Print

Quick Black Velvet Cupcakes: Easy Halloween Dessert with Orange Frosting

black velvet halloween cupcakes - featured image
Print Recipe

These Quick Black Velvet Halloween Cupcakes with Orange Frosting are a fast, fun, and delicious treat perfect for busy parents or tired bakers. Using a box mix as a base with a few simple tricks, they deliver a moist, tender crumb and a bright, zesty frosting that’s a hit at any spooky celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) dark chocolate cake mix
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons black gel food coloring
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon orange extract
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • Orange gel food coloring (optional)
  • Halloween sprinkles (optional)
  • Candy eyeballs (optional)
  • Mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your muffin tin with 12 paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
  3. Pour the entire box of cake mix into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir with a rubber spatula or whisk until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Add black gel food coloring, starting with 1 tablespoon. Stir thoroughly. Add more if desired for a deeper color.
  5. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
  6. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. While cupcakes cool, make the frosting: In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  8. Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed after each addition.
  9. Add heavy cream, orange extract, and orange zest. Beat on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add orange gel food coloring if desired.
  10. Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost them using a knife or piping bag. Decorate with sprinkles, candy eyeballs, or mini chocolate chips as desired.

Notes

Do not skip cooling the cupcakes completely before frosting, or the frosting will melt. For best results, use room temperature ingredients. Gel food coloring is preferred over liquid for a more concentrated color without thinning the batter.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween cupcakes, black velvet cupcakes, orange frosting, easy dessert, quick recipe, box mix hack, spooky treats

Find it online: https://platebelle.com/quick-black-velvet-cupcakes-easy-halloween-dessert-with-orange-frosting/