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Decadent Black Velvet Halloween Cupcakes with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

black velvet halloween cupcakes - featured image
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Rich and moist black velvet cupcakes with a velvety crumb, topped with a bright and tangy orange cream cheese frosting. Perfect for Halloween celebrations and year-round enjoyment.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon black gel food coloring
  • 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 4 tablespoons (55 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  5. In a small bowl, mix buttermilk, white vinegar, and black gel food coloring.
  6. Add dry ingredients to butter mixture in three parts, alternating with buttermilk mixture in two parts, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined.
  7. Spoon batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling about 2/3 full.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Cool cupcakes in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  11. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
  12. Stir in orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until frosting is thick but spreadable.
  13. Frost cooled cupcakes generously using an offset spatula or piping bag.
  14. Optional: decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or Halloween-themed toppers.
  15. If frosting is too soft, chill in fridge for 15 minutes before frosting.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs, butter, and cream cheese for smooth blending. Sift cocoa powder and powdered sugar to avoid lumps. Avoid overmixing batter to keep cupcakes tender. Use gel food coloring for best color without thinning batter. Chill frosting if too soft before applying. Frost cupcakes only when fully cooled to prevent melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: black velvet cupcakes, Halloween cupcakes, orange cream cheese frosting, spooky cupcakes, easy cupcake recipe, festive dessert

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/decadent-black-velvet-halloween-cupcakes-easy-orange-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/