There’s something undeniably luxurious about the combination of chocolate and Amaretto. These Chocolate Amaretto Cupcakes bring together the richness of dark chocolate and the warm, nutty undertones of Amaretto liqueur for an elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a moist, tender crumb and a silky Amaretto-infused frosting, these cupcakes are ideal for dinner parties, celebrations, or simply indulging in a sweet treat with a sophisticated twist.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of flavors—deep cocoa pairs beautifully with the almond essence of Amaretto, creating a dessert that is both rich and nuanced. Whether you’re a fan of boozy bakes or simply love gourmet cupcakes, this recipe will not disappoint.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 ¼ cups
Unsweetened cocoa powder	½ cup
Baking powder	1 tsp
Baking soda	½ tsp
Salt	¼ tsp
Granulated sugar	¾ cup
Brown sugar	½ cup
Eggs	2 large
Unsalted butter (melted)	½ cup
Whole milk	½ cup
Amaretto liqueur	¼ cup
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Hot water (or coffee)	½ cup

Amaretto Buttercream Frosting

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter (softened)	1 cup
Powdered sugar	3 cups
Amaretto liqueur	3 tbsp
Heavy cream (as needed)	1-2 tbsp
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Pinch of salt	To taste

For an extra touch, garnish with chocolate shavings, slivered almonds, or a maraschino cherry on top.

Decadent Chocolate Cupcake with Cherry and Chocolate Drizzle

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls – To combine dry and wet ingredients.
Electric mixer – Helps achieve a smooth batter and fluffy buttercream.
Cupcake tin & liners – Ensures even baking and easy serving.
Whisk & spatula – For mixing and scraping the bowl.
Piping bag & tip – For an elegant frosting finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cupcakes

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and both sugars.
In another bowl, beat the eggs, melted butter, milk, Amaretto, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
Slowly stir in the hot water (or coffee) until fully incorporated—the batter will be thin, but this ensures a moist cupcake.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Amaretto Buttercream

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
Pour in the Amaretto and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until fluffy.
If needed, add 1-2 tbsp of heavy cream to reach the desired consistency.
Beat for another minute, ensuring the buttercream is light and airy.

Frosting & Garnishing

Transfer the buttercream into a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip.
Pipe swirls of frosting onto completely cooled cupcakes.
Garnish with chocolate shavings, slivered almonds, or a maraschino cherry for a beautiful finish.

Tips and Variations

Want a stronger Amaretto flavor? Add an extra tablespoon of Amaretto to the frosting or brush some over the cupcakes before frosting.
Make it alcohol-free by substituting Amaretto with almond extract (use only 1 tsp in the batter and frosting).
Enhance the chocolate flavor by using freshly brewed coffee instead of hot water—it deepens the richness of the cocoa.
For a nutty crunch, fold in finely chopped toasted almonds into the batter before baking.
Love filled cupcakes? Hollow out the center of each cupcake and fill with an Amaretto ganache or almond pastry cream.

Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes shine on their own, but pairing them with complementary flavors takes them to the next level.

Serve them slightly chilled for a firmer buttercream texture.
Add a side of vanilla bean ice cream for contrast.
Drizzle with warm chocolate ganache for extra indulgence.

For an elegant dessert table, serve them alongside almond biscotti, chocolate truffles, or espresso mousse.

Chocolate Amaretto Cupcake with a Steaming Cup of Coffee

Pairings

Coffee & Espresso – The deep roasted notes of coffee perfectly balance the sweet, nutty flavor of Amaretto.
Dessert Wines – Try a glass of Port, Moscato, or Sauternes to highlight the almond and chocolate notes.
Cocktails – A chocolate martini or Amaretto sour pairs beautifully with these cupcakes.
Milk & Hot Chocolate – A classic pairing for a cozy evening.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap individually and thaw before frosting.
Reheating: If you prefer cupcakes at room temperature, let them sit out for 30 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 Cupcake)
Calories	~320 kcal
Carbohydrates	~40g
Protein	~4g
Fat	~16g
Sugar	~28g
Saturated Fat	~9g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

Chocolate Amaretto Cupcakes are the ultimate treat for those who love the combination of rich cocoa and warm, nutty liqueur. Their moist texture, deep chocolate flavor, and silky Amaretto-infused frosting create a perfect balance of indulgence and elegance. Whether you’re making them for a special celebration, a dinner party, or just a cozy night in, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress. The hint of Amaretto adds a sophisticated twist, making them a unique alternative to classic chocolate cupcakes.

Baking these cupcakes is just as enjoyable as eating them, thanks to the simple yet rewarding process. From the moment the batter comes together to the final touch of garnish, every step is filled with rich aromas and delicious anticipation. So why not give them a try? Share your creations with friends and family, and don’t forget to snap a photo and tag us on social media. We’d love to see your take on these decadent cupcakes!