German Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe
These German Chocolate Cupcakes are decadently moist and rich, featuring a deep chocolate base with a tender crumb, topped with a luscious and sweet coconut-pecan frosting that adds a delightful texture and flavor. Perfect for celebrations or an indulgent treat, these cupcakes combine the classic flavors of German chocolate cake in convenient single-serving portions.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup hot water
For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined, ensuring even distribution of leavening agents.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, indicating air incorporation.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract to combine.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and the sour cream into the creamed butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.
- Add hot water: Slowly mix in the hot water, stirring until the batter is smooth and slightly thin, which helps create moist cupcakes.
- Fill cupcake liners and bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cupcakes: Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine evaporated milk, light brown sugar, egg yolks, and unsalted butter. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
- Add coconut, pecans, and vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. Allow frosting to cool to room temperature before spreading on the cupcakes.
- Frost the cupcakes: Once cooled, generously top each cupcake with the coconut-pecan frosting. Optionally, drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cupcakes for an additional touch of decadence.
Notes
- Make sure the cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For a richer flavor, lightly toast the shredded coconut and chopped pecans before adding to the frosting.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt if desired for a slight tang.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature before serving for best taste.
- Optionally, drizzle with melted semi-sweet or dark chocolate for extra decorative flair and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: German Chocolate Cupcakes, Coconut Pecan Frosting, Chocolate Cupcakes, Easy Cupcake Recipe, Moist Cupcakes, Classic Dessert