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Bloody chocolate cupcakes

Bloody Chocolate Cupcakes

These black chocolate cupcakes are so delicious, one bite may bring out your inner (dessert) vampire! 
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Course Dessert
Servings 16 Cupcakes

Ingredients
  

Cupcakes

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup dark brown sugar light brown works too
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ cup buttermilk room temperature
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup hot water

Buttercream Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
  • Pinch of salt

Edible Fake Blood

  • ¼ cup strawberry jam
  • ½ tablespoon water
  • Red & black food coloring

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  • Slowly add the hot water, stirring gently (be careful not to splash!).
  • Fill cupcake liners halfway with batter.
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Step 2: Make the Fake Blood

  • In a microwave-safe bowl, mix the strawberry jam and water.
  • Microwave for 20 seconds, then stir.
  • Add one drop of red food coloring and half a drop of black food coloring, then mix until you achieve a deep blood-red color. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Frosting

  • Using a hand or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter for 2 minutes until it becomes pale and creamy.
  • Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing well.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and increase the speed to medium-high, whipping for 4 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble & Decorate

  • Transfer the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
  • Pipe a swirl of frosting onto each cupcake.
  • Drizzle fake blood over the frosting using a spoon.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Tips for Success

  • Don’t Overmix – Stir until ingredients are just combined for the best texture.
  • Use Room-Temperature Ingredients – This ensures a smoother batter and better cupcake rise.
  • Chill the Fake Blood – Letting it sit for a few minutes thickens it slightly for a more realistic blood effect.
  • Experiment with Flavors – Try raspberry jam instead of strawberry for a different taste.
Keyword chocolate, chocolate cupcakes, cupcakes, halloween, halloween cupcakes
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