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Vampire Cupcakes

Enchantingly delicious chocolate cupcakes with a spooky red filling and fluffy marshmallow frosting, perfect for Halloween or any celebration.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, Halloween
Servings 12 cupcakes
Calories 375 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cupcake Batter

  • 1 tsp instant espresso powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)

For the Filling

  • 1/2 cup strawberry jelly
  • red gel food coloring

For the Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
  • 1 1/2 cups Marshmallow Fluff
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt

For Decoration

  • 1 cup crushed chocolate graham crackers (from about 8 sheets) or chocolate wafer cookies

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
  • In a liquid measuring cup, stir the espresso powder with 1/2 cup hot water and allow it to cool.
  • In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Using a stand mixer, combine the egg, milk, oil, and vanilla at medium speed until well blended.
  • Gradually add in the sugar and the cooled espresso mixture, followed by the dry ingredients, mixing until the batter is glossy and smooth.

Baking

  • Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, then allow to cool completely.

Filling and Frosting

  • Once cooled, scoop a small hole from the top of each cupcake and fill it with a mixture of strawberry jelly and a few drops of red gel food coloring.
  • In your stand mixer, beat the softened butter until smooth.
  • Gradually add the Marshmallow Fluff and confectioners' sugar, mixing until fluffy.
  • Add vanilla and salt, ensuring a light and airy frosting.
  • Generously frost the top of each cupcake with the fluffy marshmallow frosting.
  • Refrigerate the cupcakes until set.

Decoration

  • Using the remaining frosting, create a fun stencil with parchment paper and roll the edges in crushed chocolate graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies.
  • For the final touch, drizzle the reserved jelly on top of the cupcakes to create spooky 'bloody' fangs.

Notes

These cupcakes can be made ahead of time and are perfect for various occasions. Frozen portions will maintain freshness for up to three months.
Keyword Chocolate Cupcakes, Creative Baking, Festive Desserts, Halloween Treats, Vampire Cupcakes