Red Velvet Vampire Cupcakes: The Ultimate Spooky Treat Recipe

Name: Red Velvet Vampire Cupcakes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 48 min
Ingredients: 1.75 cups cake flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 0.25 cup Dutch process cocoa powder; 0.75 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon fine salt; 0.5 cup buttermilk; 0.5 cup vegetable oil; 0.5 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; 2 teaspoons cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 large egg (at room temperature); 3 ounces semisweet chocolate bar; 1 teaspoon coconut oil; 1 cup raspberry jam; 8 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature); 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cubed, at room temperature); 1 cup confectioners' sugar; 0.5 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Introduction to Red Velvet Vampire Cupcakes

Indulging in a sweet treat can be a delightful experience, especially when it brings a touch of whimsy and fun to the table. Enter the Red Velvet Vampire Cupcakes, a festive dessert that captivates both the eyes and the palate. These vibrant red cupcakes, with their rich cocoa flavor and luscious cream cheese frosting, are perfect for Halloween parties or any occasion where you want to add a bit of spooky charm.

A Personal Story Behind My Red Velvet Vampire Cupcakes Journey

I still remember the first time I baked these delightful cupcakes with my grandchildren. We were preparing for a Halloween gathering, and the laughter and excitement we shared while mixing ingredients and decorating the cupcakes created memories that I cherish to this day. Each bite is not just delicious but also filled with the joy of family tradition, making these cupcakes a beloved recipe in our household.

What Makes This Red Velvet Vampire Cupcakes Recipe Special?

What sets these cupcakes apart is not only their striking appearance but also the playful twist of filling them with raspberry jam that resembles blood, adding an element of surprise and fun. The combination of moist red velvet cake and creamy frosting creates a symphony of flavors and textures. Plus, the addition of candy vampire teeth on top offers a whimsical touch that makes them irresistible to both kids and adults alike.

The Full Red Velvet Vampire Cupcakes Recipe

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups cake flour

1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder

3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/2 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon red food coloring, plus a drop for the filling

2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 large egg, at room temperature

1 3-ounce semisweet chocolate bar
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 cup raspberry jam

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This ensures easy removal of the cupcakes once baked.
In a large bowl, sift together the cake flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour, making for lighter cupcakes.
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, sour cream, red food coloring, cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and egg until well combined.

Carefully combine the wet and dry mixtures until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cupcakes.
Divide the batter evenly among the lined cupcake cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the cupcakes to cool on a wire rack.

While the cupcakes are cooling, microwave the chocolate and coconut oil together until smooth. This will be used to brush the insides of the cupcake holes.
Once cooled, cut out a small plug from the center of each cupcake, leaving a border around the edges. Brush the holes with the melted chocolate and place them in the freezer for a few minutes until set.
In a small bowl, mix the raspberry jam with a drop of red food coloring and a little water until smooth. Fill the chocolate-coated holes with this jam mixture to resemble “blood.”

For the cream cheese frosting, beat the cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth. Gradually add the cubed butter and continue beating until creamy.
Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy. This frosting is what makes these cupcakes truly special!
Use a piping bag to frost the tops of the cupcakes generously.

To give the final spooky touch, use a plastic straw to poke two holes in the frosting of each cupcake to mimic vampire bites and fill these holes with the remaining jam.

Serving Suggestions and Variations for Red Velvet Vampire Cupcakes

These cupcakes are perfect on their own, but you can elevate them further by adding candy vampire teeth on top for an extra spooky appearance. Consider pairing them with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea for a delightful treat. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a hint of cinnamon to the batter for a unique flavor twist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Vampire Cupcakes

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes in advance and frost them on the day you plan to serve them for the best texture and flavor.

Can I use a different filling instead of raspberry jam?
Absolutely! You can substitute with strawberry jam or even a chocolate ganache for a different flavor profile.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a simple buttermilk substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.

How should I store these cupcakes?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the frosting fresh.

Recipe Stats

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 48 minutes
Calories per Serving: 380
Servings: 12