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How to Make Easy Football Cupcakes for the Super Bowl

February 2, 2019 (Last updated January 18, 2026) · Nicole Triebe
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Football Cupcakes are the ultimate touchdown treat! Easy to make, they are perfect for any sports gathering or tailgate.

There’s something so special about game day in our house. Whether it’s a big Sunday matchup or the Super Bowl, the kitchen is always buzzing — snacks in the oven, friends gathering around the counter, and someone inevitably debating who’s going to win. These Chocolate Football Cupcakes have quickly become a fan favorite at our watch parties. They’re rich, chocolatey, and decorated to look just like mini footballs — a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Nothing says touchdown treat like these rich, moist Chocolate Football Cupcakes! Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or tailgating with friends and a yummy game day spread, these cupcakes bring the perfect combination of deep cocoa flavor and creamy vanilla frosting — decorated to look just like tiny footballs. They’re fun, festive, and irresistibly chocolatey. Perfect for the big game!

Why We Love These Adorable Football Cupcakes

They’re soft, moist, and full of deep chocolate flavor — the kind that pairs perfectly with cheering, snacks, and a little friendly rivalry. Plus, they’re simple enough to make with pantry staples yet impressive enough to steal the show at any party.

Key Ingredients for Chocolate Cupcakes

For the Cupcakes

  • Eggs – Provide structure and richness. Make sure they’re at room temperature before adding to the bowl
  • Freshly brewed coffee – Enhances the chocolate flavor and keeps the cupcakes moist.
  • Vegetable oil – Ensures a soft, tender crumb.
  • Buttermilk – Adds tang and extra moisture.
  • Granulated sugar – Sweetens and balances the deep cocoa flavor.
  • Baking soda and Baking powder – Give the cupcakes a beautiful rise.
  • Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
  • All-purpose flour – The base that holds everything together.
  • Dark cocoa powder – For that rich, decadent chocolate taste.

For the Frosting:

If you choose to make homemade buttercream, here’s what you’ll need:

  • Unsalted sweet cream butter, softened – Creates a smooth, creamy base.
  • Sifted powdered sugar – Adds sweetness and structure.
  • Vanilla extract – Adds warm flavor and aroma.
how to make football cupcakes

In my last post, I showed you some healthy alternatives to the traditional super bowl snacks.  But we all know I couldn’t have a party without some cake! I’m sharing my top secret and most requested chocolate cupcake recipe to make these adorable football cupcakes, perfect for any tailgate or super bowl party!  You can use vanilla if you’d like, but chocolate is my favorite!

how to make football cupcakes

You can use homemade buttercream or store-bought chocolate and vanilla buttercream if you’d like to frost the cupcakes.

How do I make football cupcakes?

They’re easier than you think! Here’s what you’ll need to pipe the buttercream:

Ateco 18 star tip

Plastic coupler

Piping bags

Wilton Round tip

Vanilla and chocolate buttercream

Want a step by step tutorial? Watch my how to make football cupcake video below!

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial! If you liked this post, be sure to check out how to make a Cookie Monster cake! 

Print
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The Best Dark Chocolate Cupcakes

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  • Author: Nicole Triebe
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cupcakes 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup freshly brewed coffee
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup dark cocoa powder


Instructions

Combine your dry ingredients in a large bowl.  Add milk, oil and coffee and stir to combine.  Add eggs and stir to combine.  

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Line muffin tin with cupcake liners.  Using a large ice cream scoop with release, scoop batter into cupcake liners.  

Bake for 13 minutes and remove from oven.  Let cool before frosting. 


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