Goth Cupcakes
Goth Cupcakes are an exciting twist on traditional desserts. With their rich, dark allure, these cupcakes feature both the intensity of chocolaty goodness and a striking appearance that defies conventions. Picture a velvety chocolate cake topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting swirled in shades of red—each bite promising a hidden world of flavor and flair. It’s more than just a treat; it’s an experience that’s perfect for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth in a unique, memorable way.
Table of Contents
My first encounter with Goth Cupcakes was during a Halloween gathering. Among all the spooky treats, these cupcakes stood out with their deep hues and rich taste. Not only did they taste divine, but their presentation also sparked conversations and brought smiles all around. With a simple yet effective approach to crafting this recipe, you too can impress your friends and family at any gathering. Whether it’s a themed party or simply an afternoon indulgence, these cupcakes are ready to steal the show!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready to bake in under 30 minutes, you’ll have these on your table in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: Rich chocolate with a touch of cream cheese creates a decadent treat.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The dramatic colors make them perfect for any occasion, especially for Halloween or themed parties.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for dessert, snacks, or a fun birthday party theme.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Use gluten-free flour for a delicious alternative that works for everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups granulated sugar: This sweetens the cupcakes beautifully; you can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- 1 3/4 cups flour: All-purpose flour works best, but gluten-free flour is a great substitute if needed.
- 6 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder: This gives a rich chocolate flavor; Swiss or natural cocoa can also be used.
- 6 tablespoons black cocoa powder: Adds a distinct color and depth; you can omit if unavailable but the color won’t be as intense.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: This helps with leavening, ensuring the cupcakes are light and fluffy.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Works with the acidic ingredients for extra lift.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavors; don’t skip it!
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Ensures a smooth batter; you can substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option.
- 1 cup milk of choice: Any milk works, except for canned coconut milk; almond milk is a great dairy-free alternative.
- 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist; you can swap in melted coconut oil if desired.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: A little luxury that rounds out the flavor profile.
- 1 cup boiling water: This brings moisture and helps bloom the cocoa.
- 1 pound full-fat cream cheese (room temperature): Essential for that smooth frosting texture; low-fat versions may not whisk well.
- 1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature): You want it soft for easy mixing; stick to unsalted for better flavor control.
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar: This provides sweetness and structure for the frosting; a little extra sugar can be added if desired for thicker frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth to the frosting flavors.
- 1 pinch salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness.
- Up to 1.5 oz No-Taste Christmas Red Gel Food Coloring: Gives that dramatic look; avoid liquid food coloring, as it may alter the frosting’s consistency.
How to Make Goth Cupcakes
Preheat oven and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab 24 muffin liners to line your muffin pans.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 3/4 cups flour, 6 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder, 6 tablespoons black cocoa powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. Make sure there are no clumps.
Combine wet ingredients: Add 2 large eggs, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup canola oil, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Whisk gently until just combined; it’s okay if small lumps remain.
Incorporate boiling water: Gradually stir in 1 cup of boiling water into the batter. This may seem daunting as the mixture will be thin, but trust the process! It ensures moisture.
Fill muffin liners: Using a scooper or measuring cup, divide the batter evenly among the muffin liners, filling them a little less than 1/4 cup or 56 grams each.
Bake cupcakes: Bake for 17-25 minutes. Check by inserting a toothpick; you’re aiming for some moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
Cool cupcakes: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before frosting—this is important!
Make frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 pound of room temperature cream cheese and 1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons unsalted butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth, even if it looks a bit crumbly.
Sweeten it up: Gradually beat in 2 1/2 cups of powdered sugar until fully incorporated. Your frosting should be thick and creamy now.
Flavor the frosting: Add in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Then, gradually blend in the red food coloring until the desired color is reached.
Pipe the frosting: If the frosting is too soft to pipe, simply refrigerate it for a little while. Use a piping bag fitted with Wilton Tip 1M (or any tip you fancy) to create beautiful swirls on each cupcake.
Enjoy Storage Tips: Unfrosted cupcakes can sit at room temperature for up to 4 days, but I’d recommend refrigerating after 2 days just to retain freshness. Keep them in an airtight container. Frosted goodies can be refrigerated up to 3 days, or even frozen for 3 months; just remember the liners may look less perfect after freezing.
Storing & Reheating
To store your Goth Cupcakes, keep them covered at room temperature for no more than 2 days. After that, it’s best to refrigerate them for up to 3 days in an airtight container to maintain their flavor and moisture. You can freeze unfrosted or frosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. If you’re reheating, place them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them at room temperature—the flavors will still be delightful, though the texture might slightly change.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing your batter; it can lead to tough cupcakes.
- Make sure the eggs and butter are at room temperature for the best emulsification.
- For a lighter cupcake, consider using a combination of all-purpose and cake flour.
- Don’t skip the cooling stage—frosting on warm cupcakes can result in a melted mess.
- Enhance flavors by adding a touch of espresso powder to the batter; it elevates chocolate notes beautifully.
- These cupcakes can be made a day in advance; store them unfrosted until the day of serving for peak freshness.
Goth Cupcakes bring a hauntingly delightful twist to the dessert table. These beauties are not only visually striking but also pack a flavor punch that will keep everyone coming back for more. So, gather your ingredients and let your creativity shine, whether it’s for a casual get-together or a themed celebration. With a little effort, you’ll craft an enchanting treat that’s sure to impress!
Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to ensure my cupcakes rise perfectly?
Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Always check the expiration date. Also, use room temperature ingredients, and avoid overmixing, which can lead to dense cupcakes.
Can I make these cupcakes in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cupcakes up to 4 days in advance without frosting. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, but if you’re making them more than 2 days ahead, refrigerate them to maintain freshness.
How do I adjust the frosting if it’s too soft?
If your cream cheese frosting turns out too soft for piping, pop it in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes. The cooling should help it firm up enough to pipe nicely on your cupcakes.
Can I substitute the food coloring?
Yes, if you aren’t keen on using artificial food coloring, you can use beet juice or other natural food colors. Keep in mind that these may yield slightly different shades, but the results can be just as beautiful!
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📖 Recipe Card
Goth Cupcakes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 cupcakes 1x
- Category: CUPCAKES
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Sweet
Description
These Goth Cupcakes are a delightful treat, showcasing a rich chocolate flavor from cocoa powders and topped with creamy frosting. Ideal for any celebration or sweet craving, this easy-to-follow recipe promises delicious results for bakers of all levels.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 3/4 cups (218–241 grams) flour
- 6 tablespoons (42 grams) dutch-process cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons (42 grams) black cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temp
- 1 cup milk of choice, but not canned coconut milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) canola or vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (236 ml) boiling water
- 1 pound (450 grams) full-fat cream cheese, room temp
- 1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons (155 grams) unsalted butter, room temp
- 2 1/2 cups (300 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- up to 1.5 oz (38–42 grams) No-Taste Christmas Red Gel Food Coloring
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and line 2 muffin pans with 24 liners.
- In a large bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa powders, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, mixing thoroughly until combined.
- Slowly incorporate the boiling water; the batter will be very thin.
- Pour the batter into the lined muffin cups, filling each about 1/4 cup or 56 grams.
- Bake for 17-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs, not liquid.
- Allow to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Notes
Ensure that your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing with the cream cheese.
You can adjust the amount of food coloring to achieve your desired intensity of color.
For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider using high-quality cocoa powder.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
