Description

Hocus Pocus Chocolate Cupcakes are rich, moist chocolate cupcakes topped with a playful, colorful frosting inspired by the magical Sanderson sisters. The luscious cocoa-flavored cakes are complemented by a fluffy buttercream frosting dyed in vibrant yellow, orange, and purple hues, finished with a sprinkle of silver edible glitter for an enchanting effect. Perfect for Halloween parties or any festive occasion where a touch of whimsy meets chocolate delight.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon espresso powder

Wet Ingredients

1 cup boiling water
1 cup milk
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients

2 cups unsalted butter (at room temperature)
2 pounds powdered sugar
Gel food coloring (yellow, orange, and purple)
Silver edible glitter

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Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients and helps avoid lumps.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the boiling water and espresso powder until dissolved. Then add milk, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring continuously. Mix until the batter is smooth and uniform without overmixing, which could make the cupcakes dense.
Fill Cupcake Liners: Line a cupcake pan with paper liners and fill each about two-thirds full with the batter to allow room for rising.
Bake the Cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cupcake pan in the oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove and allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
Prepare the Buttercream Frosting: Using an electric mixer, beat the unsalted butter on medium speed until fluffy and pale. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low at first, then increasing speed until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Color the Frosting: Divide the buttercream into three bowls. Add gel food coloring to each bowl: yellow, orange, and purple, mixing until the colors are vibrant and uniform.
Decorate the Cupcakes: Spread or pipe the colored frosting onto the cooled cupcakes to create a layered hair-like effect reminiscent of the Sanderson sisters’ distinct styles.
Finishing Touch: Sprinkle silver edible glitter on top of the frosting for a magical sparkle, enhancing the whimsical theme of the cupcakes.

Notes

Hocus Pocus Chocolate Cupcakes take a rich cupcake and top it with frosting “hair” inspired by the Sanderson sisters! So fun and easy!
Make sure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
You can prepare the batter a day ahead and refrigerate it, but bake fresh for best results.
Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors without thinning the frosting.
Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cupcake
Calories: 404 kcal
Sugar: 54 g
Sodium: 155 mg
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 65 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 57 mg