Super-Easy Chocolate Cupcakes

Got a party in an hour? No problem! These cupcakes taste yummy, aren’t fussy and require no special ingredients or equipment. Simply dump all the ingredients in a bowl, stir and bake. They’re good enough for a party and simple enough for a play date.

Super-Easy Chocolate Cupcakes

200 g all-purpose flour
300 g sugar
60 g unsweetened cocoa powder
1.5 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
120 ml oil
350 ml milk
2 eggs

1. Preheat oven to 190° C. Prepare cupcake tins with paper liners (about 18) or grease and flour a cake pan (8×8-inch square pan or a 9-inch circular).

2. Whisk all ingredients together in a big bowl.

3. Fill the cupcake tins or cake pan.

4. For cupcakes, bake for 18-20 minutes. For cake, bake 35 to 40 minutes.

5. Cool on a rack then frost or dust with powdered sugar.

Makes about 18 cupcakes or one cake (23cm diameter).

Super-easy sugar frosting

These cupcakes are pretty great with a simple dusting of powdered sugar. But for a party, you’ll probably need the classic super-sugary American frosting that will hold its shape when piped, as shown in the photo above. This recipe makes enough to frost 18 cupcakes.

500 g powdered sugar, sifted
150 g unsalted butter, softened but cool
Pinch salt
3-4 tablespoons milk

Combine ingredients and beat with hand mixer until smooth and thick. The frosting will initially look dry and crumbly, but don’t add more milk until you see the final consistency. Use immediately or cover and refrigerate.

Text and photo by Tanya Deans

Originally from San Francisco, Tanya has made Zurich her home for the past nine years with her husband and two growing boys, who wholeheartedly approve these cupcakes. She runs the website Moms:Tots:Zurich, which is all about hiking with kids in Switzerland and other family-friendly outings in and around Zurich.