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Decadent Black Velvet Cupcakes Recipe with Easy Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

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These black velvet cupcakes feature a rich, dark chocolate base paired with a bright and tangy orange cream cheese frosting, delivering a soft, moist crumb and a refreshing citrus twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 ½ cups (300 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the granulated sugar to the wet mixture, whisking until combined. Slowly fold in the dry ingredients using a spatula, mixing just until no streaks remain.
  5. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Remove the pan from the oven and let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
  7. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Mix in the orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Adjust orange flavor if desired.
  9. Frost the cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or butter knife. Garnish with extra orange zest or a twist of orange peel if desired.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes tender. Frost only when cupcakes are completely cooled to prevent melting. If frosting is too soft, chill for 10–15 minutes; if too stiff, add a splash of orange juice to loosen.

Nutrition

Keywords: black velvet cupcakes, orange cream cheese frosting, chocolate cupcakes, citrus frosting, easy cupcakes, moist cupcakes, party dessert

Find it online: https://islatable.com/decadent-black-velvet-cupcakes-recipe-with-easy-orange-cream-cheese-frosting/