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    Home » Recipes » Black Velvet Cupcakes

    Black Velvet Cupcakes

    Published: Oct 7, 2020 · Modified: Oct 20, 2021 by Amanda Wilens · This post may contain affiliate links. 4 Comments

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    cupcakes on a stand

    Recipe for Black Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting! These are so much fun for Halloween. And they are small batch and make just 7 cupcakes. But if you want something larger you can try this Black Velvet Cake.

    cupcakes on a stand

    This post is sponsored by Greetabl, but all thoughts and ideas are my own.

    Cheers witches and warlocks! I am so excited to be partnering with Greetabl this spooky season. Seriously, Halloween is the best time of year and I'm always so bummed by how quickly it goes by. So, this year let's make the most of it before it disappears!

    Since this year is one for the books, I really wanted to work on something with the Greetabl team that can show just how fun a small or virtual party can be. We can still celebrate and have a good time even if things look differently. Also, I don't know about you, but most of my close friends and family haven't always lived close by, so this is a great way to connect.

    So, let's talk about this party and everything we have for you!

    First of all, below you'll find a recipe for small batch black velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and sprinkles! They are perfect for a small gathering or household. Only 7 cupcakes (it's like a baker's half dozen) so you aren't left with too many around the house.

    Secondly, we have the fun tablescape for this coffee table. Since it's a small party, I made it on a small table...aka where me and my BF will be celebrating this year. You can check out more details here on this Festive Virtual Halloween post.

    Next, let's talk about Greetabl! I love this company and have since I was introduced to the brand while in St. Louis (where they are based). They make the sweetest personalized packages for your pals! They are always coming up with something new, fun, and festive. There are Halloween specific boxes or ones you can make Halloween-esque with customizing colors.

    black velvet cupcakes with sprinkles

    I shared pictures of Halloweens past with my sister, mom, and gal pals. And then you get to customize and pick a gift to go inside as well. There are so many options, but some of my favorite Halloween choices are the ghost piñata (add confetti as a second gift, too cute), candies, and candles. They just feel like the perfect combo.

    I really want you all to be able to spread the Halloween spirit, so Greetabl has actually given me 15% off with the code: AMANDA WILENS. Head over to their site to order yours ASAP!

    Oh, and the last FUN thing is that so you can celebrate with your friends and have some fun activities to do via zoom/facetime Greetabl has created some really fun activity cards for you to do. Head to their site for the downloads.

    cupcakes and sprinkles

    Table of Contents

    • Table of Contents
    • How to Make Small Batch Black Velvet Cupcakes
    • Notes and Tips for Making the Best Cupcake
    • FAQs about Black Velvet Cupcakes
    • Other Recipes to Try
    • Love this Recipe?
    cupcakes on a stand with sprinkles

    How to Make Small Batch Black Velvet Cupcakes

    Using your paddle attachment on your stand mixer, beat together the butter and sugar and mix on medium for 3-5 minutes. Scrape sides of bowl as needed.

    Then add in oil, egg, vanilla, and vinegar all separately and mix about 30 seconds to 1 minute each.

    In a separate medium bowl, sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder and soda, and salt. Mix thoroughly.

    Turn your stand mixer back onto a low speed and slowly add ½ of the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix until combined. Add in buttermilk until combined. Mix in remaining dry ingredients. Mix until thoroughly combined, but don't over mix. Scrape sides of bowl as needed.

    Add in black food coloring until entire batter is grey/black (you may want to add another drop or so depending on your brand, but don't add too much).

    Let the batter sit while you prepare the pans. This allows the batter to rise and double the leavening process.

    Prepare cupcake tins with liners. Use the 6 center wells + the middle side well for a total of 7 wells. This is a great time, if you still have it, to do some dishes. Clean as you go!

    After 10-15 minutes of resting the batter, divide batter between 7 wells, ⅔ filled (about 3 tablespoon each). Add about 1-2 tablespoon of water to the empty 5 wells.

    Place the cupcakes into the oven. Bake for 20-22 minutes. Check with a toothpick until it comes out clean.

    Take cakes out and cool in the pan. Then remove from pans to cool on a cooling rack.

    Make frosting and assemble!

    sprinkles on cupcakes and pumpkins

    Notes and Tips for Making the Best Cupcake

    Black food dye: There are a lot of notes on this one. First of all, try to get an all-natural dye or use black cocoa powder. Some people do have allergies to artificial food dyes. They can also mess up the color of your BM, so be forewarned. Also, be sure to not be wearing your favorite outfit/apron, use your metal bowl mixer if you have one, and use pure silicone items. This will help from staining.

    Storing: If you don't eat all your cupcakes in one sitting, I recommend storing them in the fridge as the frosting is made with cream cheese. You can store them in the fridge for up to 5-7 days.

    Whipping Butter and Sugar: This step is necessary for getting a light and fluffy cupcake, don't skimp on it. It adds needed air to the batter so your cake isn't too dense.

    Whipping Butter and Cream Cheese: Again, this is to help with the texture. This makes for a light and fluffy and perfectly balanced frosting.

    Room Temperature: Whenever something says room temperature, it's so important to follow those instructions. If you don't use room temperature things might not mix together and incorporate properly. Some tips for getting items to room temperature if you forget to put them out of the fridge on time.

    • Butter you can place in a bowl and zap in the microwave in 5-10 second intervals, be sure not to melt.
    • Eggs you can place in a bowl of room temperature, slightly warm, NOT HOT, water (otherwise you will cook the eggs) for about 10 minutes.
    small batch cupcakes

    FAQs about Black Velvet Cupcakes

    What are your favorite sprinkles?

    I love to make my own sprinkle blend and use Sprinkle Pop to create my own.

    What color will these be if I don't add in food coloring?

    These will turn out brown without food coloring. But you could also do a deep coloring like red, blue, or purple velvet.

    Other Recipes to Try

    • Halloween Rice Krispie Treats
    • Small Batch Vanilla Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream
    • Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
    • Carrot Cake with Graham Cracker Crumble
    • Pumpkin Cake with Gingersnap Crumble
    • Cake Recipes

    Love this Recipe?

    Did you make this recipe and just love it? Awesome! If you have a quick minute and could leave a star rating and comment below, I would appreciate the support and knowing your feedback! And if you’re over on Instagram, be sure to tag me in your photos!

    cupcakes on a stand

    Black Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and Sprinkles

    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Share Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Cook Time: 22 minutes
    Total Time: 52 minutes
    Servings: 7 cupcakes
    Author: Amanda Wilens

    Equipment

    • Stand Mixer

    Ingredients

    Cupcakes
      Wet Ingredients
      • 3 tablespoon unsalted butter room temperature
      • ½ cup granulated sugar
      • 2.5 tablespoon Grapeseed oil
      • 1 large egg room temperature
      • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
      • ½ teaspoon white vinegar
      • ⅓ cup buttermilk or make with ⅓ cup milk and 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice, let sit for 5 minutes
      • 1 teaspoon black food coloring about ¼ teaspoon for black gel food dye
      Dry Ingredients
      • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
      • 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
      • ½ teaspoon baking powder
      • ½ teaspoon baking soda
      • ½ teaspoon salt
      Cheese Cream Frosting
      • 4 tablespoon unsalted butter room temp
      • 4 oz cream cheese room temperature
      • 1 teaspoon vanilla
      • 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
      • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder sifted
      • 1 teaspoon black food coloring less for gel
      Toppings
      • Spooky Sprinkles mine are from Sprinkle Pop

      Instructions

      Cupcakes

      • Preheat the oven to 350° F.
      • Using your paddle attachment on your stand mixer, beat together the butter and sugar and mix on medium for 3-5 minutes. Scrape sides of bowl as needed.
      • Then add in oil, egg, vanilla, and vinegar all separately and mix about 30 seconds to 1 minute each.
      • In a separate medium bowl, sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder and soda, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
      • Turn your stand mixer back onto a low speed and slowly add ½ of the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix until combined. Add in buttermilk until combined. Mix in remaining dry ingredients. Mix until thoroughly combined, but don't over mix. Scrape sides of bowl as needed.
      • Add in black food coloring until entire batter is grey/black (you may want to add another drop or so depending on your brand, but don't add too much).
      • Let the batter sit while you prepare the pans. This allows the batter to rise and double the leavening process.
      • Prepare cupcake tins with liners. Use the 6 center wells + the middle side well for a total of 7 wells. This is a great time, if you still have it, to do some dishes. Clean as you go!
      • After 10-15 minutes of resting the batter, divide batter between 7 wells, ⅔ filled (about 3 tablespoon each). Add about 1-2 tablespoon of water to the empty 5 wells.
      • Place the cupcakes into the oven. Bake for 20-22 minutes. Check with a toothpick until it comes out clean.
      • Take cakes out and cool in the pan. Then remove from pans to cool on a cooling rack.

      Cream Cheese Frosting

      • Using your paddle attachment cream the butter by itself for 2 minutes. This helps to create a fluffy texture. Scrape sides of bowl as needed.
      • Add in cream cheese and mix on medium for 3-4 minutes. Scrape sides of bowl as needed.
      • Add in the vanilla and stir until well combined.
      • Add in powdered sugar slowly. Mix until thoroughly combined and smooth. Allow to continue to mix for 2-3 minutes to let it fluff up. Scrape sides of bowl as needed.
      • Add in food coloring and mix until everything is black.

      Assembling

      • Take a cooled cupcake, pipe or scoop on frosting. Add sprinkles and serve.

      Notes

      Black food dye: There are a lot of notes on this one. First of all, try to get an all-natural dye or use black cocoa powder. Some people do have allergies to artificial food dyes. They can also mess up the color of your BM, so be forewarned. Also, be sure to not be wearing your favorite outfit/apron, use your metal bowl mixer if you have one, and use pure silicone items. This will help from staining.
      Storing: If you don't eat all your cupcakes in one sitting, I recommend storing them in the fridge as the frosting is made with cream cheese. You can store them in the fridge for up to 5-7 days.
      Whipping Butter and Sugar: This step is necessary for getting a light and fluffy cupcake, don't skimp on it. It adds needed air to the batter so your cake isn't too dense.
      Whipping Butter and Cream Cheese: Again, this is to help with the texture. This makes for a light and fluffy and perfectly balanced frosting.
      Room Temperature: Whenever something says room temperature, it's so important to follow those instructions. If you don't use room temperature things might not mix together and incorporate properly.
      Tried this recipe?Mention @amanda.wilens
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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Megan says

        October 20, 2020 at 4:22 pm

        5 stars
        So so so so good! Not always one to make things for Halloween, but these were so cute. And they are also delicious.

        Reply
        • wilensamanda says

          October 26, 2020 at 10:50 am

          Aw! Thank you. Love to hear that.

          Reply

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      Hi there!

      My name is Amanda and I am an event planner, recipe developer, photographer, and stylist. I created this space where together we can together Plan, Plate, and Celebrate! Whether you need tablescape ideas for entertaining or a simple and delicious recipe for cookies, you can find it all on this website...more about me.

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