Gluten Free Chocolate Cupcakes

Get ready for the most delicious gluten free chocolate cupcakes you’ve ever had. They’re super moist and full of rich chocolate from top to bottom. With a silky chocolate ganache frosting AND moist chocolate cake, this will definitely satisfy any chocolate lovers’ sweet tooth!

This post is sponsored by Ghirardelli but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Butternut Bakery possible!

Perfect gluten free chocolate cupcakes

This recipe is so easy to make and yet tastes so amazing! The trick is to use high quality chocolate by Ghirardelli for bold flavor and a rich texture. They’re also perfect for any Holiday occasion. Since they’re gluten free, everyone can enjoy them! And trust me, even those who still eat gluten will never know these are gluten free.

They’re made just like any other cupcake recipe, but with a super simple chocolate frosting made of just two ingredients. Each bite is silky smooth, making these cupcakes irresistible.

Tips for baking gluten free chocolate cupcakes

It’s tough to mess up this recipe, but following these few simple tips will ensure they turn out perfect every time:

Use good quality chocolate – Don’t cut corners here! High quality chocolate is key to getting the most flavor out of these cupcakes. Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet baking chips make these cupcakes extra chocolatey.

Sift the cocoa powder – For a smooth batter, sift the cocoa powder into the dry ingredients. Cocoa powder tends to clump up, so doing so will eliminate any chunks.

Gluten free baking flour – Use an all purpose gluten free baking flour with xanthan gum already mixed in. This is what gives the cake that chewy and bouncy texture otherwise provided by gluten. If yours doesn’t have any xanthan gum, add 1 tsp to this recipe.

Apple cider vinegar – Adding vinegar helps to break down the texture, leaving you with a tender chocolate cake. For a dairy free chocolate cupcake, use any variety of nondairy milk with the vinegar added.

Don’t overfill – This is the most crucial step in this recipe. Make sure to fill the cupcakes only halfway full. Anymore and your cupcakes will sink in the middle once baked.

How to make chocolate ganache frosting

After making chocolate ganache frosting, you’ll never make regular chocolate frosting again! It’s rich, smooth, and extra chocolatey.

It’s also very easy to make, using just two ingredients; heavy cream and chocolate. But don’t just use any chocolate here, as it can definitely make or break the ganache.

I always use Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet baking chips to make my ganache because it melts beautifully and tastes SO GOOD. Chocolate is just one of those things that you can’t cut corners on in baking.

Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet baking chips are perfect for this recipe because they aren’t too sweet. Since it’s going on top of a rich and sweet cupcake, the slight bitterness of the chocolate helps to balance out the flavors.

To make chocolate ganache frosting:

Heat the heavy cream on a saucepan over medium heat. It only needs a few minutes to warm up, so pull it off the heat once you see steam rising from the surface.

Meanwhile, fill a bowl full of the Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet baking chips. Pour the warm heavy cream to completely cover the chips and let it sit for about 2 minutes

Whisk the two ingredients together until you reach a super silky and rich texture, just like the picture below.

To thicken the ganache for frosting, pop it into the refrigerator for about 45 minutes. Stir the ganache every so often to keep that smooth texture.

It’s ready when the ganache holds its shape (see picture below), but is still easy to mix. Too thin and it will slip off the cupcakes, too thick and it will be very difficult to pipe.

If yours gets too thick, leave it out at room temperature until it loosens up. Then you’re ready to pipe!

How to frost and decorate your gluten free chocolate cupcakes

To frost these cupcakes, you will need a piping bag and a large closed star piping tip. This gives you those beautiful swirls and ridges.

It’s important to frost your cupcakes once they’re completely cool, otherwise the ganache will melt on top.

Once cooled, create a double swirl on top of each cupcake. Start in the center and work your way all around the edge of the cupcake. Once you’ve come full circle, continue piping up towards the center and quickly pull the tip off to the side to break free. Don’t pull up on the tip otherwise your ganache frosting will lift off the cake.

How to make chocolate curls

To add a little extra chocolate to these cupcakes, I love sprinkling some chocolate curls on top. They’re so easy to make but look professional.

To make them, you will need Ghirardelli 60% cacao baking bars. Break off a bar and run a peeler along the edge to shave off the chocolate. Do so over top of the cupcake so the curls naturally fall onto the frosting.

Work the peeler slowly with some light pressure for tight curls, or quickly run it across the bar for chocolate shavings.

Can I use a different oil?

Yes, just make sure to stick with an oil. Don’t use melted butter or apple sauce otherwise the cupcakes turn a little claggy. Any mild-flavored oil will work.

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead?

If you don’t need a gluten free version, you can use regular all-purpose flour instead. Use one cup minus one tablespoon and follow the rest of the instructions as is.

Can I use nondairy milk?

Yes, any nondairy milk will work! Almond, coconut, cashew, oat…use whatever you have on hand. You can also use regular milk if you don’t need a dairy free version. Or you can opt for buttermilk, just omit the apple cider vinegar from the recipe.

To make the ganache dairy free, use 10 oz of chocolate and swap the heavy cream with coconut cream.

How to store gluten free chocolate cupcakes

Once frosted, store your cupcakes in an air tight container in the refrigerator. This prevents the ganache from turning too soft.

They will keep in the fridge for up to one week, if they don’t get gobbled up by then! But for the best texture, consume within the first 3 days.

If you would like to bake the cupcakes and make the ganache later, you can definitely do so. Store the cupcakes in an air tight container in the fridge and make the ganache fresh when you need it.

These cupcakes are best consumed at room temperature as the ganache thickens when chilled. But it definitely doesn’t make or break these cupcakes. They are delicious either way!

For more delicious gluten free chocolate desserts, check out:

• Gluten Free Vanilla Cupcakes
• Gluten Free Chocolate Cake
• Gluten Free Skillet Brownies
• Vegan Gluten Free Brownies
• Chocolate Pudding Cake
• Flourless Olive Oil Chocolate Cake

Make sure to tag me @butternutbakery on Instagram and comment below if you make these Gluten Free Chocolate Cupcakes. To pin this recipe and save it for later, you can use the button on the recipe card, the buttons above or below this post, or on any of the photos above. Happy baking!

Watch how to make these gluten free chocolate cupcakes:

@butternutbakery

theyre so moist with glossy chocolate ganache frosting 🤤 #glutenfreerecipes #glutenfreecupcakes #chocolatecupcakes

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