Print

Decadent Black Velvet Halloween Cupcakes Easy Recipe with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

black velvet halloween cupcakes - featured image
Print Recipe

Rich and moist black velvet cupcakes paired with a bright, tangy orange cream cheese frosting, perfect for Halloween celebrations and cozy autumn nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (50g) black cocoa powder (recommend Hershey’s special dark cocoa)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or almond milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar as substitute)
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Black food coloring (optional, a few drops)
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened (Philadelphia recommended)
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, black cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine evenly (about 3 minutes).
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add a few drops of black food coloring if desired.
  4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix (about 3-4 minutes).
  5. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter.
  6. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops spring back when pressed gently.
  7. Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy (3-5 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy and spreadable.
  9. Frost the cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or butter knife. Optionally, sprinkle with orange sanding sugar or edible glitter.
  10. If frosting is too soft, chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before decorating.

Notes

Use black cocoa powder for deep black color without bitterness. Room temperature ingredients blend better. Fold dry into wet gently to avoid dense cupcakes. Chill frosting if too soft before piping. Store cupcakes in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving. Freeze unfrosted cupcakes wrapped individually for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: black velvet cupcakes, Halloween cupcakes, orange cream cheese frosting, black cocoa powder, spooky desserts, easy cupcakes, fall baking

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