{"id":"b152da2d-789e-4b45-857f-9b74973bde33","url":"https://recipestripper.com/recipes/b152da2d-789e-4b45-857f-9b74973bde33","source_url":"https://lovetobeinthekitchen.com/halloween-cupcakes/","title":"Halloween Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting","description":"Halloween Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting - The best homemade chocolate cupcakes, topped with smooth, creamy vanilla buttercream frosting and a sprinkle of Halloween magic. These festive treats add a hint of spooky charm to any Halloween gathering.","prep_time":"PT25M","cook_time":"PT18M","total_time":"PT43M","image_url":"https://lovetobeinthekitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Halloween-Chocolate-Cupcakes-with-Vanilla-Frosting-2.jpg","ingredients":[{"text":"1/2 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder","item":"Dutch-processed cocoa powder","quantity":0.5,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"1 cup boiling water","item":"boiling water","quantity":1,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"1 1/3 cups all purpose flour","item":"all purpose flour","quantity":1.3333333333333333,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"2 teaspoons baking powder","item":"baking powder","quantity":2,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1/2 teaspoon salt","item":"salt","quantity":0.5,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)","item":"unsalted butter","quantity":0.5,"unit":"cup","preparation":"room temperature"},{"text":"1 cup granulated white sugar","item":"granulated white sugar","quantity":1,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"2 large eggs","item":"large eggs","quantity":2},{"text":"2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract","item":"pure vanilla extract","quantity":2,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"2 sticks unsalted butter (softened)","item":"unsalted butter","quantity":2,"unit":"stick","preparation":"softened"},{"text":"2 teaspoons vanilla extract","item":"vanilla extract","quantity":2,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"3 cups powdered sugar","item":"powdered sugar","quantity":3,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"Pinch of salt","item":"salt","unit":"pinch"},{"text":"2 Tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)","item":"heavy cream","quantity":2,"unit":"tbsp","preparation":"or milk"},{"text":"Halloween sprinkles","item":"Halloween sprinkles"}],"instructions":[{"number":1,"text":"Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Line a second pan with 4-6 more liners. (This recipe makes around 16-18 cupcakes.)","section":"Cupcakes:"},{"number":2,"text":"In a small bowl, stir the boiling water and the cocoa powder until smooth. Let cool to room temperature.","section":"Cupcakes:"},{"number":3,"text":"In another bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.","section":"Cupcakes:"},{"number":4,"text":"Then, in the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in the vanilla extract.","section":"Cupcakes:"},{"number":5,"text":"Add the flour mixture and beat only until incorporated. Then slowly and carefully add the cooled cocoa mixture and stir until smooth.","section":"Cupcakes:"},{"number":6,"text":"Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with batter and bake for about 18-20 minutes or until risen, springy to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into a cupcake comes out clean. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool.","section":"Cupcakes:"},{"number":7,"text":"In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the butter at medium-high speed until smooth, about 20 seconds. Add the vanilla extract. Beat mixture at medium-high speed to combine, about 15 seconds.","section":"Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:"},{"number":8,"text":"Add powdered sugar and salt; beat at medium-low speed until most of the sugar is moistened, about 1 minute. Scrape down the bowl and beat at medium speed until mixture is fully incorporated about 30 seconds; scrape bowl, add heavy cream, and beat at medium speed until incorporated, about 20 seconds, then increase speed to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes, scraping down bowl once or twice.","section":"Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:"},{"number":9,"text":"Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, top with the frosting. You can either spread the frosting on the cupcakes with a small spatula or if piping, use a large Wilton 1M open star tip to make lovely swirls. Sprinkle on Halloween sprinkles.","section":"Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:"}],"date_published":"2026-10-30T10:42:41.400516+00:00","date_modified":"2026-10-30T10:42:41.400516+00:00"}