Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cupcakes!
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Chocolatey cupcakes studded with chunks of Terry’s chocolate orange, topped with an orange buttercream, and even more chocolate orange!
Chocolate orange cupcakes
It’s no secret that I LOVE the chocolate & orange combination – it’s my addiction – and I have had many people ask for a cupcake version of my chocolate orange bundt cake so I thought I would oblige (and I seriously craved some anyway).
After doing a little research, I noticed that most chocolate orange cupcakes feature chocolate orange buttercream, which is amazing, of course, but I wanted to try something a little different. I wanted the chocolate to shine through in the sponge itself, giving each bite a little surprise, and making the cupcakes extra special compared to the usual versions.
These cupcakes are perfect for gifting, for parties, or just because you deserve a sweet treat. They have that classic chocolate-orange zing that feels festive yet comforting, and they’re super easy to bake, no complicated techniques required. Honestly, these went down an absolute treat with my taste testers, and let’s just say they didn’t last long at all.
Cupcakes
I compensated for the lesser amount of chocolate-orange flavour in the buttercream by adding chunks of Terry’s Chocolate Orange directly into the sponge, and wow… what a game-changer! The chocolate pieces melt slightly in the oven, creating little pockets of gooey, citrusy chocolate in every bite. The sponge itself is light, fluffy, and tender, perfectly complementing the buttercream that tops it.
These cupcakes are super simple to bake, just like any other standard cupcake, but they have a definite “wow factor.” They’re ideal for making ahead for a party or sharing with friends, and the added chunks of chocolate make them look and taste so much more indulgent. I promise, even your most skeptical taste testers will be converted.
The method itself is really satisfying, beating the butter and sugar until fluffy, folding in the cocoa, flour, eggs, and chocolate orange chunks, and then scooping them neatly into cupcake cases is a really tactile and fun process. Using an ice cream scoop ensures each one has the perfect portion, and it makes the whole tray look so neat and uniform.
Buttercream
These cupcakes are topped with a dreamy orange buttercream that I genuinely could eat with a spoon (don’t judge me). I add a little orange juice to the buttercream for a fresh, zingy flavour that perfectly balances the chocolate in the sponge. If you prefer, you can use orange extract instead, whatever you have to hand will work beautifully.
For a fun twist, I like to colour my buttercream a soft orange to match the flavour and theme. It’s completely optional, of course, but once you’ve done it, it’s hard to go back to plain buttercream. The texture is smooth, creamy, and holds its shape really well when piped, making the cupcakes look super professional without needing advanced skills.
Piping the buttercream is the best part, whether you swirl it into a classic peak, pipe it into a neat spiral with my favourite 2D closed star piping tip, or just dollop it on with a spatula, it’s all about fun and presentation. The rich, citrusy flavour combined with the chocolate chunks in the sponge makes these cupcakes completely irresistible.
Chocolate orange alternatives
Terry’s Chocolate Orange is one of my most requested flavours in every form of bake and over the years I have created countless recipes that ooze chocolate orange flavour. Why not try my Terry’s Chocolate Orange drip cake, Terry’s Chocolate Orange tray bake cake, or the delicious and indulgent Terry’s Chocolate Orange Millionaires shortbread.
If you love the chocolate-orange combo but want to mix things up, you can also experiment with chocolate orange brownies, mousse, or even cookies. The possibilities are endless, and each bake brings out the zingy, chocolatey flavour in a slightly different way. For example, a tray bake gives you gooey, indulgent slices perfect for sharing, while a drip cake is show stopping for birthdays or special occasions.
For a slightly lighter take, you could try chocolate orange macarons or cupcakes, where the citrus really pops against the sweetness of the chocolate. Honestly, once you start experimenting with chocolate orange, it’s hard to stop, it’s such a versatile flavour that works for both simple bakes and more elaborate creations. Whether you stick with the classics or try something a little different, you really can’t go wrong with chocolate orange!
Recipe adaptation
If you are not a fan of the actual Terry’s chocolate orange, or you cant get access too it, you can use normal milk/dark chocolate and add in orange zest to be a delicious substitute. There tends to be some good deals at the supermarkets near Christmas time with all the chocolate orange varieties so I tend to stock up then.
I personally utterly adore these cupcakes. They’re genuinely one of my most favourite cupcake recipes I have, and they’re suitable for all year round. These bad boys get more popular around Christmas time, but I am a Terry’s girl for life, not just for Christmas. Get it? I literally LOVE these! They’re definitely adaptable to what you prefer yourselves, but I love them just the way they are.
Tips & tricks
- I looooove using Terry’s chocolate orange as the flavour is amazing. However, you can easily use the same weight of chocolate, and just add the zest of two oranges if you don’t have access to it!
- Also, with the orange extract flavouring, add it a couple of drops at a time till you get your desired flavour – some need a few teaspoons, some need a couple of drops depending on where they’re from!
- These cupcakes will last in an airtight container for 3 days!
- I use this tin!
Terry's Chocolate Orange Cupcakes!
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 150 g unsalted butter
- 150 g caster sugar
- 120 g self raising flour
- 30 g cocoa powder
- 3 medium eggs
- Zest of 1 orange (or 2 tsp extract)
- 150 g Terry's chocolate orange
Buttercream
- 150 g unsalted butter
- 350 g icing sugar
- orange food colouring
- 1 tsp orange extract (or 50ml orange juice)
Decorations
- Terry's chocolate orange
- melted chocolate
- sprinkles
Instructions
Cupcakes
- Preheat your oven to 180ºc /160ºc Fan and line a muffin tray with cases. Chop up your chocolate orange if you haven’t done so already!
- Beat the butter and caster sugar together until smooth and fluffy, I beat mine for 2 minutes.
- Add the self-raising flour, cocoa powder & eggs and beat again. Try not to over beat, or mix too quickly.
- Fold through the chocolate orange chunks & orange zest and spoon into your cases – using an Ice-cream scoop is easier as it will make each cupcake have the same amount!
- Bake in the oven for 17-20 minutes until cooked through! Leave to cool on a wire rack.
Buttercream
- Beat the butter for 3-4 minutes until very smooth and supple, you need it to be smooth so that the icing sugar goes in easier!
- Gradually add the icing sugar (I add mine 100g at a time) and beat each time – add the orange flavouring, and food colouring – I like to use the fresh orange juice, but if you’d rather add the flavour extract that is fine too!
- Pipe your buttercream onto the cakes how you please and decorate!
- Add on some Terry's chocolate orange segments, melted chocolate and sprinkles!
Notes
- I looooove using Terry’s chocolate orange as the flavour is amazing. However, you can easily use the same weight of chocolate, and just add the zest of two oranges if you don’t have access to it.
- Also, with the orange extract flavouring, add it a couple of drops at a time till you get your desired flavour – some need a few teaspoons, some need a couple of drops depending on where they’re from.
- These cupcakes will last in an airtight container for 3 days.
- I use this tin.
So excited to try these tomorrow, with the melted chocolate to drizzle, does it have to be proper baking chocolate or am I ok to melt Terry choc orange and then drizzle that over?
You can use terry’s! Just be careful when melting it.
I really want to make this however I was wondering could you put the Terry’s chocolate in the icing instead of the cake? So chocolate cupcakes and then Terry’s chocolate orange icing? How would you do this?
Have a look at my Terry’s Chocolate Orange Cake x
Hi Jane, can this wonderful yummy recipe be converted into a tray bake ?
For this exact recipe I haven’t converted it yet, but I have a chocolate traybake cake you can make and use the frosting from this, or use it as a guide!
I made these again and they where great. Think i chopped chocolate up to small first time.😊
Made these last week. They were yum. 8 yo said they were the best cupcakes I’ve ever made! Off to check out your other recipes now x
How do I drizzle the chocolate on the top, do I use a spoon or a pipping bag? Thankyou.
Either!
These look and sound amazing. I’m hoping to give them a try this afternoon.
I like the idea about the ice cream scoop too. I’ll be giving that a go too 😋😀
Enjoy!!
Can you use stork instead of butter
For the cakes? Yes. For the frosting? No.
I made a double batch of these for a new year’s party and not one was left! I was so impressed with how well they rose. Can’t wait to try more of your recipes.
I made these and they where delicious but I’m not sure if i over cooked them. Are they meant to be gooey in the middle as i cooked them nearly double the timd until they were cooked all the way through.
Also is there anyway i can get this recipe via email so i can print it for future use.
Thankyou
If they took double the time your mixture might have been odd, or your oven isn’t the correct temp as I have never ever baked cupcakes for that long. You can also select the information you want and print it yourself.
I found that I had to cook them longer too so that my cake tester came out clean. It resulted in a crunchy top. Is that how they’re meant to be?
If they took longer, and then had a crunchy top, I’d say maybe the oven wasn’t at the right temp usually! I use a fan oven, and I check its temp with an oven thermometer, and they’re soft on top. But gas/regular can bake things differently, and all three can be off temp wise!
Hi Jane!
Can’t wait to try these out – just a quick question, do you use a milk or dark Terry’s chocolate orange for the chunks?
Thanks!
I used milk in the recipe, but I have made them with both before and both are delicious! X
Great, thank you!
Hi Jane, how many cupcakes does the recipe make? Can’t wait to get baking! X
Usually a batch makes 12 for me! X
Thanks so much for this recipe, just made them and they are AMAZING!!
Hi Jane,
When you say you use fresh orange juice for the icing, how much do you put in?
Thanks!
Lowro
2-4 tbsps! x
Thank you! x
Hi Jayne how chopped up does the chocolate orange need to be? Thank you xxx
about 1cm pieces? x
Ok fab thank you I just wanted to
Check before I made them later In the week for my McMillan coffee morning xxx
About 1cm? X
Hi Jane, I’m looking forward to making these for a charity bake sale. Do these freeze well?
Thank you, Holly
Ok, I know I said that I was going to wait until Ramadan was over before I make these, but seriously, how can anyone resist?! Lol. I made them last weekend for my family and they loved it! I put some in a cupcake gift box for my aunty, it looked so professional she thought that I had bought it! She said it was sooo good that I should sell them. ?. (don’t worry, I won’t do so without your permission).
I just wanted to ask about the cake bit. Most recipes involving chocolate almost always add buttermilk and coffee. How come your recipe doesn’t have these? And also, I did find it to be a tiny bit dry, would it be possible to add oil to keep it moist?
Any tips and suggestions would be helpful. ?.
I have to say though, of all the recipes I’ve seen on Pinterest I always find yours to be the best ?. As soon as I see that it is your recipe, I Pin it!!! ?
Not all chocolate cake mixes use buttermilk and coffee at all, this is a standard cake recipe – if it was dry you over baked them, you don’t need anything added.