Black Velvet Halloween Cupcakes That Are Spooky and Delicious

Method

1. Preheat and Prep

   Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with Halloween cupcake liners and set aside.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, black cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add the buttermilk, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and black gel food coloring. Whisk again until everything is fully combined and the color looks uniform.

4. Combine and Fill

   Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix or the cupcakes will be tough. A few small lumps are perfectly fine. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two thirds full.

5. Bake

   Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Start checking at 18 minutes as ovens vary. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

   Beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium speed for about 2 minutes until fluffy and smooth. Add the sifted powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and pinch of salt and beat on medium-high for another minute until the frosting is light and creamy.

7. Frost and Decorate

   Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip, or simply spread it on with an offset spatula. Pipe or spread frosting generously onto each completely cooled cupcake. Decorate with Halloween sprinkles, spider toppers, or any spooky decorations you like. Serve immediately or store as directed.