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Home » Recipes » Cake

4 Small Batch Chocolate Cupcakes without Eggs

Published: Aug 12, 2023 · Updated: Nov 10, 2024 by Carissa Erzen · This post may contain affiliate links · 24 Comments

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5 from 2 votes

Small batch baking can sometimes be a lot trickier than just cutting a normal recipe in half. I've tested this cupcake recipe numerous times to yield four perfectly rich & moist small batch chocolate cupcakes. They are the perfect decadent treat when you're needing a quick dessert for a small group.

Overhead view of four Small Batch Chocolate Cupcakes.

Sometimes you don't want 24 cupcakes on your hands. If you're like me, that can get dangerous very quickly. Small batch baking is the perfect solution when you only want to bake a small amount of cupcakes. This small batch chocolate cupcake recipe bakes four perfectly decadent cupcakes in under an hour!

If you are looking for a large batch of cupcakes, try strawberry crunch cupcakes and Black Forest cupcakes!

A hand reaching for easy chocolate cupcakes.

This recipe is also great if you need a quick pick-me-up. When our dog, Spencer, went to be in doggy heaven, I made these cupcakes to share with my family. Chocolate always helps, right?

Gathered in the kitchen with cupcakes in hand, we remembered his happy moments, like how he used to hop through the snow like a rabbit, popping his head out of a mound of snow. The thick snow would stick to his face and looked just like a Santa beard!

So if you need a little pick-me-up, or "chocolate therapy" these small batch chocolate cupcakes hit the spot, especially when topped with small batch chocolate frosting.

I also recommend lavender chocolate cake or chocolate mousse cake if you're feeding a crowd with a major chocolate craving!

Flour, sugar and cocoa powder in a glass bowl.

Ingredients

  • All purpose flour - All purpose flour's moderate protein content provides enough structure to support the rise and texture of the cupcakes, without making them overly dense or crumbly.
  • Granulated sugar - Sweetens the cupcakes and helps retain moisture (since sugar is hygroscopic, aka moisture-retaining) so your cupcakes will stay soft and moist.
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder - You can use Dutch process cocoa powder for an even richer chocolate flavor.
  • Baking powder
  • Salt - I recommend to use either table salt or fine sea salt. Kosher salt grains are too large for baked goods like cupcakes.
  • Milk 
  • Unsalted butter
  • Vanilla extract .
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips - You can also use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or dark chocolate for different flavors. Or leave the chocolate chips out completely!

Recipe Video

Chopped chocolate falling on a chocolate cupcake with chocolate frosting.

How to Make Small Batch Chocolate Cupcakes

Flour, sugar, and cocoa powder whisked in a metal bowl.

Step 1 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Milk, vanilla, and melted butter whisked in a glass bowl.

Step 2 - In a separate mixing bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

Small batch chocolate cupcake batter in a glass bowl.

Step 3 - Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.

Four cups of a muffin tin lined with cupcake batter.

Step 4 - Fill four cups of a muffin tin two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 16 to 20 minutes.

Overhead view of a frosted cupcake topped with chopped pieces of chocolate.

Recipe Tips

  • Avoid overmixing your batter, which could cause your baked cupcakes to sink in the center. Combine the wet and dry ingredients just until you no longer see pockets of dry flour. Then gently fold in the chocolate chips with a rubber spatula or large spoon.
  • Fill your cupcake cups about two-thirds full with batter. If you fill them completely full, they'll overflow as they rise in the oven, and then they can sink in the center once they cool.
  • Allow your cupcakes to cool completely before frosting them. If you frost warm cupcakes, the butter in the frosting will melt, creating a big mess.
  • For an even richer chocolate flavor, add a half teaspoon of espresso powder to the cupcake batter with the dry ingredients. It will enhance the flavor of chocolate, without adding a coffee flavor.

Storing

  • Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They will naturally begin to dry out after a couple days.
  • Fridge: Store frosted cupcakes in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Store unfrosted cupcakes in the freezer wrapped in plastic wrap then wrapped in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
A piping bag frosting a cupcake with chocolate buttercream frosting.

Secret Tips for My Baking Besties

What is the secret to fluffy cupcakes?

Avoid overmixing your cupcake batter to achieve really fluffy cupcakes. Just mix the dry and wet ingredients until no dry flour remains visible. If you overmix your batter, the air bubbles will collapse and your cupcakes won't get as fluffy in the oven.

Should I fill the empty muffin cups with water?

Contrary to what I learned early in my baking journey, you don't need to fill the empty muffin cups with water in the oven. According to Cook's Illustrated, this doesn't affect the cupcakes. And if you have a quality muffin tin, the tin won't warp by being in the oven without anything in some of the cups.

Can I make my cupcakes in advance?

Yes! You can bake cupcakes ahead of time, and leave them unfrosted wrapped in plastic cling wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just before you're ready to serve your small batch chocolate cupcakes, frost them.

Or you can freeze them for up to 3 months ahead of time, like I did for my homemade wedding cake + cupcakes!

Three Small Batch Chocolate Cupcakes next to chopped chocolate.
Chopped chocolate falling onto a chocolate cupcake.

Small Batch Chocolate Cupcakes

Carissa Erzen
These small batch chocolate cupcakes are perfect when you just need four decadent cupcakes. And you can double or triple this recipe if you need more cupcakes!
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Save Saved Recipe!
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4 cupcakes
Calories 236 kcal

Ingredients
  

Small Batch Chocolate Cupcakes

  • ½ cup all purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (use table salt or fine sea salt)
  • ¼ cup milk (non-dairy milk also works in this recipe)
  • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoon semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions
 

Small Batch Chocolate Cupcakes

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease four cups of a muffin tin or line them with cupcake liners.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until you cannot see dry flour anymore. Fold in the chocolate chips.
  • Line a muffin tin with four cupcake liners. Fill them three-quarters full with the batter.
  • Bake for 16 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean from the center of the cupcakes.
    Let them cool on a cooling rack for at least 15 minutes before enjoying. If you plan to frost them, allow them to cool fully then spread or pipe on small batch chocolate frosting.

Notes

  • You don't need to fill the empty muffin cups with water in the oven. This doesn't affect the cupcakes and if you have a quality muffin tin, it shouldn't warp.
  • Avoid overmixing your batter, which could cause your baked cupcakes to sink in the center. 
  • For an even richer chocolate flavor, add a half teaspoon of espresso powder to the cupcake batter with the dry ingredients. It will enhance the flavor of chocolate, without adding a coffee flavor.
  • Fill your cupcake cups about two-thirds full with batter. If you fill them completely full, they'll overflow as they rise in the oven, and then they can sink in the center once they cool.
  • Allow your cupcakes to cool completely before frosting them. If you frost warm cupcakes, the butter in the frosting will melt.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupcakeCalories: 236kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 3gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 313mgPotassium: 126mgFiber: 2gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 206IUCalcium: 120mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chocolate cupcakes, small batch chocolate cupcakes
Did you make this recipe?Leave a comment below and tag @humbly-homemade on social!
English springer spaniel named Spencer
Spencer, our family dog. Our grief of his passing was consoled by these rich chocolate cupcakes. <3

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About Carissa Erzen

Growing up in Germany, I fell head-over-heels in love with ALL the German baked goods, from Lebkuchen to pretzels. Now I'm the founder, recipe developer, and food photographer behind Humbly Homemade, where I test and share German sweets lovingly created from scratch. So pull up a chair, and stay a while!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Leonard Caponegro

    February 24, 2025 at 5:05 pm

    5 stars
    Decadence at its finest. I love chocolate and this recipe satisfies that craving like no other. This is the best chocolate cupcake recipe ever. It's on my keeper list.

    Reply
  2. Karran

    February 12, 2021 at 12:36 pm

    They look so good

    Reply
    • strawberryandcream

      February 13, 2021 at 7:24 pm

      😀😀 thank you!!

      Reply
  3. Chantelle Theron

    January 21, 2021 at 9:29 pm

    These look wonderful!

    Reply
    • strawberryandcream

      January 24, 2021 at 10:18 pm

      Thank you so so so much! 🥰

      Reply
  4. Happy Panda

    January 15, 2021 at 1:02 am

    I'm so sorry about Spencer! *big hug*

    And those cupcakes look kickass!

    Reply
    • strawberryandcream

      January 15, 2021 at 6:55 pm

      Thank you!! 💕❤️🐶

      Reply
  5. Rebekkah Lenora

    January 14, 2021 at 1:19 pm

    Sorry to hear about your dog. 💕

    Reply
    • strawberryandcream

      January 15, 2021 at 6:54 pm

      Thank you! I really appreciate it. ❤️

      Reply
  6. Adventures Of An Anglaise

    January 14, 2021 at 11:28 am

    Oh wow, these sound utterly delicious! And I love the idea of baking meditation 😁 Hope they did the trick!

    Reply
    • strawberryandcream

      January 15, 2021 at 6:54 pm

      Thank you! The definitely provided some time with family to enjoy time together and enjoy some chocolate therapy 😋❤️

      Reply
  7. Ricettiamoinsiemecucinando

    January 12, 2021 at 5:14 am

    👍

    Reply
  8. Markus + Micah

    January 12, 2021 at 4:37 am

    Hugs for you and your family. I am sure Spencer is enjoying doggo heaven.

    Reply
    • strawberryandcream

      January 14, 2021 at 10:01 am

      Thank you!!! Losing a dog felt more sad than when I lost my pet hamsters, I think because we spent nearly 15 years with Spencer ❤️🐶

      Reply
  9. singingandsauerkraut

    January 11, 2021 at 8:22 pm

    My condolences that's awful. We have an English Springer at the family home and I couldn't imagine losing her. Cupcakes look delicious - pretzels on top is genius!

    Reply
    • strawberryandcream

      January 14, 2021 at 10:00 am

      Aren't English springer spaniels just the cutest!? Their floppy ears and their soft hair 🐶 Thanks for reading 🥰

      Reply
      • singingandsauerkraut

        January 14, 2021 at 11:29 am

        Absolutely. All best!

        Reply
  10. popsiclesociety

    January 11, 2021 at 5:10 pm

    I'm really sorry for Spencer 🐶💕 the most difficult day from having a dog companion 💔
    The cupcakes looks amazing 😋

    Reply
    • strawberryandcream

      January 14, 2021 at 9:58 am

      Thank you! ❤️ It was hard, but we are super grateful for the time that we did get to spend with that cute dog 🐶

      Reply
  11. Alison

    January 11, 2021 at 4:17 pm

    Aww so sorry for your loss ..losing a dog is devastating

    Reply
    • strawberryandcream

      January 11, 2021 at 4:50 pm

      Thank you so much, Alison 💖

      Reply
  12. Yum-number1

    January 11, 2021 at 1:04 pm

    Whyyyy dooo you pick me up..buttercup babyyyy just to let me down...
    Expect that you didn't let me down but exceeded my expectations with these cupcake!!! Looks so amazing! 🤤🤤🤤

    Reply
    • strawberryandcream

      January 11, 2021 at 1:35 pm

      HAHAHA 😝 that's hilarious. Thanks for reading and reminding me of a great song! 🎵

      Reply
    • Azilde

      February 07, 2023 at 8:52 pm

      What a great recipe when you dint’t want a whole batch of cupcakes! Thanks for the tip on WHY you never over-mix the batter. Yum ?

      Reply
5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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