These Halloween Red Velvet Cupcakes are not only a festive delight, but they also boast a rich flavor and moist texture that your whole family will adore! With a hint of cocoa and a vibrant red hue, these treats are sure to be a showstopper at any Halloween gathering or cozy family dinner.

As the leaves turn and the air gets brisk, it’s time to embrace the Halloween spirit in the kitchen. There’s something magical about baking during this season, and these cupcakes provide a perfect canvas for your creativity and imagination. Picture the joy on your loved ones’ faces when they take a bite of these fluffy red velvet delights, each topped with creamy frosting and a playful Halloween decoration. Let me take you on a baking journey filled with warmth, flavor, and just a hint of spooky fun!

Halloween Red Velvet Cupcakes

Print Recipe

These festive red velvet cupcakes are rich in flavor and have a moist texture, perfect for any Halloween gathering.

Author: anytimesrecipegmail-com
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
¾ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
2–3 teaspoons red food coloring
8 ounces cream cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon salt
2 cups icing sugar
12 Halloween Knife Icing Decorations (optional)
¼ cup icing sugar
3 tablespoons milk (or more)
2 teaspoons red food coloring

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and sour cream. Then mix in the red food coloring to reach your desired shade.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.
For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract, salt, and gradually mix in the icing sugar until well combined. If it’s too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
Frost the cooled cupcakes generously with the cream cheese frosting. Optionally, sprinkle with additional icing sugar or use Halloween Knife Icing Decorations for a spooky touch.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Frosting warm cupcakes may cause it to melt.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cupcake
Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Why Bake These Festive Red Velvet Treats?

These cupcakes are not just easy to make; they’re sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for Halloween, they combine the comfort of chocolatey goodness with a vibrant splash of seasonal color. Plus, you can whip them up in about an hour, delighting your family and friends with a delicious seasonal treat in no time!

How to Create Delicious Halloween Red Velvet Cupcakes

Ingredients:

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
¾ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup butter (unsalted, softened)
½ cup sugar (granulated)
½ cup brown sugar (packed)
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
2-3 teaspoons red food coloring
8 ounces cream cheese
4 tablespoons butter (unsalted, softened)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon salt
2 cups icing sugar
12 Halloween Knife Icing Decorations (optional)
¼ cup icing sugar
3 tablespoons milk (or more)
2 teaspoons red food coloring

Directions:

Make the Cupcakes:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and sour cream. Then mix in the red food coloring to reach your desired shade.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract, salt, and gradually mix in the icing sugar until well combined. If it’s too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Decorate the Cupcakes:

Frost the cooled cupcakes generously with the cream cheese frosting.
If desired, sprinkle with additional icing sugar or use the Halloween Knife Icing Decorations for a spooky touch.

Serving Up Spooky Delights

These Halloween Red Velvet Cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, at room temperature, where each bite reveals its soft, velvety texture. They are perfect for Halloween parties, neighborhood gatherings, or simply for a cozy night in with family. Serve them on a festive platter and watch them disappear!

Storing Your Festive Treats

To keep your cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will last for up to a week. If you’d like to store them longer, you can freeze them before frosting. Just thaw before decorating for a delightful surprise whenever you want a sweet treat!

Tips for Perfecting Your Cupcakes

Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
Don’t skip the cooling step; frosting warm cupcakes will make the frosting melt.
Play around with the amount of food coloring to make your cupcakes as spooky as you like!

Fun Variations to Try

For a twist on this classic recipe, consider adding mini chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for added texture. Alternatively, swap the cream cheese frosting for a simple chocolate ganache for a richer flavor or a whipped cream topping for a lighter option.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free? Absolutely! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and enjoy the same delicious results.

2. How can I make the frosting less sweet? If the cream cheese frosting is too sweet for your taste, reduce the icing sugar by half, and use a little more cream cheese to balance the flavors.

3. What can I use if I don’t have red food coloring? While red food coloring is traditional, you can use beet juice or pomegranate juice as a natural alternative, though it may change the flavor slightly.

Indulge in the seasonal spirit with these Halloween Red Velvet Cupcakes that are sure to bring smiles and delight to your festive gatherings. Happy baking!