Mary Berry Chocolate Cupcakes are soft, moist, and packed with rich chocolate flavor, making them a perfect treat for birthdays, afternoon tea, or everyday baking. These classic cupcakes have a light sponge texture topped with a smooth chocolate buttercream that melts in your mouth. They are easy to make, even for beginners, and require only simple pantry ingredients. The entire recipe takes about 45 minutes from start to finish.
Mary Berry Chocolate Cupcakes
Course: DessertCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal1
hour10
minutesSoft and moist chocolate cupcakes topped with rich chocolate buttercream frosting. A simple and classic Mary Berry recipe perfect for parties, celebrations, or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
175g self-raising flour
2 tbsp cocoa powder
175g caster sugar
175g softened butter
3 large eggs
1 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp milk
150g softened butter
250g icing sugar
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp milk
Cupcake cases
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Line a 12-hole muffin tin with cupcake cases.
- Place flour, cocoa powder, sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder and milk into a large mixing bowl.
- Beat until smooth and fully combined.
- Divide the mixture evenly between the cupcake cases.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until risen and springy.
- Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.
- Beat butter, icing sugar, cocoa powder and milk until light and fluffy.
- Pipe or spread the buttercream onto the cooled cupcakes.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients for the best texture.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them moist.

Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cupcakes
- 175g self-raising flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 175g caster sugar
- 175g softened butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp milk
For the Chocolate Buttercream
- 150g softened butter
- 250g icing sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp milk
For Baking
- 12 cupcake cases
How to Make Mary berry Chocolate Cupcakes
- Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C or 160°C fan. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with cupcake cases and place the tin on the middle shelf of the oven.
- Mix the cupcake batter: Place the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, and milk into a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Fill the cupcake cases: Divide the mixture evenly between the paper cases, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake the cupcakes: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until well risen and springy when lightly pressed in the center.
- Cool completely: Remove from the oven and leave in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool fully.
- Make the buttercream: Beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add the icing sugar and cocoa powder, then mix in the milk until light and fluffy.
- Decorate the cupcakes: Pipe or spread the chocolate buttercream onto the cooled cupcakes. Serve immediately or store for later.
Tips
How do I keep chocolate cupcakes moist?
Do not overbake them. Remove the cupcakes as soon as they feel springy in the center.
Why did my cupcakes sink in the middle?
Opening the oven door too early or overmixing the batter can cause sinking.
Can I make the buttercream smoother?
Add an extra tablespoon of milk and beat for a few minutes until silky and fluffy.
How can I get bakery-style cupcakes?
Use a piping bag fitted with a large star nozzle to create a professional-looking swirl.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Add chocolate shavings for decoration.
- Top with chocolate buttons or sprinkles.
- Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator
Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before decorating.
Nutrition
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 155mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising flour?
Yes. Add 2 teaspoons of baking powder for every 175g of plain flour.
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the cupcakes a day in advance and decorate them before serving.
Can I freeze frosted chocolate cupcakes?
Yes. Freeze them in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What cocoa powder works best?
Use a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor.