How to Make the Best Chocolate Ganache Filled Cupcakes

Imagine biting into a fluffy cupcake only to hit a river of rich, velvety chocolate ganache. No, you’re not dreaming—this is real life.

These cupcakes aren’t just dessert; they’re a flex.

Perfect for impressing guests, satisfying a midnight craving, or pretending you’re a contestant on a baking show.

Why settle for basic when you can have legendary? Let’s make it happen.

Jump to Section

Why This Recipe Slaps

This isn’t just another cupcake recipe.

The ganache filling takes it from “meh” to “mic drop.” The contrast of moist cake and smooth, decadent chocolate is next-level.

Plus, it’s surprisingly easy—no fancy skills required. Even if your baking history is a graveyard of burnt cookies, you’ve got this.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the cupcakes: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, 1 cup water, ⅓ cup vegetable oil, 1 tbsp vinegar, 1 tsp vanilla extract.
For the ganache: 1 cup heavy cream, 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chopped), 1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra shine).
For the frosting: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened), 3 cups powdered sugar, ½ cup cocoa powder, 2-3 tbsp milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
Add wet ingredients: Pour in water, oil, vinegar, and vanilla.
Stir until just combined—no overmixing, or the cupcakes will turn into bricks.
Bake: Fill liners ⅔ full and bake for 18-20 minutes. Let cool completely unless you enjoy molten cake burns.
Make the ganache: Heat cream until simmering, pour over chopped chocolate, and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth.
Add butter if you’re feeling fancy.
Fill the cupcakes: Use a piping tip or knife to carve a small hole in each cupcake. Fill with ganache and replace the top (or eat the scraps—we won’t judge).
Frost: Whip butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla until fluffy. Pipe or spread onto cupcakes.

How to Store These Bad Boys

Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days or in the fridge for 5 days.

The ganache might firm up in the fridge, but 10 seconds in the microwave fixes that. Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months—thaw before decorating.

Why You Should Make These Now

These cupcakes are a triple threat: easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing. The ganache filling feels luxurious without requiring a pastry degree.

Plus, they’re customizable—swap fillings, frostings, or toppings to match your mood. Bake them once, and you’ll never go back to boxed mixes.

Nutrition Stats (Because We’re Adults Here)

Per cupcake (approx.): 320 calories, 18g fat, 38g carbs, 3g protein. Yeah, it’s not a salad.

But life’s too short to skip chocolate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the batter: Gluten development = tough cupcakes. Stir until just combined.
Hot ganache: Let it cool slightly before filling, or it’ll soak into the cake.
Skipping the cupcake liner: Unless you enjoy chiseling cakes out of a pan.

Alternatives for the Rebellious Baker

Dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and vegan butter.
Flavor twists: Add orange zest to the ganache or mint extract to the frosting.
Filling swaps: Try peanut butter, caramel, or raspberry jam instead of ganache.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Sure, but the ganache will be sweeter. IMO, semi-sweet balances the cupcake better.

Why vinegar in the batter?

It reacts with baking soda for lift.

No, your cupcakes won’t taste like salad dressing.

Can I make these ahead?

Absolutely. Bake the cupcakes and ganache a day early, then assemble before serving.

My ganache split. Help?

Whisk in 1 tbsp hot water or cream until smooth.

Crisis averted.

No piping bag? No problem?

Use a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off or a spoon. Frosting is frosting.

Final Thoughts

These cupcakes are a cheat code for looking like a baking pro.

Rich, indulgent, and stupidly easy, they’re the ultimate upgrade from boring store-bought desserts.

FYI, you might get requests for these at every gathering from now on. You’ve been warned.