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Black Velvet Cupcakes Recipe: Easy Midnight Treat with Edible Gold

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These Black Velvet Cupcakes are a dramatic twist on classic red velvet, featuring deep black cocoa, a tender crumb, and a swirl of creamy cream cheese frosting topped with edible gold leaf. Perfect for special occasions or midnight snacking, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (50g) black cocoa powder
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk (or plant-based alternative)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • Black gel food coloring (optional)
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 1/2 cups (300g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Edible gold leaf sheets
  • Sprinkles or gold dust (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, black cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a medium bowl, beat eggs until frothy. Add oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Add black gel food coloring if using.
  5. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
  6. Bake for 16-18 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool cupcakes in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. For frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat for another 2 minutes until light and creamy. Chill if needed.
  9. Frost cooled cupcakes with cream cheese frosting using a spatula or piping bag.
  10. Decorate each cupcake with a small piece of edible gold leaf and optional sprinkles or gold dust.
  11. Serve immediately or chill for firmer frosting.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based buttermilk and vegan butter/cream cheese. Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Don’t overmix the batter. Chill frosting before piping for best texture. Add espresso powder for deeper flavor or mini chocolate chips for extra chocolate punch.

Nutrition

Keywords: black velvet cupcakes, edible gold, cream cheese frosting, chocolate cupcakes, Halloween dessert, birthday cupcakes, dramatic cupcakes, easy baking, midnight treat, Pinterest-worthy

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/black-velvet-cupcakes-recipe-easy-midnight-treat-with-edible-gold/