Delightfully creative Penguin Cupcakes made with rich chocolate batter and buttercream frosting decorated to resemble adorable penguins.

Scale

Chocolate Cupcake Batter

1/3 cup chocolate chips – milk or dark

1/3 cup black cocoa powder

3/4 cup hot water

1 1/2 tsp instant espresso or coffee

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 tsp fine salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil

2 large eggs

room temperature

1 tsp white vinegar

1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

Chocolate and Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

room temperature

4 cups powdered sugar

1/4 tsp fine salt

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

room temperature

1/2 cups melted dark chocolate

cooled

1/2 cup unsweetened or dark cocoa powder

black

orange

and pink gel food coloring

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with cupcake liners.
In a mixing bowl, combine the hot water and instant espresso, stirring until dissolved.
In another bowl, whisk together the black cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, fine salt, and baking soda.
Add the vegetable oil, eggs, white vinegar, and vanilla extract to the cocoa mixture and blend well.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.
For the frosting, beat the unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and fine salt, mixing until fluffy.
Pour in the heavy whipping cream, melted dark chocolate, and cocoa powder; mix until smooth.
Divide the frosting into three bowls and tint one black, one orange, and one pink using gel food coloring.
Frost the cooled cupcakes with the vanilla buttercream and decorate them to resemble penguins using the colored frosting.

For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning. Use gel food coloring for vibrant and precise decoration.

Keywords: Penguin Cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes, dessert, child-friendly, whimsical treats