Black Velvet Cupcakes – 7 Wicked Reasons They’re a Halloween Hit
These Black Velvet Cupcakes are the perfect Halloween treat, boasting a rich, deep flavor from black cocoa powder and a luscious, creamy frosting. Their striking black color and moist texture make them irresistibly spooky and delicious for any festive occasion.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cupcakes
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup black cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Frosting
- 2 sticks unsalted butter (8 oz / 226 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup black cocoa powder
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tray with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, black cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large jug or separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender cupcake texture.
- Fill Cupcake Liners and Bake: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about halfway. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cupcakes: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the baking tray for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents sogginess and prepares them for frosting.
- Prepare Frosting – Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter and confectioners’ sugar on low speed until combined, ensuring not to create a sugar cloud.
- Beat to Thick Fluffy Frosting: Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 2 minutes until the frosting becomes thick and fluffy.
- Add Flavorings and Cocoa: Add vanilla extract, kosher salt, and black cocoa powder. Mix initially at low speed, then increase to medium-high and beat for another 2 minutes to fully incorporate the ingredients and deepen the frosting’s color.
- Incorporate Heavy Cream: Turn the mixer to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, then beat until the frosting is creamy, smooth, and spreadable.
- Frost Cupcakes: Pipe or spread the prepared frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. Decorate as desired for a spooky Halloween presentation.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes light and moist.
- Use black cocoa powder specifically for that intense dark color and rich flavor.
- If buttermilk is unavailable, substitute with regular milk plus 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice.
- Cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- For vegan adaptation, replace eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.
- Make sure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake with frosting
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: black velvet cupcakes, Halloween cupcakes, black cocoa cupcakes, spooky dessert, Halloween party treats