless favorite!

Perfect for parties, afternoon tea, or any sweet craving, these simple yellow cupcakes are moist, flavorful, and easy to make. Paired with a silky chocolate frosting, they’re guaranteed to impress.

🧁 Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1½ cups (195g) all-purpose flour

• 1 cup (200g) granulated white sugar

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature and cut into pieces

• 1 large egg, room temperature

• 2 large egg yolks, room temperature

• 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• ½ cup (120ml) sour cream or full-fat plain yogurt, room temperature

For the Chocolate Frosting (Optional):

• Your favorite chocolate buttercream or ganache
  (Try our fudgy chocolate frosting recipe below if you need one!)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Lightly grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or use a hand mixer), mix:

• Flour

• Sugar

• Baking powder

• Salt
  Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds until well blended.

3. Add Wet Ingredients

To the dry mixture, add:

• Butter

• Egg

• Egg yolks

• Vanilla extract

• Sour cream or yogurt

Beat on medium speed for about 30 seconds, or until the batter is smooth and satiny. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and gently stir with a spatula to ensure everything is fully incorporated.

4. Fill the Cups

Using an ice cream scoop or two spoons, evenly divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups.

5. Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool

Remove from the oven and allow cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes.
Then transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before frosting.

🍫 Optional Chocolate Frosting

Ingredients:

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

• 2/3 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar

• 1/3 cup (80ml) milk (plus more as needed)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Beat butter until creamy.

2. Add cocoa powder and mix well.

3. Alternate adding powdered sugar and milk, beating until fluffy.

4. Stir in vanilla extract. Add more milk if needed for spreadable consistency.

💡 Baking Tips

• Room Temp Ingredients: For a smooth batter and even baking.

• Full-Fat Dairy: Use full-fat sour cream or yogurt for best texture and richness.

• Don’t Overmix: Overbeating can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix just until smooth.

• Cool Before Frosting: Always let cupcakes cool fully or the frosting will melt.

🥄 Variations & Serving Ideas

• Add sprinkles or mini chocolate chips to the batter for a fun twist.

• Swap chocolate frosting for vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting.

• Serve plain with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple treat with tea.

🧊 Storage & Make Ahead

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost when ready.

• Make-Ahead: Bake cupcakes a day ahead; frost before serving.

These yellow cupcakes with chocolate frosting strike the perfect balance of classic flavor and easy preparation. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. 🍰