Halloween Chocolate Cupcakes Orange (Ready-to-Print Version)

Rich chocolate cupcakes paired with smooth orange buttercream create a festive and flavorful treat.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Chocolate Cupcakes

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
05 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
06 - ½ teaspoon salt
07 - ½ cup buttermilk
08 - ½ cup vegetable oil
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
11 - ½ cup brewed coffee, hot

→ Orange Buttercream

12 - 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
13 - 3½ cups powdered sugar
14 - 3 tablespoons heavy cream
15 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
16 - Orange gel food coloring, to desired shade
17 - ¼ teaspoon salt

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and uniform.
04 - Gradually pour wet ingredients into dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined; pour in brewed coffee and mix until batter is smooth but not overmixed.
05 - Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
06 - Allow cupcakes to cool in pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack until completely cooled before frosting.
07 - Beat softened butter on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed then increase. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, salt, and orange gel color. Beat until light and creamy, about 2 minutes.
08 - Using a piping bag fitted with a large star or round tip, pipe tall swirls of buttercream onto cooled cupcakes. Decorate with Halloween-themed sprinkles or garnishes as desired.

# Handy Tips:

01 - Room temperature ingredients promote even mixing and tender texture.
02 - Sifting cocoa powder and powdered sugar ensures smooth batter and frosting.
03 - Avoid over-mixing to prevent dense cupcakes.
04 - Check for doneness starting at 18 minutes to avoid dryness.

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