Perfect Black Velvet Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
• Edible glitter (optional)
• Halloween-themed sprinkles (optional)
• Chocolate pearls (optional)
• Miniature candy pieces (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on medium speed until just combined.
5. Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until combined.
10. Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
11. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the chocolate frosting.
12. Top the cupcakes with festive Halloween toppings like edible glitter or sprinkles.

Nutrition