Halloween Chocolate Cupcakes Orange (Printer-Friendly Version)
Moist chocolate cupcakes paired with creamy orange buttercream frosting for a festive Halloween treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chocolate Cupcakes
01 -
1 cup all-purpose flour
02 -
1 cup granulated sugar
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1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup buttermilk
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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1/2 cup brewed coffee, hot
→ Orange Buttercream
12 -
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
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3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
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3 tablespoons heavy cream
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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orange gel food coloring, as needed
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1/4 teaspoon salt
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
02 -
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
03 -
In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 -
Gradually add wet ingredients to dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
05 -
Stir in hot brewed coffee until batter is smooth and slightly thin.
06 -
Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
07 -
Let cupcakes cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
08 -
Beat softened butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, starting on low speed. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, salt, and orange food coloring. Beat until creamy and light, about 2 minutes.
09 -
Pipe orange buttercream onto cooled cupcakes using a piping bag fitted with a large star or round tip. Garnish as desired.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for smoother batter and even baking.
02 -
Sifting dry ingredients like cocoa powder and powdered sugar prevents lumps, yielding a finer crumb and smoother frosting.
03 -
Gel food coloring provides vibrant color without altering frosting consistency.
04 -
Avoid over-mixing batter to prevent dense cupcakes; mix until just combined.
05 -
Check cupcakes at 18 minutes to avoid over-baking; look for a springy top and clean toothpick.