Go Back

Spooky Dark Chocolate Cupcakes

These hauntingly delicious cupcakes feature rich dark chocolate flavors with a glossy black icing that creates an eerie yet inviting appearance. The process involves mixing dry and wet ingredients, baking until fluffy, and finishing with a shiny, dark frosting that resembles a spooky night sky. The final cupcakes are moist, tender, and visually striking, perfect for Halloween or any mischievous celebration.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder Dutch-processed for a smoother flavor
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda ensure freshness for proper rising
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla paste for a more intense aroma
  • 3/4 cup milk use buttermilk for extra tenderness
  • black food coloring black food coloring gradually add to achieve eerie black hue

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Muffin tin
  • Cupcake liners
  • Silicone spatula
  • Toothpick or cake tester

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a muffin tin with black or dark purple cupcake liners.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, creating a smooth, uniform mixture.
  3. In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk—beginning and ending with the dry—mixing just until combined after each addition.
  6. Incorporate black food coloring a few drops at a time into the batter, mixing until you achieve a deep, eerie black hue.
  7. Using a spoon or scoop, fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the dark batter.
  8. Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes; then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Once cooled, frost the cupcakes with a glossy black or dark chocolate icing to enhance their creepy, haunting look.
  11. Decorate as desired with spooky faces, edible eyes, or other fun Halloween decorations to finish your haunted treats.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture. Check cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness; it should come out clean. Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting for a smooth finish.