Go Back
Homemade cupcakes are cherished for many reasons, each contributing to their enduring popularity:

Copycat Chocolate Hostess Cupcake

Discover the joy of baking with these Decadent Hostess Copycat Cupcakes. Perfectly capturing the beloved flavors of the classic treat, these homemade cupcakes feature a rich chocolate cake filled with a creamy surprise, topped with a luscious frosting. The recipe allows for customization, letting you add your unique twist. Bake a batch for a special occasion or a sweet treat for yourself, and enjoy the therapeutic process while reliving nostalgic memories in the kitchen.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 large egg

1 cup buttermilk

½ cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

1 cup powdered sugar (for filling and frosting)

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)

2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Chocolate Ganache (optional for drizzling)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

    Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

      Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the egg, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.

        Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, mixing on medium speed. Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth; the batter will be quite thin.

          Bake the Cupcakes: Pour the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

            Prepare the Filling: While the cupcakes are cooling, make the filling by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Fit a piping bag with a small round tip and fill with the mixture.

              Fill the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, insert the piping nozzle into the center of each cupcake and squeeze the filling in until you feel resistance.

                Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the 1 cup of powdered sugar and ¼ cup cocoa powder, mixing well. Then add the 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy.

                  Frost the Cupcakes: Spread or pipe the chocolate frosting generously on top of each cupcake.

                    Add Ganache (Optional): If desired, drizzle some chocolate ganache over the frosted cupcakes for an extra touch of indulgence.

                      Serve and Enjoy: Allow the cupcakes to set for a bit before serving. Enjoy your delicious Hostess-style treats!

                        Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 cupcakes