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Perfect Black Velvet Halloween Cupcakes with Orange Cream

black velvet halloween cupcakes - featured image
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These black velvet cupcakes with a bright orange cream cheese filling are a tribute to a beloved bakery classic. The dark, tender cake paired with the citrusy cream is a perfect Halloween treat that’s both spooky and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup black cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water (optional)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Orange sanding sugar or sprinkles (optional)
  • Black cupcake liners
  • Halloween-themed toothpicks or toppers (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with black cupcake liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, black cocoa powder, Dutch-process cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. If using, add the dissolved espresso.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide batter evenly among the liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
  6. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. For the filling: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in orange zest, orange juice, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
  8. Once cupcakes are cool, cut a cone-shaped hole from the center of each. Pipe filling into the holes and replace the tops.
  9. Decorate with orange sanding sugar or Halloween toppers as desired.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are crucial for proper emulsification. Do not overmix the batter. Chill the filling before piping if your kitchen is warm. Cupcakes taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween cupcakes, black velvet, orange cream, cream cheese filling, spooky desserts, fall baking

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/perfect-black-velvet-halloween-cupcakes-with-orange-cream/