Step 1 — Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a cupcake pan with 12 paper liners.

Step 2 — Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:
✔ Flour
✔ Sugar
✔ Cocoa powder
✔ Baking powder
✔ Baking soda
✔ Salt

Step 3 — Add Wet Ingredients

Add:
✔ Buttermilk
✔ Oil
✔ Egg
✔ Vanilla

Mix until smooth.

Step 4 — Add Hot Water or Coffee

Slowly pour in the hot water.
The batter will become thin—this is what makes the cupcakes ultra-moist.

Step 5 — Bake

Fill each liner 2/3 full.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool completely before frosting.

🍦 How to Make the Two-Tone Swirled Frosting

Step 1 — Make the Vanilla Frosting

Beat butter until fluffy.
Add powdered sugar gradually.
Add vanilla, cream, and salt.
Beat until smooth and silky.

Step 2 — Make the Chocolate Frosting

Repeat the same steps, adding cocoa powder along with the powdered sugar.

⭐ How to Create the Swirl

This is the magic step!

Lay out a piece of plastic wrap.
Pipe a thick line of vanilla frosting on one side.
Pipe a line of chocolate frosting right beside it.
Roll the plastic wrap into a tight log. Twist the ends.
Insert the frosting log into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
Pipe beautiful swirls on each cupcake—perfect two-tone effect every time!

🎉 Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes are perfect for:

Birthdays
Weddings & baby showers
Holiday parties
Bake sales
Romantic chocolate-themed desserts

Add sprinkles or chocolate curls for extra flair!

📦 Storage Instructions

Room Temperature:

Store in an airtight container for 2 days.

Refrigerator:

Keeps well for 5–6 days.

Freezer:

Unfrosted cupcakes freeze up to 3 months.
Frosted cupcakes freeze up to 1 month (freeze uncovered for 1 hour first).

Conclusion

These Chocolate Cupcakes with Swirled Vanilla & Chocolate Frosting combine elegance and indulgence in every bite. With their rich chocolate base and dreamy two-tone frosting, they look like they came from a professional bakery—but they’re incredibly simple to make at home.

Perfect for any celebration, these cupcakes will become your go-to dessert recipe every time you want something beautiful, delicious, and unforgettable.