Go Back
+ servings

Black Velvet Cupcakes

Delicious, rich chocolate cupcakes topped with creamy black cocoa buttercream and playful eyeball candies, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Cupcakes
  • 3/4 cup cake flour
  • 3 tablespoons cake flour
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cubed, room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup hot brewed coffee
  • 1/2 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup black cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup whole milk (room temperature)
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Buttercream Frosting
  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup black cocoa powder (50 g)
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt
For Decoration
  • Colored sprinkles for the sides
  • Eyeball candies for the tops

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Line a 12-cup cupcake pan with liners and preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. Combine the cake flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Mix in the cubed butter on low speed until it looks like coarse sand.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the hot coffee and both cocoa powders. Then, whisk in the sour cream, whole milk, egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
  4. Mix in half of the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients on low speed until just integrated. Scrape the bowl, then mix in the rest of the wet ingredients. Scrape the bowl one last time.
Baking
  1. Scoop the batter into the lined cupcake pan, filling each liner about 3/4 full. You should have enough batter for 12 cupcakes.
  2. Bake the cupcakes for 18-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the pan to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then remove the cupcakes to cool completely.
Frosting
  1. To make the frosting, cream the unsalted butter in a stand mixer until smooth.
  2. Mix in the powdered sugar and beat on medium-low speed until light and airy.
  3. Then, mix in the black cocoa powder, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt until combined.
Decorating
  1. Fit a piping bag with a large round tip and fill it with the frosting.
  2. Pipe a swirl on each cupcake, roll the sides in sprinkles, and top them with eyeball candies. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 3gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30g

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Do not overmix the batter after adding the wet ingredients. Always check the cupcakes a few minutes before baking time is up to avoid overbaking. You can also adjust the amount of black cocoa in the frosting for a different flavor.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!