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Perfect Black Velvet Halloween Cupcakes with Easy Orange Buttercream

black velvet halloween cupcakes - featured image
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These dramatic black velvet cupcakes are moist, tender, and topped with a bright, tangy orange buttercream. Made with black cocoa powder for that Oreo-like flavor, they’re the perfect show-stopping Halloween dessert that tastes as good as it looks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (50g) black cocoa powder
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3–4 cups (360-480g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 2 large oranges)
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Orange gel food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, black cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt until no lumps remain.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until smooth.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until just combined (a few lumps are fine). Batter will be thin.
  5. Divide batter evenly among the 12 liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. For the buttercream: In a large bowl, beat softened butter on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  8. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating on low after each addition. Add orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on medium-high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy. Add orange gel food coloring if desired.
  9. Once cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread buttercream on top. Decorate with Halloween sprinkles or decorations immediately.

Notes

Black cocoa powder is essential for the dramatic black color and Oreo-like flavor; regular cocoa will not work. Room temperature ingredients are crucial for best texture. Do not overmix the batter. Cupcakes can be stored unfrosted at room temperature for up to 2 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Buttercream can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: black velvet cupcakes, Halloween cupcakes, orange buttercream, black cocoa cupcakes, Halloween dessert, chocolate cupcakes

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