Name: Black Velvet Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1/2 cup (42g) black cocoa powder (a dark, Dutch-process cocoa); 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (120g/ml) buttermilk, at room temperature; 1/3 cup (75g/80ml) vegetable oil; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar; 1/2 cup (120g/ml) hot coffee (decaf is fine) or hot water; 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 3 and 1/2 cups (420g) confectioners’ sugar; 1/2 cup (42g) black cocoa powder (a dark, Dutch-process cocoa); 4–5 Tablespoons (60–75g/ml) heavy cream or milk, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1/8 teaspoon salt

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If you love the rich, indulgent flavor of chocolate but crave something a little different, you are going to adore this Black Velvet Cupcakes Recipe. These cupcakes boast an ultra-deep dark color thanks to black cocoa powder, meaning no artificial black food coloring is needed. But more than their striking appearance, their tender crumb and moist, velvety texture come from a clever mix of buttermilk and vinegar, making them as soft and inviting as a hug on a chilly day. These cupcakes are not just dessert—they are an experience that turns any occasion into a memorable celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The left side shows a clear glass bowl with a dark, thick, slightly shiny chocolate batter inside, being mixed by a metal whisk with a copper-colored handle, resting on a white marbled surface. The right side shows a gray metal muffin tray filled with white paper liners, each liner filled with the dark chocolate batter, spread evenly but not yet baked, all placed flat on the same white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Black Velvet Cupcakes Recipe starts with simple, essential ingredients that pack a lot of punch. Each plays a crucial role—black cocoa powder for that intense color and flavor, buttermilk and vinegar to give tender softness, and hot coffee to deepen the chocolate notes. Together, they transform humble pantry staples into a show-stopping treat.

1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed to hold these cupcakes together perfectly.
1/2 cup (42g) black cocoa powder: This dark Dutch-process cocoa powder is what delivers the signature jet-black hue and rich chocolate flavor.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise just right for a light texture.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the vinegar and buttermilk to create a tender crumb.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes while contributing to their moistness.
1/2 cup (120g/ml) buttermilk: Adds tanginess and tenderness, making the crumb velvety soft.
1/3 cup (75g/80ml) vegetable oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist and rich without weighing them down.
1 large egg: Binds all the ingredients and adds richness.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity.
1/2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar: Reacts with baking soda and buttermilk to create lift and tenderness.
1/2 cup (120g/ml) hot coffee or hot water: Intensifies the chocolate flavor without overpowering.
For frosting: Unsalted butter, confectioners’ sugar, black cocoa powder, heavy cream or milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt work together to craft a luxuriously creamy finish.

How to Make Black Velvet Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12-count muffin pan with cupcake liners. Since this recipe makes 14 to 15 cupcakes, have an extra pan or a few spare liners ready. This ensures your batter is baked evenly without any spills or overcrowding.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures these ingredients are evenly distributed, giving your cupcakes consistent rise and that gorgeous black color throughout the crumb.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Whisk these until they form a smooth mixture, setting the stage for the tender yet richly flavored cupcake you’re about to create.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Add the hot coffee or hot water last and whisk everything together until you have a thin, silky batter. The warmth of the coffee helps to release the deep chocolate notes in the black cocoa powder, making every bite a delight.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds to three-quarters full. This prevents overflowing and sinking while baking. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or the cupcakes bounce back gently when pressed. Let them cool in the pan for 10 to 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

Beat softened butter on medium speed until creamy, then add confectioners’ sugar, black cocoa powder, a portion of the heavy cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Start on low speed before cranking it up to high so everything blends into a perfectly fluffy and spreadable frosting. Adjust the cream quantity to reach your ideal consistency.

Step 7: Frost Your Cupcakes

Once cooled, generously frost each cupcake. Use an icing knife for a rustic look or a piping tip like Ateco 826 for elegant swirls. For extra fun, these cupcakes are perfect to decorate as black cats for Halloween or any themed event!

How to Serve Black Velvet Cupcakes Recipe

The image shows a black cat cupcake with three layers of decoration. The base is a dark chocolate cupcake in a white paper liner. On top, there is a thick layer of dark chocolate frosting covered with black cookie crumbs adding a rough texture. The cat’s face is formed with two yellow candy eyes with vertical black lines, a small orange candy nose, and three orange sprinkles on each side as whiskers. Two triangular chocolate pieces stand up as cat ears behind the eyes. The cupcake sits on a wooden board with other cupcakes in the background, some decorated with dark chocolate frosting and orange, white, and black sprinkles. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a little garnish can turn your Black Velvet Cupcakes Recipe from stunning to show-stopping. Consider sprinkles in silver or purple hues, edible glitter for sparkle, or even small fondant shapes like bats or stars to add personality and fun flair. Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar also contrast beautifully against the dark base.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes shine on their own but pairing them with a rich cup of coffee, a smooth glass of cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a dreamy dessert experience. For parties, serve alongside fresh fruit platters to balance richness and add brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can elevate the enjoyment of these cupcakes. Try stacking them on a tiered cupcake stand or placing each in a mini black box for gift-giving. Wrapping cupcake liners with themed ribbons or serving alongside handwritten recipe cards creates a personal touch that guests will cherish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep the frosting looking its best and the cupcakes moist, it’s best to avoid refrigeration if you plan to enjoy them quickly. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to four days but bring to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

Black Velvet Cupcakes Recipe leftovers freeze beautifully. Freeze unfrosted cupcakes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

Reheating

To warm cupcakes, place them in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back that tender softness without drying them out, especially delicious if you plan to pair with a hot beverage.

FAQs

What can I substitute for black cocoa powder?

If you don’t have black cocoa powder, use regular Dutch-process cocoa, but note that the color won’t be as intensely black. You can also mix natural cocoa powder with a bit of activated charcoal for a closer color match, but the flavor may vary slightly.

Can I use homemade buttermilk?

Yes! Homemade buttermilk is a great substitute. Simply add one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk, stir, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using. This creates the acidity needed for a tender crumb.

Why do you add hot coffee to the batter?

Hot coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor in the black cocoa powder without making the cupcakes taste like coffee. It enhances the richness and depth, giving these cupcakes their signature richness.

Can I make these cupcakes vegan?

With some ingredient swaps like using flax eggs for regular eggs and a plant-based buttermilk alternative, you can create a vegan version. Just be aware this may affect the texture slightly, and you might need to tweak baking times.

How do I keep the frosting from melting in warm weather?

Use high-quality butter and add slightly less cream to keep your frosting firmer. Store cupcakes in a cool place and refrigerate if necessary, bringing them to room temperature before serving so the frosting stays stable and delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about baking a batch of Black Velvet Cupcakes Recipe. Their dramatic appearance paired with that tender, moist crumb creates an experience you want to share again and again. Whether for a spooky celebration or just because you deserve a decadent treat, these cupcakes will quickly become a beloved go-to in your baking repertoire. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to delight your taste buds with this unforgettable cupcake recipe!