If you’re looking for a dessert that’s indulgent yet fruity, chocolate and raspberry cupcakes hit the sweet spot. This combination is timeless, bittersweet chocolate paired with the vibrant tartness of raspberries creates a flavor profile that’s both bold and refreshing.
The cupcake base is rich and moist, thanks to cocoa powder and a touch of sour cream or yogurt. These ingredients not only intensify the chocolate flavor but also keep the crumb soft and tender. Adding brewed coffee to the batter is a little trick that deepens the cocoa notes without making the cake taste like coffee, it simply enhances everything you love about chocolate.
Fresh or frozen raspberries can be folded into the batter, offering bright pockets of tartness in every bite. You can also drop a few berries right into the center of each cupcake before baking for a hidden surprise. Just be sure to coat them lightly in flour if using frozen raspberries to prevent them from sinking.
The real showstopper, though, is the raspberry buttercream. Made with fresh raspberry puree, it’s naturally pink, bursting with flavor, and perfectly smooth. It pairs beautifully with the dense chocolate base, providing a light, fruity contrast that’s as pretty as it is delicious. If you want the frosting to be extra silky, strain the seeds out of the raspberry puree before mixing it into the buttercream.
These cupcakes are ideal for birthdays, romantic occasions, or simply to treat yourself. Garnish with a fresh raspberry or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for a bakery-style finish. They also travel well, making them a great option for potlucks or gifting.
Whether you’re baking for a special event or just a casual weekend treat, chocolate and raspberry cupcakes deliver every time. They’re rich, fluffy, fruity, and chocolatey—the kind of cupcake that makes people ask for the recipe.

Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder unsweetened
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 eggs large,
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- 1 cup raspberries fresh
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Dollop about 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam in the center of each cupcake and swirl it into the batter with a toothpick. Top each cupcake with a few fresh raspberries.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Frost the cupcakes with your favorite frosting and decorate with additional fresh raspberries, if desired.
- Enjoy!
I can’t bake but this was easy to follow. My cupcakes raised fluffy and they’re delicious! Thanks for sharing. 5 stars!
Cupcakes are not my thing, but I tried these and wow! Best cupcake I ever had! A+
I’m glad you liked them! I wasn’t expecting much from cupcakes either until I tried this recipe. Now I’m a fan!
My niece helped me make these and we had a blast! Messy kitchen but worth it!
I made these and they totally flopped. The batter was too thick and they didn’t rise 😩.
OMG! Just made these for my daughter’s birthday and they were a hit! Everyone loved them!
Baking these took longer than 25 minutes. Maybe my oven is off? Overall, okay.
They were okay, but I think the cocoa was too much. I prefer my chocolate desserts to be a bit more subtle, you know?
Cupcake magic!
These cupcakes look amazing! I can’t wait to try making them myself. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
I dunno, what if the cupcakes don’t rise? I had a bad experience with cocoa before. Maybe too much jam?
These cupcakes were to die for! The chocolate and raspberry combo is a game changer. Definitely a 5 from me!
Very good, but I don’t like raspberries. Could you replace that?
You could use strawberry jam instead of raspberry! It works great with chocolate. 😊
Why would you wanna take out the raspberries? They’re part of the recipe! Just try it as is, you might like it!
Are you supposed to freeze the butter? I think it’s too hard to mix.
Looks good but what’s buttermilk? Can I just use regular milk instead?
Raspberry jam? Is that really necessary? I used strawberry jam instead and still came out great! So I give it a 3.
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh ones? Not sure if it will work…
Just average. The raspberry jam made them too sweet for my taste.
Yummy!
Sounds good, but aren’t cupcakes a little too sweet? I prefer cookies.
I can’t wait to try these! Chocolate and raspberry are the best combo. Yum!
I made these with my kids and they turned out great! They loved the jam surprise! Will definetly make again! 🙂
These cupcakes are delicious! I made them for a birthday party and everyone loved them. Totally worth the effort!
They turned out a bit dry for me but tasted good. I think I overbaked them.
Finished these in no time! My kids loved them! Definitely making again.
These cupcakes look so delicious! I can’t wait to try them this weekend. Thanks for the recipe!
I used whole wheat flour because that’s all I had and it worked fine.
I DONT HAVE RASPBERRY JAM, CAN I USE STRAWBERRY INSTEAD?
I tried this recipe but it didn’t turn out right. The batter was too thick.
I’m not really into raspberries, but my kids loved these! They were so cute! I’ll give it a 4 for their love.
These cupcakes are to die for! The choc and raspberry combo is sooo good!
Meh, didn’t meet my expectations. Thought chocolate and raspberry would be better. Too sweet for me. Sorry.
I followed the recipe but my cupcakes came out dry. Maybe I baked them too long? Not very happy with the outcome. 2 stars.
Dry cupcakes? U probably overbaked them. Also, did u use the right measurements? Always measure flour carefully!
I’m sorry to hear that! Maybe try checking your oven temperature next time. It can be tricky sometimes. Hope your next batch is better!
Simple and perfect! I added chocolate chips too, because why not?!
Made these with my kids, but we forgot the eggs. They were different but still edible! 😂
Delicious! I used frozen raspberries instead of fresh ones and they turned out great!