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–+ servings

Halloween Chocolate Cupcakes with Swirled Buttercream

Fun, moist chocolate Halloween cupcakes topped with festive swirled orange and black buttercream frosting! Decorated with candy eyeballs and spooky sprinkles; perfect for parties and kids’ treats.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 cupcakes
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Orange food coloring
  • Black food coloring
  • Halloween sprinkles
  • Candy eyeballs or themed toppers

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  • In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  • Add the vegetable oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until combined. Gradually add the hot water, beating until the batter is smooth.
  • Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  • Bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove and let cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • For the buttercream, beat softened butter on high speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
  • Add heavy cream and vanilla extract. Continue to beat until light and fluffy.
  • Divide the frosting into two bowls. Tint one bowl orange and the other black using food coloring.
  • Fill two piping bags with each colored buttercream. For a swirled effect, place both bags into a larger bag fitted with a large star tip.
  • Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes in a spooky swirl.
  • Decorate with Halloween sprinkles, candy eyeballs, or themed toppers as desired.
  • Serve and enjoy your delicious Halloween cupcakes!

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 3gFat: 20gSodium: 210mgFiber: 2gSugar: 38g
Keyword Halloween, cupcakes, chocolate, buttercream, kids treats, spooky desserts
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