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Spooky Chocolate Halloween Cupcakes with Vanilla Swirl Frosting

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Perfectly festive for Halloween, these rich chocolate cupcakes are topped with tall vanilla buttercream swirls and black sprinkles. Wrapped in bright orange liners, they’re a spooky-sweet treat for parties, trick-or-treating, or school events!

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
  • Black sprinkles
  • Orange cupcake liners

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with orange cupcake liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until combined.
  4. Slowly add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth and slightly thin.
  6. Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  8. To make the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar. Add vanilla and cream or milk. Beat until light and fluffy.
  9. Pipe tall swirls of frosting onto cooled cupcakes using a star tip.
  10. Top immediately with black sprinkles for a spooky touch. Serve on a themed platter or white cake stand.

Notes

  • Use gel food coloring in the frosting for a festive twist (e.g., orange or purple swirls).
  • Make cupcakes a day ahead and frost just before serving for best texture.
  • Swap black sprinkles for candy eyes or Halloween toppers for variety.
  • Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/spooky-chocolate-halloween-cupcakes-with-vanilla-swirl-frosting/