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Perfect Black Velvet Halloween Cupcakes with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

black velvet halloween cupcakes - featured image
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These Halloween cupcakes feature a rich black velvet base paired with bright orange cream cheese frosting, perfect for spooky parties and quick baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk, room temperature (or ¾ cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, let sit 5 min)
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp black gel food coloring
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Orange zest from 1 medium orange
  • 1–2 tsp orange gel food coloring

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir in the black gel food coloring until the batter turns a deep black.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a rubber spatula until thick but smooth. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling about ⅔ full.
  6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, checking at 18 minutes with a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, cupcakes are done.
  7. Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  8. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
  9. Stir in vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange gel food coloring until bright and festive.
  10. Frost the cooled cupcakes using a piping bag with a star tip or spread with a knife. Optionally, sprinkle with black sugar or edible glitter.
  11. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without thinning the batter or frosting. Make sure cream cheese and butter are fully softened before mixing frosting. Avoid overmixing batter to keep cupcakes tender. Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween cupcakes, black velvet cupcakes, orange cream cheese frosting, spooky treats, easy Halloween dessert

Find it online: https://noshbelle.com/perfect-black-velvet-halloween-cupcakes-with-orange-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe-for-easy-spooky-treats/