• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About

Boulder Locavore logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Free Bonus
    • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ร—
    Home ยป Recipes ยป Desserts (Baked) ยป Yellow Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

    PUBLISHED: June 15, 2023 โ€ข By Toni Dash 7 Comments

    Yellow Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    yellow cupcakes with chocolate buttercream frosting and sprinkles.

    Yellow Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting are the classic birthday party cupcake. You’ll never be tempted to use a box mix again after making this yellow cupcakes recipe! The frosting can be used for other cupcakes or cake recipes too.

    yellow cupcakes with chocolate buttercream frosting and sprinkles.
    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
    Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox (and more recipes every week)!
    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading
    yellow cupcakes with chocolate buttercream frosting and sprinkles.

    These homemade yellow cupcakes topped with luscious chocolate buttercream frosting are pure bliss. Light, fluffy golden cake is like biting into a cloud, perfectly complemented by the creamy, chocolate frosting. Every bite of this irresistible combination of sweet and chocolatey flavors will leave you craving for more.

    Whether making them for a special occasion or to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe recipe made with everyday ingredients is a winner. 

    Jump to:
    • Recipe Ingredient Notes
    • How to make it
    • Variations
    • โ€‹Frosting Tip
    • How to Store
    • More recipes youโ€™ll love!
    • Recipe

    Recipe Ingredient Notes

    yellow cupcakes and chocolate frosting labelled ingredients.

     Granulated sugar. White sugar is used to sweeten the cupcakes. 

    Unsalted butter. You’ll need 1/2 cup or 1 stick softened for the cupcakes and the same amount for the chocolate buttercream frosting. Be sure it is softened or at room temperature before starting the recipe for best mixing with the rest of the ingredients. 

    Eggs. Use three large eggs.

    All Purpose Flour. Regular all purpose flour or gluten-free measure-for-measure flour blend can be used. For gluten-free baking we use Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour.

    Milk. We used whole milk in this recipe to make the cupcakes moist with rich flavor.

    Confectioner’s sugar. Powdered sugar is used to make the chocolate buttercream frosting.

    Unsweetened cocoa powder. Unsweetened chocolate gives the richer flavor to the frosting. 

    Heavy whipping cream. Two to four tablespoons are used in the frosting.

    yellow cupcakes with chocolate frosting liner peeled

    How to make it

     STEP 1. Preparation

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a cupcake pan with non-stick spray or line the wells with cupcake liners (photo 1).

    yellow cupcakes recipe steps 1-4.

    STEP 2. Make the cupcake batter

    In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream together the sugar and butter until combined and fluffy (photo 2).

    Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing between each egg (photo 3). Continue mixing for another 3-5 minutes until the batter is light and fluffy. Set aside.

    Note: the more air incorporated into the batter will give the cupcakes a light and fluffy texture. So be sure to mix for the full time.

    In a medium bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt (photo 4). Add half of the flour mixture into the wet ingredients (photo 5) and then half of the milk (photo 6), alternating each one and mixing between each addition.

    Fold in the vanilla extract (photo 7). Be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl to mix everything together.

    yellow cupcakes recipe steps 5-8.

    STEP 3. Scoop and Bake

    Scoop batter into each wrapper, filling halfway (photo 8), and bake for 18-22 minutes (photo 9). Test with a toothpick inserted into the middle to ensure doneness. 

    yellow cupcakes recipe steps 9-12.

    STEP 4. Cool

    Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting (photo 10).

    STEP 5. Make the chocolate buttercream frosting

    In a large bowl, using a hand electric mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy (photo 11). Mix in the vanilla extract (photo 12). 

    Add in 2 tablespoons heavy cream (photo 13) and mix until well combined (photo 14). If the frosting is too thick to spread or pipe then add in the remaining cream/or milk/ and mix until combined.

    yellow cupcakes recipe steps 13-16.

    STEP 6. Frost

    The cupcakes can be frosted by spreading on with a butter knife or flat icing spatula or piping with a bag (see Frosting Tip below).

    To easily fill a piping bag, add the piping tip and place the bag tip side down into a tall glass. Fold the top edge over the outside of the glass (photo 15). Scoop the frosting into the bag (photo 16), lift the edges out of the glass and twist or tie off the end of the piping bag (image below).

    chocolate frosting piped on yellow cupcakes.

    If using a topping on the cupcakes, add sprinkles or candy to the cupcake directly after frosting each one as the frosting will start to set and make it hard to stick.

    yellow cupcakes with chocolate frosting and sprinkles on rack.

    Variations

    Try different frosting. Yellow cupcakes with chocolate frosting is a classic combination. This yellow cupcake recipes pairs well with any frosting you love. Try our Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting, Strawberry Frosting, or Peanut Butter Frosting.

    Use different toppings. Decorations aren’t needed but always make cupcakes more festive and perfect for birthday parties. Toppings ideas include rainbow sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles, crushed candy bar, a cherry on top, or even chopped nuts.

    ​Frosting Tip

    The frosting recipe amount will frost 24 cupcakes with a knife spread. To pipe swirls on the yellow cake cupcakes double recipe for frosting.

    yellow cupcakes with chocolate frosting on cake pedestal

    How to Store

    Frosted cupcakes can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. 

    Make it ahead: you can bake the cupcakes and make the frosting the day before serving. Allow cupcakes to cool fully, cover and store at room temperature. Place the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow the frosting to warm slightly before frosting the cupcakes. 

    Freezing: unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for 2-3 monthly in an airtight freezer safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting.

    More recipes you’ll love!

    • chai snickerdoodle cookies on plate with text.
      Soft Chai Snickerdoodle Cookies recipe
    • instant pot butter pecan fudge stacked with text.
      Easy Butter Pecan Fudge recipe (Instant Pot Fudge)
    • chocolate pound cake slice with cake cutter.
      Chocolate Pound Cake recipe (easy rich moist dessert)
    • gingerbread star cookies with royal icing.
      Gingerbread Star Cookies (Christmas cookie recipe)

    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER and PINTEREST!

    Recipe

    yellow cupcakes with chocolate frosting on cake pedastel cropped

    Yellow Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

    Classic yellow cupcakes with chocolate frosting are a favorite for birthday parties, special occasions and snacking any time. This easy recipe is more delicious than a box cake mix and just as easy.
    5 from 46 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Prep Time: 19 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cooling and frosting time (estimated): 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 9 minutes minutes
    Servings: 24 cupcakes
    Calories: 199kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    Yellow Cupcakes

    • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
    • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter softened
    • 3 large eggs
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour regular or gluten-free measure-for-measure flour may be used
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 cup whole milk
    • 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

    Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

    • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter softened
    • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2-4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream or milk I used the cream
    • Optional: toppings of your choice to put on the frosting. I used sprinkles

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a cupcake pan with non-stick spray or line the wells with cupcake liners.
    • In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream together the sugar and butter until combined and fluffy.
      1 ½ cups granulated sugar, ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
    • Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing between each egg. Continue mixing for another 3-5 minutes until the batter is light and fluffy. Set aside.
      Note: the more air incorporated into the batter will give the cupcakes a light and fluffy texture. So be sure to mix for the full time.
      3 large eggs
    • In a medium bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt.
      2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • Add half of the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and then half of the milk, alternating each one and mixing between each addition.
      Fold in the vanilla extract. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl to mix everything together.
      1 cup whole milk, 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Scoop batter into each wrapper, filling halfway, and bake for 18-22 minutes. Test with a toothpick inserted into the middle to ensure doneness.
    • Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
    • In a large bowl, using a hand electric mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
      Mix in the vanilla extract.
      1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Add in 2 tablespoons heavy cream and mix until well combined. If the frosting is too thick to spread or pipe then add in the remaining cream/or milk/ and mix until combined.
      2-4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream or milk
    • The cupcakes can be frosted by spreading on with a butter knife or flat icing spatula or piping with a bag (see Frosting Tip below).
      To easily fill a piping bag: add the piping tip and place the bag tip side down into a tall glass. Fold the top edge over the outside of the glass. Scoop the frosting into the bag, lift the edges out of the glass and twist or tie off the end of the piping bag.
    • If using a topping on the cupcakes, add sprinkles or candy to the cupcake directly after frosting each one as the frosting will start to set and make it hard to stick.
      Optional: toppings of your choice to put on the frosting. I used sprinkles

    Notes

    Frosting recipe amount
    Will frost 24 cupcakes with a knife spread, if wanting to pipe swirls then double recipe for frosting.
    How to Store
    Frosted cupcakes can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. 
    Make it ahead: you can bake the cupcakes and make the frosting the day before serving. Allow cupcakes to cool fully, cover and store at room temperature. Place the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow the frosting to warm slightly before frosting the cupcakes. 
    Freezing: unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for 2-3 monthly in an airtight freezer safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 39mg | Potassium: 87mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 315IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg
    yellow cupcakes with chocolate buttercream frosting and sprinkles.
    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
    Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox (and more recipes every week)!
    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
    « Beef Bulgogi Rice Bowlsย 
    Pineapple Coconut Muffins »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kristyn says

      June 15, 2023 at 3:08 pm

      5 stars
      Light, fluffy, & so good! Sometimes, there is nothing better than a vanilla cupcake with chocolate frosting! My girls love the sprinkles! A classic hit!!

      Reply
    2. April says

      June 15, 2023 at 12:54 pm

      5 stars
      You just can’t go wrong with the classics! These came out perfect!

      Reply
    3. Holley says

      June 15, 2023 at 11:02 am

      5 stars
      My all time favorite dessert is yellow cake with chocolate frosting! These cupcakes are not only delicious but bring back great memories!

      Reply
    4. Savita says

      June 15, 2023 at 10:30 am

      5 stars
      These muffins were absolutely delicious, this recipe was hit in the first place. My husband really liked it. Thank you for sharing it.

      Reply
    5. Sandra says

      June 15, 2023 at 10:26 am

      5 stars
      I made these for a birthday party and they are so much better than using a mix as well as not more difficult. Will definitely make them again.

      Reply
    6. Matt says

      June 15, 2023 at 9:33 am

      5 stars
      These yellow cupcakes with chocolate buttercream frosting are so delicious and easy to make. I will be making these a lot from now on. Such a good cupcake recipe.

      Reply
    7. Nikki says

      June 15, 2023 at 9:10 am

      5 stars
      These fantastic homemade cupcakes are so easy to make, and I love that I can switch up sprinkles or frosting.

      Reply
    5 from 46 votes (39 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Picture of Toni

    Welcome! Iโ€™m Toni Dash. Iโ€™m a Certified Nutrition Coach and the professional writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavoreยฎ. Iโ€™m so glad you are here!

    More about me โ†’

    Featured on....

    BoulderLocavore.com Featured By Press

    Grilling Recipes

    • Ultimate Burger Grill Guide title photo with burgers on a charcoal grill Ultimate Burger Grill Guide: How to Grill the Perfect Burger
    • steak on grill with flames How to Grill Steak Perfectly: Everything You Need to Grill Like a Pro
    • grilled porterhouse steak title Perfect Porterhouse Steak on the Grill
    • Grilled Kabob Recipes on grate (titled image) Grilled Kabob Recipes: 20 Must Make Recipes for Summer
    • bruschetta chicken title image Bruschetta Chicken recipe โ€“ Baked, Grilled or Stove Top
    • Chicken Shish Kabobs title Easy Grilled Chicken Shish Kabobs

    TRENDING RIGHT NOW

    • Ultimate Burger Grill Guide title photo with burgers on a charcoal grill Ultimate Burger Grill Guide: How to Grill the Perfect Burger
    • How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast title How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast Recipe
    • Instant Pot Jambalaya Instant Pot Jambalaya Recipe: Quick & Easy Comfort Food
    • Sparkling Cranberry Vodka Punch Sparkling Cranberry Vodka Punch Recipe
    • homemade ketchup title image The Best Homemade Ketchup โ€“ Made with Fresh Tomatoes!
    • Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs with lime wedges on a pewter platter Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram

    Contact | About | Privacy Policy | Disclosure Policy | Accessibility Statement | Cookie Policy


    SIGN ME UP to get FREE recipes directly to my inbox!

    Don't miss our TRAVEL SECTION!


    Copyright ยฉ 2010-2025 All Rights Reserved

    Boulder Locavore is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.