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Dark & Spooky Halloween Cupcakes

These cupcakes feature a tender, moist crumb flavored with vanilla and chocolate, topped with rich frosting and decorated with shiny chocolate witch hats. The process involves mixing simple ingredients, baking until golden, and assembling with playful, spooky decorations for a fun, festive treat that’s perfect for Halloween. Their cozy, dark aesthetic makes them both a visual and delicious highlight for any celebration.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ½ cups cake flour all-purpose is fine as a substitute
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar for sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 eggs large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 ¼ cups milk dairy or plant-based
  • ½ cup melted butter unsalted preferred
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup chocolate for hats melting chocolate or chocolate chips
  • for frosting your choice of frosting buttercream or chocolate frosting recommended

Equipment

  • Muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Cooling rack
  • Piping bag and tips
  • Chocolate melting bowl or microwave

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a muffin tin with paper liners. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fragrant.
  2. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold together using a spatula or whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy but well incorporated.
  3. Scoop the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cupcakes will be golden and spring back when lightly pressed.
  4. While the cupcakes are baking, melt the chocolate by chopping it into small pieces and heating in a microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until smooth. Allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly until it thickens but remains pourable.
  5. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tray for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack and let them cool completely—this prevents frosting from melting.
  6. Once cooled, generously pipe or spread your chosen frosting onto each cupcake, creating a smooth, inviting surface that’s perfect for decoration.
  7. Dip the top of each chocolate cone into the melted chocolate to create a glossy, shiny hat. Place the chocolate hats on the frosted cupcakes at an angle, pressing gently to secure them with a dab of frosting as glue.
  8. Allow the chocolate hats to set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly to speed up the process. Check that they are firm and shiny before serving.

Notes

Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent sliding. Handle chocolate carefully to avoid cracks, and chill the chocolate hats if needed for a cleaner finish. Get creative with decorations like sprinkles or edible eyes for extra spooky flair!