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Black Velvet Cupcakes

Unlike ordinary chocolate cupcakes, black velvet cupcakes have a velvety crumb, intense cocoa flavor, and a luxurious texture that practically melts in your mouth. The secret lies in combining high-quality cocoa powder with buttermilk and a touch of black food coloring to create that signature dark appearance. Topped with silky cream cheese frosting or classic buttercream, these cupcakes offer the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Whether you're an experienced baker or a beginner searching for an easy homemade cupcake recipe, this black velvet cupcake recipe delivers bakery-quality results every time.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ cups 190g all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup 50g unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup 170g granulated sugar
  • ½ cup 100g brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • ½ cup 120ml vegetable oil
  • ¾ cup 180ml buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon black gel food coloring
  • ½ cup 120ml hot coffee or hot water
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 ounces 225g cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup 115g unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups 360g powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Cupcake liners
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Whisk
  • Cooling rack
  • Piping bag and decorating tip

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Oven
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  3. Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
  5. Flour
  6. Cocoa powder
  7. Baking soda
  8. Baking powder
  9. Salt
  10. Set aside.
  11. Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
  12. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  13. Granulated sugar
  14. Brown sugar
  15. Eggs
  16. Vegetable oil
  17. Buttermilk
  18. Vanilla extract
  19. Black food coloring
  20. Mix until smooth and evenly colored.
  21. Step 4: Create the Batter
  22. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
  23. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make cupcakes dense.
  24. Slowly pour in the hot coffee while stirring. The batter will appear thin, but that's normal and helps create moist black velvet cupcakes.
  25. Step 5: Fill the Cupcake Liners
  26. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full.
  27. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise evenly without overflowing.
  28. Step 6: Bake
  29. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
  30. Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft velvet texture.
  31. Step 7: Cool Completely
  32. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
  33. Transfer them to a wire rack and cool completely before frosting.
  34. Step 8: Prepare the Frosting
  35. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
  36. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time.
  37. Mix in vanilla extract and salt.
  38. Continue beating until light and creamy.
  39. Step 9: Decorate
  40. Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
  41. Add chocolate curls, black sprinkles, or crushed cookies for a professional bakery-style finish.