Name: Goth Cupcakes
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
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; 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 + an additional 1/2-1 cup (60-120 grams) if desired; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 pinch salt; up to 1.5 oz (38-42 grams) No-Taste Christmas Red Gel Food Coloring

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Goth Cupcakes are a mesmerizing treat that perfectly balance rich, dark chocolate flavors with a playful twist. These alluring, black-hued delights are not just about their appearance; they bring a deep, intense flavor that’s a far cry from the ordinary. When you bite into one, you discover a moist and tender crumb that makes each mouthful a pleasure. The standout red swirls of frosting inject a pop of color, making them eye-catching and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s Halloween, a themed party, or simply a day when you’re in the mood for something a little dark and delicious.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Goth Cupcakes
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Goth Cupcakes

I first stumbled upon the idea of these delightful cupcakes while looking for a way to combine my love for baking with a touch of whimsy. It was a rainy afternoon, and I craved something sweet yet a bit edgy. The combination of Dutch-process and black cocoa gave the cupcakes a unique depth, while the cream cheese frosting created an irresistible creamy contrast. Trust me, once you try these cupcakes, you’ll find yourself revisiting them time and again—there’s just something so captivating about their appearance and flavor that draws you back for more. Ready to dive into the magic of Goth Cupcakes? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip these up in just about 25 minutes of prep and bake time, making it easy to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Irresistible Flavor: Rich chocolate mingles beautifully with the tangy cream cheese frosting, ensuring a balance of flavors in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Their dark hue and vibrant red frosting make them stand out on any dessert table, guaranteed to turn heads!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a party, a get-together, or just because you want something special anytime.
Diet-Friendly Options: Options for gluten-free flour alternate make these a versatile recipe for everyone to enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcake and provides structure. For lower calorie options, consider a sugar alternative.
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the perfect base that helps achieve a tender cupcake. Whole wheat can work if a denser texture is desired.
6 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder: This adds depth; it’s less acidic than natural cocoa. Use dark cocoa powder if you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor.
6 tablespoons black cocoa powder: Infuses a rich, dark color and flavor crucial for the “goth” aspect. It’s often used in baking for its unique characteristics.
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise; don’t forget to check expiry dates for effectiveness!
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Works in tandem with baking powder for a fluffy texture.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor; it’s essential even in sweet recipes.
2 large eggs: Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together. Ensure they’re at room temperature for even mixing.
1 cup milk (any kind except canned coconut): Use whole or almond milk for added richness or dairy alternatives as needed.
1/2 cup canola oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist. You could substitute with melted coconut oil for a subtle flavor twist.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds sweetness and enhances the chocolate notes. Always use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
1 cup boiling water: This goes in at the end, hydrating the batter and helping to bloom the cocoa flavors, essential for these goth delights.
1 pound full-fat cream cheese: A luscious base for the frosting; be sure it’s room temp to mix easily.
1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness to the frosting, also at room temperature for easy incorporation. Salted butter can be used, just skip the pinch of salt.
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting! Add up to an additional cup if you prefer it sweeter.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Reinforces the overall flavor of the frosting.
1 pinch salt: Balances the sweetness of the frosting.
Up to 1.5 oz No-Taste Christmas Red Gel Food Coloring: Necessary for achieving that striking visual contrast—use gel coloring for better vibrancy without a taste.

How to Make Goth Cupcakes

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, line two muffin pans with 24 liners; this is your canvas!

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 3/4 cups all-purpose 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. The combination of these dry ingredients creates the depth and richness essential for Gothic goodness.

Combine Wet Ingredients: Now add 2 large eggs, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup canola oil, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract to the dry mix. Stir gently just until combined.

Add Boiling Water: Gradually mix in 1 cup of boiling water. This will create a very thin batter; don’t worry! That’s exactly what you want for tender cupcakes.

Fill the Liners: Distribute the batter evenly amongst the muffin liners, using about 1/4 cup or 56 grams per liner for uniform cupcakes.

Bake: Pop them in the oven for 17-25 minutes. The cupcakes should spring back when lightly pressed, and a toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, not liquid.

Cool Down: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before gently turning them out onto a wire rack. Let them cool completely; this is super important for perfect frosting application!

Beat the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together 1 pound of room-temperature cream cheese and 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons unsalted butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and combined. It might look a bit crumbly; don’t worry!

Incorporate Sugar & Flavor: Gradually fold in 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar until completely blended. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for balance.

Add the Color: Carefully beat in the red gel food coloring until you achieve your desired color intensity. Too soft to pipe? Pop it in the fridge for a bit, stirring occasionally until it firms up.

Frost Those Cupcakes: Using a piping bag fitted with a Wilton Tip 1M or any tip you adore, swirl the frosting generously on top of each cooled cupcake. Aiming for about 41 grams (3 tablespoons) of frosting per cupcake will ensure they’re fabulously frosted!

Storing & Reheating

These delightful Goth Cupcakes can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, move them to the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them—both frosted and unfrosted— for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them in the fridge overnight to thaw. The texture will remain great, but a light zap in the microwave for about 10 seconds can freshen them up after freezing!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Always use room temperature ingredients like eggs and cream cheese for optimal blending and texture.
Adjust the amount of boiling water based on how thick or thin you prefer your batter; a little extra keeps it moist.
If your frosting feels too soft, or it’s a warm day, consider refrigerating it for about 15-20 minutes before piping.
For variety, sprinkle some edible glitter or black sprinkles on top after frosting for an even bolder effect.
Prepare the cupcakes ahead of time without frosting; they freeze beautifully for later use!

The Goth Cupcakes are luxurious, rich, and utterly delightful—a perfect celebration treat that beckons for a gothic romance. Tasting them is pure joy, a blend of deep chocolate flavor and creamy sweetness wrapped in a pleasing look that’s sure to impress. So why not gather your ingredients and whip up a batch? You’ll love how they make you feel. Enjoy baking!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure that it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

What if I don’t have black cocoa powder?

If you can’t find black cocoa powder, you can use all Dutch-process cocoa powder instead. The cupcakes will still taste wonderful, but the color will be a lighter brown instead of the intense black.

Can I store these cupcakes in the freezer?

Yes! They freeze excellently for up to 3 months. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a resealable bag for a longer shelf life.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar by half a cup and add a bit more cream cheese. You can also add a touch of lemon zest for a flavorful twist!