Moist Black Velvet Cupcakes (Printable Version)

Ultra-moist black velvet treats topped with smooth cream cheese frosting, perfect for chocolate lovers.

# Ingredients:

→ Cupcakes

01 - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
06 - 1 teaspoon salt
07 - 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
08 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
09 - 2 large eggs, at room temperature
10 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
11 - 1 tablespoon white vinegar
12 - 1 tablespoon black food coloring (optional)

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

13 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
14 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
15 - 4 cups powdered sugar
16 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
17 - Pinch of salt

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line a standard cupcake tin with paper liners.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until uniform.
03 - In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and black food coloring if using. Whisk until smooth.
04 - Pour wet mixture into dry mixture and fold together just until no dry pockets remain. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
05 - Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow for rising.
06 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Let cupcakes cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until smooth and fluffy.

# Notes:

01 - Leftover cream cheese frosting should be refrigerated and rewhipped before use.
02 - To make homemade buttermilk, mix regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
03 - For gluten-free cupcakes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
04 - Vegan cream cheese may be used for a dairy-free alternative to the frosting.