Salted Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes: A Decadent Sweet & Salty Treat

There’s something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and a touch of sea salt. These Salted Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes are the perfect indulgence—moist, fudgy, and topped with a luscious chocolate ganache that melts in your mouth. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the depth of the chocolate, creating a balance of flavors that keeps you coming back for more.

Whether you’re a chocolate lover or simply looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert, these cupcakes will not disappoint. They’re easy to make, perfect for parties, and bring a gourmet touch to any occasion. Plus, the combination of sweet and salty is irresistible, making them stand out from your average chocolate cupcake.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these indulgent cupcakes:

Cupcake Batter

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 ¼ cups
Unsweetened cocoa powder	½ cup
Baking powder	1 teaspoon
Baking soda	½ teaspoon
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Granulated sugar	¾ cup
Brown sugar	½ cup
Eggs	2 large
Whole milk	½ cup
Vegetable oil	⅓ cup
Pure vanilla extract	2 teaspoons
Hot coffee (or hot water)	½ cup

Fudge Ganache Topping

Ingredient	Quantity
Heavy cream	½ cup
Semi-sweet chocolate chips	1 cup
Unsalted butter	1 tablespoon
Flaky sea salt	To taste

Notes on ingredients:

• Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor but won’t make the cupcakes taste like coffee. You can use hot water instead if preferred.
• Flaky sea salt (like Maldon) works best for topping, but kosher salt can also be used in a pinch.
• For a richer texture, you can substitute buttermilk for whole milk.

Equipment Needed

• Muffin tin
• Cupcake liners
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for ganache)
• Cooling rack

Each tool plays a role in achieving the perfect texture and consistency, from mixing the batter evenly to ensuring the cupcakes bake uniformly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and creamy.
4. Add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
6. Slowly pour in the hot coffee (or hot water), stirring until the batter is smooth. It will be thin, but that’s normal!

Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes

1. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
2. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
3. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Fudge Ganache

1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. (Do not boil.)
2. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir until smooth, then add the butter and continue stirring until glossy.

Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes

1. Spoon or dip the cooled cupcakes into the ganache, letting excess drip off.
2. Sprinkle each cupcake with a pinch of flaky sea salt before the ganache sets.
3. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the ganache to firm up slightly.

Tips and Variations

• For an extra fudgy center, press a piece of chocolate or a dollop of ganache into the batter before baking.
• Make it vegan by using dairy-free chocolate, coconut milk for the ganache, and an egg replacer.
• Add texture by topping with chopped nuts or chocolate curls.
• Infuse flavor by adding a touch of espresso powder to the batter for a deeper chocolate taste.

Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes are already a showstopper, but you can elevate them further by:

• Pairing with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for contrast.
• Drizzling caramel sauce over the top for a sweet and salty combo.
• Serving with a dollop of whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

For a party, arrange them on a tiered dessert stand and garnish with extra flakes of sea salt for a bakery-style presentation.

Perfect Pairings

Pair these decadent cupcakes with drinks that complement their rich, chocolatey flavor:

• Red Wine: A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or a fruity Zinfandel enhances the chocolate.
• Coffee: A rich espresso or cappuccino balances the sweetness.
• Milk: A classic pairing that never fails.
• Baileys or Kahlúa: For an indulgent adult treat, serve with a coffee liqueur cocktail.

Storage and Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, but bring to room temp before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed cupcakes for up to 3 months; thaw and add ganache before serving.

If the ganache hardens, warm the cupcake slightly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to restore its fudgy texture.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount (Per Cupcake)
Calories	~280 kcal
Carbohydrates	35g
Protein	3g
Fat	15g
Sugar	22g
Sodium	180mg

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

Conclusion

Salted Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes are the perfect balance of rich, deep chocolate and a hint of salt, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Their moist, fudgy texture combined with a silky ganache topping ensures every bite is decadent and satisfying. Whether you’re baking them for a celebration, a cozy night in, or just to satisfy your chocolate cravings, these cupcakes will always be a hit. Plus, the simple yet sophisticated touch of flaky sea salt enhances the flavors, making them feel like a gourmet bakery treat right from your own kitchen.

If you give these cupcakes a try, don’t forget to share your results! Experiment with different toppings or fillings and make them your own. Post pictures, share your thoughts in the comments, or even let us know what beverage you paired them with. Baking is always better when shared, so spread the joy of these Salted Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes with your family and friends!