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Best Black Velvet Halloween Cupcakes: 5 Easy Spooky Treats

black velvet halloween cupcakes - featured image

These black velvet cupcakes feature a deep, midnight hue achieved through rich cocoa and espresso, topped with tangy cream cheese frosting for a spooky yet delicious Halloween treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • Black gel paste food coloring
  • ½ cup brewed espresso
  • 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat, softened)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 34 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until no lumps remain.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat softened butter, oil, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
  5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients; mix on low speed until just combined.
  6. Stir in brewed espresso and black gel food coloring until the batter is a uniform deep dark color.
  7. Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
  8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; beat until fluffy.
  11. Frost cooled cupcakes generously using a spatula or piping bag.

Notes

Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to prevent altering batter consistency. Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for a smooth emulsion. Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough cupcakes. Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent melting. Espresso enhances chocolate flavor but can be substituted with hot water.

Nutrition

Keywords: black velvet cupcakes, halloween baking, spooky treats, cream cheese frosting, chocolate cupcakes, easy halloween recipes