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    Home » Cupcakes » Gluten Free Chocolate Cupcakes

    Gluten Free Chocolate Cupcakes

    Published: Feb 8, 2021 · Modified: Dec 14, 2021 by Amanda · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    These Gluten free Chocolate Cupcakes are topped with a swirl of smooth delicious whipped chocolate ganache frosting. These Chocolate cupcakes are so simple to make but taste and look stunning. Just because you are gluten-free doesn't mean you have to miss out.

    gluten free chocolate cupcakes with chocolate ganache frosting with an open paper case

    I love a reason to make cupcakes and these gluten free chocolate cupcakes with chocolate ganache frosting often make an appearance on special occasions, birthdays, and Valentine's day. I have also used this chocolate cake recipe in my gluten free dirt pudding.

    If you are looking for gluten free birthday cakes then you will love this gluten free dark chocolate cake.

    I have been improving this recipe and it has been developed over the years. I am happy to say I feel they are now complete and are the perfect moist gluten free chocolate cupcake that is so soft inside and topped with the chocolate ganache just complements it perfectly.

    If you love chocolate ganache you will also love my chocolate strawberry tartlets and my chocolate crunch cake or for delicious chocolate sheet cakes try my gluten free chocolate sprinkle cake or gluten free chocolate crumb cake.

    Image of reader review for gluten free chocolate cupcakes.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Equipment
    • Instructions
    • Recipe Tips
    • Whipped chocolate ganache frosting
    • How to make chocolate ganache frosting
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Variations and Substitutions
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Ingredients

    Labeled ingredients for gluten free chocolate cupcakes
    • Gluten free flour - Use your preferred brand of gluten free all purpose flour or plain gluten free flour as its known in the UK.
    • Butter - I recommend that you melt the butter in the microwave as this is much easier.
    • Sugar -  This makes the cake light, gives moisture, and adds sweetness to the cake. I used fine white sugar aka caster sugar but granulated sugar will also work well.
    • Cocoa Powder - Dutch-processed cocoa powder is recommended but you can use your preferred cocoa powder.
    • Eggs - Gives structure to the chocolate cakes. Be sure that your eggs are at room temperature.
    • Baking Powder & Baking Soda - Acts as a leavening and rising agent by reacting to heat. Making the cake light and rise well.
    • Xanthan Gum - Prevents ingredients from separating as it is a stabilizer. Essentially acting as gluten would gel everything together.
    • Whole milk - I like to take the milk out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before making the cupcakes to allow the milk to come to room temperature.
    • Warm water - Don't skip this step as adding hot water will add moisture to the chocolate cupcakes and prevent them from becoming too dry.

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    Equipment

    • 12 Cupcake cases ( I like to use large cupcake cases to the size of muffin cases)
    • Icing Piping nozzle and Piping bag
    • Electric whisk for the frosting (Don't worry if you do not have this you can whisk by hand. It will take a bit longer and require a bit of effort)
    • 12 hole muffin baking tin

    Instructions

    dry ingredients in a large bowl for gluten free chocolate cupcakes
    wet ingredients in a large bowl for chocolate cupcakes
    • Preheat the oven to 170°C/225°F/Gas Mark 3. Prepare 12 hole muffin tray with muffin cases.
    • In a large bowl mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, xanthan gum, and salt.
    • In a separate bowl combine the eggs, milk, melted butter, and hot water. Mix well.
    gluten free chocolate cupcake batter in a large bowl with a whisk
    12 cupcakes in a muffin tin filled with chocolate cake batter
    • Add the wet ingredients into the larger bowl that contains the dry ingredient mix and whisk until fully combined and resembles a smooth chocolate cake batter.
    • Divide between the 12 muffin cases filling to around half way. Depending on the size of your muffin cases you might have a little leftover mixture you can use for more cupcakes.
    Baked chocolate cupcakes in a cake tin.
    chocolate ganache being piped on top of a chocolate cupcake
    • Place in the oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes. Insert a skewer into a gluten free chocolate cupcake. If it comes out clean it's ready if not leave it in slightly longer. (Times may vary slightly depending on the oven).
    • Once the gluten free chocolate cupcakes have cooled pipe on the frosting and decorate as desired.

    Recipe Tips

    • Gluten Free Flour – I used a shop bought Gluten free flour blend from Doves Farm Freee from range. Which is a flour blend of Rice, Potato, Tapioca, Maize and Buckwheat flour. I have had reports that others have used Bob’s Red Mill and other Gluten free All purpose blends with my recipes that have worked well. I would love to know what flour blends worked for you. So feel free to get in touch by leaving a comment below or you can contact me directly.
    • Kitchen Scales - Using digital scales is recommended when baking. I always measure using scales and in grams as baking is a science. When baking gluten free it is essential to weigh out ingredients to get the best results! There is no need to purchase expensive digital scales and you can find them available cheaply online.
    • Oven Temperatures - Your oven temperature may be slightly different. As all ovens vary in temperature and the baking time is used as a guide. Some ovens run hotter than others. You could invest in an oven thermometer to be more accurate.

    Whipped chocolate ganache frosting

    whipped chocolate ganache labeled ingredients
    • Chocolate - Chop the chocolate as fine as you can as this will help it melt faster. I used a mix of dark and milk chocolate in this recipe as I felt that it gives the perfect balance between the sweetness of milk chocolate and the bittersweetness of dark chocolate. You can adjust to your preferred tastes in chocolate. Check out my What chocolates are gluten free guide.
    • Heavy cream - AKA Double cream or Heavy whipping cream.

    How to make chocolate ganache frosting

    chopped dark and milk chocolate on a wooden chopping board
    heavy cream in a pan.
    • Chop the chocolate up as finely as you can and place it in a large bowl.
    • Add cream into a non-stick saucepan and heat on medium-high heat until the cream is hot stirring continuously. DO NOT bring the cream to a boil.
    hot cream over chopped chocolate
    melted chocolate and cream fully combined in a glass bowl.
    • Carefully pour the hot cream into the bowl with the chopped chocolate and leave it to sit for 3-4 minutes. This will allow the hot cream to begin to melt the chocolate.
    • Stir the melted chocolate and cream together until fully combined and smooth.
    • Leave the chocolate ganache to cool completely and then cover and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
    chocolate ganache being whipped in a glass bowl.
    whipped chocolate ganache being piped on top of a gluten free chocolate cupcake.
    • Once the chocolate ganache has had time to chill whisk until the frosting becomes creamy and thick. It won't take long to thicken and usually only takes up to 5 minutes when using an electric whisk or mixer. (The key is to not over whisk as it will quickly become thick)
    • Place the chocolate frosting into a piping bag with your preferred piping tip and then swirl it on top. 

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I make the cupcakes Dairy free?

    That’s no problem this is easily adapted If you require dairy free chocolate cupcakes. You can substitute the Butter for 200ml of vegetable oil and use Almond milk. Decorate with your preferred dairy-free frosting.

    What Gluten Free Flour to use?

    I used shop bought gluten free flour. You can use your preferred brand of gluten free all purpose or gluten free plain flour.

    How do I store the chocolate cupcakes once baked?

    The cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container for you to enjoy for up to 3-4 days. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator once frosted with chocolate ganache for up to 4 days. Remove from the refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature before eating.

    Can I Freeze the cupcakes?

    Yes! They will freeze really well. The cupcakes can be frozen in a freezer-safe container/bags for up to 3 months. Then you can add the icing once they have fully defrosted.

    How do I store leftover chocolate ganache?

    Whipped chocolate ganache can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Chocolate ganache is also suitable for freezing for up to 3 months.

    Is chocolate ganache gluten free?

    To make gluten free chocolate ganache be sure to check that the brand of chocolate used does not contain any gluten within its ingredients. As some brands of chocolate contain gluten. See my What chocolate is gluten free for more information.

    Variations and Substitutions

    gluten free valentines cupcake with heart chocolate decoration in the frosting.

    I have included a few variations and substitutions below. If you have any other questions I would be happy to answer them. So feel free to get in touch.

    • Coffee and chocolate cupcakes - Coffee complements the chocolate flavor nicely. You can substitute the hot water in the cupcakes for a 60ML of hot coffee or expresso.
    • Themed cupcakes - Use sprinkles and colored cupcake cases and your cupcakes will fit nicely into your desired theme. As chocolate is the food of love they are perfect for gluten free valentine's cupcakes as I did in the photo above. I also have a page dedicated to gluten free Valentines desserts or you can try my gluten free strawberry cupcakes.
    • Chocolate ganache filled cupcake - Creating a hole in the center of the cupcakes like in my gluten free Victoria sponge cupcakes and filling with the chocolate ganache adds that little extra surprise and indulgence.
    • Buttercream frosting - If you prefer a chocolate cupcake with buttercream frosting. You can use the buttercream recipe from my gluten free vanilla cupcakes. Chocolate buttercream from my chocolate sprinkle cake.
    • Butter Vs Oil - You can substitute the butter for oil. If you require dairy free chocolate cupcakes also use dairy free milk and use your preferred dairy free frosting.

    Other gluten free recipes you might like

    • gluten free vanilla cupcake with buttercream frosting on a marble backdrop
      Gluten free Vanilla Cupcakes
    • 3 dessert glass bowls with gluten free dirt pudding surrounded by gummy worms
      Gluten Free Dirt Pudding

    📖 Recipe

    gluten free chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting with a pot of chocolate in the background

    Gluten free Chocolate Cupcakes

    These Gluten free Chocolate Cupcakes are topped with a swirl of smooth delicious whipped chocolate ganache frosting. These Chocolate cupcakes are so simple to make but taste and look stunning.  Perfect for special occasions, birthdays, and Valentine's day. 
    5 from 47 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12 cupcakes
    Calories: 487kcal

    Nutritional information is meant as a guideline and all information is approximate.

    Author: Amanda
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • 12 Cupcake cases ( I like to use large cupcake cases to the size of muffin cases)
    • Icing Piping nozzle and Piping bag
    • Electric whisk (Don't worry if you do not have this you can whisk by hand. It will take a bit longer and require a bit of effort)
    • 12 hole muffin baking tin

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for Gluten-free Chocolate Cupcakes

    • 200 grams Gluten-free plain flour (Gluten free all-purpose flour)
    • 200 grams Caster Sugar
    • 50 grams Cocoa Powder
    • 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder Some brands may have ingredients that contain gluten. Always be sure to check the label.
    • 1 Teaspoon Baking soda Some brands may have ingredients that contain gluten. Always be sure to check the label.
    • ¼ Teaspoon Xanthan Gum
    • ¼ Teaspoon Salt
    • 200 grams Butter Melted
    • 200 ML Whole milk Room temperature
    • 2 Large Eggs
    • 60 ML Warm water

    Ingredients for Whipped Chocolate Ganache

    • 350 grams Chocolate I used 250g Milk Chocolate and 100g Dark chocolate
    • 350 grams Heavy cream (Double cream or heavy whipping cream)

    Instructions

    How to make gluten free chocolate cupcakes

    • Preheat the oven to 170°C/225°F/Gas Mark 3. Prepare 12 hole muffin tray with muffin cases.
    • In a large bowl mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, xanthan gum, and salt.
    • In a separate bowl combine the eggs, milk, melted butter, and hot water. Mix well.
    • Add the wet ingredients into the larger bowl that contains the dry ingredient mix and whisk until fully combined and resembles a smooth chocolate cake batter.
    • Divide between the 12 muffin cases filling to around half way. Depending on the size of your muffin cases you might have a little leftover mixture you can use for more cupcakes.
    • Place in the oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes. Insert a skewer into a cake. If it comes out clean its ready if not leave it in slightly longer. (Times may vary slightly dependent on oven).
    • Transfer to a cooling rack and leave to cool and make the frosting.

    How to make Chocolate ganache

    • Chop the chocolate up as finely as you can and place in a large bowl.
    • Add cream into a non-stick saucepan and heat on medium-high heat until the cream is hot stirring continuously. DO NOT bring the cream to a boil.
    • Carefully pour the hot cream into the bowl with the chopped chocolate and leave it to sit for 3-4 minutes. This will allow the hot cream to begin to melt the chocolate.
    • Stir the melted chocolate and cream together until fully combined and smooth.
    • Leave the chocolate ganache to cool completely and then cover and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
    • Once the chocolate ganache has had time to chill whisk until the frosting becomes creamy and thick. It won't take long to thicken and usually only takes up to 5 minutes when using an electric whisk or mixer. (The key is to not over whisk as it will quickly become thick)
    • Place the chocolate frosting into a piping bag with your preferred piping tip and then swirl it on top. Top with your preferred sprinkles if desired.

    Notes

     
    Can I make the cupcakes Dairy free?
    That’s no problem this is easily adapted If you require dairy free chocolate cupcakes. You can substitute the Butter for 200ml of vegetable oil and use Almond milk. Decorate with your preferred dairy-free frosting.
    How do I store the chocolate cupcakes once baked?
    The cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container for you to enjoy for up to 3-4 days. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator once frosted with chocolate ganache for up to 4 days. Remove from the refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature before eating.
    Can I Freeze the cupcakes?
    Yes! They will freeze really well. The cupcakes can be frozen in a freezer-safe container/bags for up to 3 months. Then you can add the icing once they have fully defrosted.
    How do I store leftover chocolate ganache?
    Whipped chocolate ganache can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Chocolate ganache is also suitable for freezing for up to 3 months.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 487kcal | Carbohydrates: 46.6g | Protein: 18.4g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 16.6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 99.9mg | Sodium: 428.8mg | Potassium: 108mg | Fiber: 6.1g | Sugar: 21.8g

    Disclaimer

    Nutritional information is meant as a guideline and is always an approximate calculation. Recipes may include information of various products used. It is your responsibility to check that ingredients you use when making a recipe are gluten free.

    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @glutenfree.tranquility or tag #glutenfreetranquility!

    I hope you enjoyed this gluten free chocolate cupcake recipe.

    I would love your feedback.  Please rate this recipe and leave a comment below. You can also tag me in any photos taken when trying this recipe over on my Instagram.

    More Gluten free Cupcake Recipes

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    Comments

    1. Jen says

      May 28, 2022 at 2:55 pm

      This is so good! My kids loved it!5 stars

      Reply
    2. Michele says

      May 27, 2022 at 8:22 pm

      These are delish … special occasion worthy!!5 stars

      Reply
    5 from 47 votes (45 ratings without comment)

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    Hi, I'm Amanda! I am passionate about creating gluten free versions of all the foods that I enjoy. I love sharing them with others looking for easy but delicious gluten free recipes.

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