If you’re craving a rich, chocolatey dessert with a bright fruity twist, look no further than these Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes. With moist chocolate cake, a surprise raspberry filling, and luscious chocolate frosting, this dessert is pure indulgence. Whether you’re preparing for Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just a cozy weekend treat, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress.
This recipe blends the irresistible flavors of dessert chocolat with the vibrant tang of raspberries. It’s one of those fun baking recipes that feels fancy but is simple enough for beginner bakers to master. Plus, the final result looks like something straight from a gourmet bakery case.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes
There’s a lot to love about these cupcakes:
- Perfectly moist chocolate base that melts in your mouth
- Raspberry jam filling adds a burst of fruity flavor
- Easy to customize with different frostings or fillings
- Ideal for romantic dinners, birthdays, or holiday gatherings
- Pairs wonderfully with your favorite dessert drinks
Whether you’re looking for chocolate cupcakes filled with fruit or something to add to your collection of raspberry recipes, this is the one you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make the most delicious raspberry cupcakes:
For the Chocolate Cupcakes:
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking powder and baking soda
- Granulated sugar
- Vegetable oil
- Eggs
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Vanilla extract
- Hot water or coffee (for that rich chocolate flavor)
For the Raspberry Filling:
- Seedless raspberry jam (or make your own with fresh berries)
For the Frosting:
- Butter
- Cocoa powder
- Powdered sugar
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
Optional: fresh raspberries and chocolate shavings for garnish
Want to explore more chocolate and fruit pairings? Try blueberry cream cheese bars for a summery twist.
How to Make Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cupcakes
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a cupcake pan with liners. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients and combine with the dry mixture until just combined. Add hot water or coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor and mix again. Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full and bake for 18–22 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Raspberry Filling
Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a small knife or cupcake corer to create a well in the center of each cupcake. Fill each one with a spoonful of raspberry jam. This step transforms your cupcakes into a decadent chocolate lava surprise with fruity notes.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Frosting
Beat butter until fluffy, then gradually add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until the frosting is smooth and pipeable. Swirl on top of each cupcake and garnish with fresh raspberries for a stunning finish.
Craving more cozy bakes? Check out these cheesecake-stuffed chocolate chip cookies for a rich dessert alternative.
Tips for Perfect Cupcakes
- Don’t overmix: Stir just until the ingredients are combined to avoid tough cupcakes.
- Use quality cocoa: This is the main flavor, so go for a good brand.
- Core cupcakes gently: You want to leave enough structure to hold the filling without collapsing.
- Chill the frosting slightly: If it’s too warm, it won’t hold its shape when piped.
Want to add an even more festive touch? Top your cupcakes with edible glitter or pair them with cranberry orange cookies for a full dessert tray.
Variations and Flavor Twists
This recipe is easy to personalize:
- Chocolate ganache filling: Make a rich chocolate lava-style center.
- Raspberry buttercream: Replace the chocolate frosting for a fruitier finish.
- Chocolate raspberry swirl: Layer raspberry jam into the batter before baking.
- White chocolate drizzle: For a red and white contrast that’s perfect for Red Christmas desserts.
If you’re looking for even more red dessert ideas, try red velvet crinkle cookies — they’re festive and delicious.
How to Store and Freeze Cupcakes
Store your chocolate raspberry cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’ve added fresh berries, refrigerate them and consume within 3 days.
To freeze:
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
- Freeze unfrosted cupcakes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
- Defrost at room temp, fill, and frost as usual.
Planning a bigger dessert spread? These cranberry cream cheese dip and pumpkin truffles make great accompaniments for holiday parties.
FAQs About Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?
Yes! Cook fresh raspberries with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to make a homemade compote.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Absolutely. Swap the flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.
What if I don’t have a piping bag?
Use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off for easy piping.
What makes these cupcakes so moist?
The combo of sour cream and oil keeps the cake tender and rich.
Can I make mini versions?
Yes, just adjust baking time to about 10–12 minutes.
More Fun Baking Recipes to Try
If you loved making these chocolate cupcakes filled with raspberry, here are more fun baking recipes from our kitchen:
- Pumpkin cheesecake cookies
- Mini pumpkin pie cups
- Strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls
- Pumpkin French toast roll-ups
- No-bake pumpkin pie balls
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes are more than just a treat — they’re a celebration in every bite. Moist chocolate cake, tangy raspberry filling, and silky frosting come together for the ultimate dessert facile that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these cupcakes will wow your taste buds and your guests.
If you’re building a dessert menu or party platter, don’t forget to explore more delicious red-themed snacks and Christmas baked treats. Pin this recipe, share it with fellow bakers, and come back soon for more sweet inspiration.
PrintChocolate Raspberry Cupcakes: The Ultimate Decadent Dessert
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes are rich, moist chocolate cupcakes filled with sweet-tart raspberry jam and topped with luscious chocolate frosting. A decadent bakery-style dessert perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup hot water or hot coffee
Raspberry Filling:
- ½ cup seedless raspberry jam
Chocolate Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh raspberries
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with liners.
- Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix sugar, oil, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla.
- Combine: Add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Stir in hot water or coffee.
- Bake: Fill liners ⅔ full. Bake 18–22 minutes. Cool completely.
- Fill: Core centers and fill each cupcake with raspberry jam.
- Frosting: Beat butter until fluffy. Add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla until smooth.
- Decorate: Frost cupcakes and garnish with raspberries or chocolate shavings.
Notes
- Moist texture: Oil and sour cream keep cupcakes soft and tender.
- Jam substitute: Homemade raspberry compote works beautifully.
- Make ahead: Cupcakes can be baked a day in advance.
- Storage: Refrigerate if using fresh raspberries.
- Variation: Swap raspberry for strawberry or cherry jam.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes with raspberry filling, raspberry cupcakes, chocolate dessert recipes, valentine cupcakes


