Bloody Chocolate Cupcakes
These spooky Bloody Black Chocolate Cupcakes are rich, moist, and topped with fluffy buttercream and a realistic edible blood drizzle. The perfect Halloween dessert!
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.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!