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Hauntingly Delicious Halloween Black Velvet Cupcakes

Jet-black velvet cupcakes with a tender crumb, subtle cocoa flavor, and tangy cream cheese frosting 🖤🧁. Perfectly spooky for Halloween parties and gothic dessert tables.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 22 cupcakes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Halloween Treats
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup black cocoa powder
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1–2 tsp black food coloring optional, for deeper color
  • 1 cup hot coffee or hot water
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4–5 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • orange and black food coloring optional, for frosting
  • Halloween sprinkles or decorations

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer
  • Cupcake pans
  • Cupcake liners
  • Cooling rack
  • Piping bags and tips
  • Offset spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two muffin tins with cupcake liners.
  2. Whisk flour, black cocoa, sugar, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl.
  3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil, melted butter, vanilla, vinegar, and black food coloring if using.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Slowly incorporate hot coffee or hot water; batter will be thin.
  6. Divide batter into liners, filling 2/3 full.
  7. Bake 18–22 minutes or until toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool 5 minutes in pan, then transfer to rack.
  8. Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla and salt.
  9. Divide frosting and tint with food coloring if desired. Frost cooled cupcakes using piping bag or spatula.
  10. Add sprinkles or Halloween decorations. Chill 30 minutes if needed to set frosting.

Notes

For deeper black color, use both black cocoa and black gel food coloring. Cupcakes store covered in the fridge up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.