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Black Cocoa Cupcakes with Black Buttercream Frosting Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 150 reviews
  • Author: Lana
  • Total Time: 43 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x

Description

Deliciously rich and deeply chocolatey black cupcakes made with a chocolate cake mix enhanced by black cocoa powder and coffee, topped with a luscious black buttercream frosting infused with semi-sweet chocolate and coffee. These cupcakes are perfect for Halloween or any occasion that calls for a dramatic and indulgent chocolate treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcake Batter

  • 1 Chocolate Cake Mix (16.5 ounce box)
  • 1 cup Water
  • ⅓ cup Canola Oil (can substitute butter)
  • 3 Eggs
  • ⅓ cup Coffee (moderately hot; can substitute hot water)
  • ¼ cup Black Cocoa Powder

Black Buttercream Frosting

  • 1 cup Butter (2 sticks, room temperature)
  • 3½ cups Powdered Sugar (may need extra)
  • ⅔ cup Black Cocoa Powder
  • 4 ounces Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
  • 1 tablespoon Coffee
  • 1 tablespoon Milk or Cream
  • Black Sprinkles and Halloween Sprinkle Mix for decoration

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cupcake Liners and Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cupcake liners into a muffin pan to prepare for baking.
  2. Dissolve Black Cocoa Powder: In a small bowl, mix the black cocoa powder with moderately hot coffee or hot water until the powder is fully dissolved, forming a smooth mixture.
  3. Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, canola oil, and eggs. Mix on low speed to incorporate, then increase to medium speed and beat for 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  4. Add Cocoa Mixture: Pour the dissolved black cocoa and coffee mixture into the cake batter. Beat for one minute on medium speed. Scrape the bowl again for full incorporation.
  5. Fill and Bake Cupcakes: Use a 1/4 cup measure or large cookie scoop to fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter. Place the muffin pan in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 18 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Melt Chocolate for Frosting: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips using three 20-second intervals in the microwave, stirring after each interval until smooth. Set aside to cool.
  7. Mix Frosting Dry Ingredients: Whisk together powdered sugar and black cocoa powder in a large bowl until well combined.
  8. Beat Butter: Using a stand mixer or electric mixer, beat the room temperature butter on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  9. Combine Frosting Ingredients: Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa mixture to the butter in 1 cup increments, mixing on medium speed until fully incorporated after each addition.
  10. Add Melted Chocolate and Liquids: Incorporate the cooled melted chocolate into the frosting, mixing until smooth. Then add 1 tablespoon coffee and 1 tablespoon milk or cream, continuing to mix until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Add additional liquid 1 teaspoon at a time if needed to achieve desired consistency.
  11. Frost and Decorate Cupcakes: Once cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them with the black buttercream and decorate with black sprinkles and Halloween sprinkle mix as desired.

Notes

  • Using moderately hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor but hot water can be used as a caffeine-free substitute.
  • If the buttercream is too thick, add liquid in small increments to make it spreadable; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
  • Room temperature butter ensures a smooth and fluffy frosting.
  • Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting the buttercream.
  • Black cocoa powder is different from regular cocoa powder and gives the cupcakes their characteristic deep black color and unique flavor; it can be found online or in specialty baking stores.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: black cupcakes, black cocoa powder, chocolate cupcakes, coffee chocolate cupcakes, Halloween cupcakes, black buttercream frosting, semi-sweet chocolate frosting

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Find it online: https://mealsbylana.com/black-cocoa-cupcakes-with-black-buttercream-frosting-recipe/