If you’re looking for a show-stopping treat this Halloween or any time you want to add a little spooky flair to your dessert table, I can’t recommend this Blood Sucking Vampire Cupcakes Recipe enough. These cupcakes are not just adorable—they’re decadently delicious, with a rich black velvet base, a luscious red “blood” filling, and a deep chocolate buttercream that will make you the star of any party. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just want to wow your friends with a creepy-cute dessert, I promise you’ll find that this recipe is both fun to make and absolutely fan-freaking-tastic to eat.

🤍

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, Decadent Flavors: The black velvet’s deep cocoa flavor pairs beautifully with the smooth white chocolate ganache and chocolate buttercream for a treat that’s truly indulgent.
  • Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant red “blood” filling oozing out makes these cupcakes a perfect centerpiece for Halloween or vampire-themed celebrations.
  • Surprisingly Simple Steps: Even if you don’t bake often, the step-by-step method will guide you to cupcake success without feeling overwhelming.
  • Customizable & Fun: You can tweak the colors, fillings, or frosting style to perfectly suit your spooky vibe or personal taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, but the magic really happens when you combine the black food coloring with cocoa powder to achieve that eerie black velvet cupcake color. You’ll want to use gel food coloring for the best intensity without watering down your batter or frosting.

  • Butter: Softened butter adds richness and moisture to both cupcakes and buttercream.
  • Sugar: Regular granulated sugar helps with that perfect crumb and sweetness.
  • Eggs: They bind the batter and give structure to your cupcakes.
  • Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is key for the dark chocolate flavor and color base.
  • Black Food Colouring: Gel type gives the deepest color without changing texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors with a sweet, aromatic touch.
  • Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the cupcake framework; measuring carefully is important.
  • Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Together, they give that perfect rise and softness.
  • White Vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to create lightness and subtly tangy flavor.
  • White Chocolate: Melts into the ganache filling for indulgent gooeyness.
  • Cream: Heavy cream makes the ganache silky and smooth.
  • Red Food Colouring Gel: Gives that spooky ‘blood’ color to the white chocolate ganache without thinning it.
  • Icing Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the chocolate buttercream.
  • Black Gel Food Colouring: Colors your frosting black for that vampire vibe.
  • Additional Milk for Buttercream: To adjust the buttercream consistency as needed.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile the Blood Sucking Vampire Cupcakes Recipe can be. Once you’ve nailed the basic version, it’s fun to customize it for different tastes or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to get creative!

  • Dairy-Free Version: I’ve swapped out butter for coconut oil and used coconut cream in place of heavy cream for the ganache—still delicious and great for friends with allergies.
  • Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to the cocoa mix gives the cupcakes a subtle warmth that my friends go crazy for on cooler days.
  • Fruit Filling: Sometimes I replace the white chocolate ganache with a raspberry or cherry compote for a tart “bloody” surprise.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Using flax eggs and plant-based substitutes works surprisingly well if you want a meat-free version of these spooky treats.

How to Make Blood Sucking Vampire Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Black Cocoa Paste

Start by mixing the cocoa powder, black food coloring, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until it forms a thick, smooth paste. This potent mix is the secret to that deep, inky color and rich chocolate flavor. Setting this aside gets you ready to add it straight into your batter without lumps or streaks.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar together until your mixture looks light and fluffy—this usually takes around 3-4 minutes. I find using room temperature butter really helps this step. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time until silky smooth.

Step 3: Combine and Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients

Add the black cocoa paste you prepared earlier and mix until blended. Then, mix together your flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a separate bowl. With your mixer on low, alternate adding a third of the flour mixture, then a third of the milk, repeating until both are fully incorporated—always start and end with the flour. Finally, stir in the white vinegar gently; this will react with the baking soda to give a light, tender crumb.

Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly between your cupcake liners and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes. I like to test doneness by inserting a skewer—it should come out clean but the cupcakes should still feel soft when lightly pressed. Let them cool completely before moving to the filling and frosting steps.

Step 5: Make the Blood Red White Chocolate Ganache

Heat your cream just until it reaches boiling point, then pour it over chopped white chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir carefully until you have a smooth, glossy ganache. Add drops of red food coloring gel little by little until you reach that perfect bloody shade. This filling is where the name “Blood Sucking Vampire Cupcakes Recipe” really comes alive!

Step 6: Prepare the Black Chocolate Buttercream

Beat the softened butter until creamy, then add cocoa powder and a couple tablespoons of milk. Once combined, gradually add the icing sugar while beating until smooth. Stir in black gel food coloring until you get a deep, dark frosting—add more milk if the consistency gets too thick. This velvety buttercream is like a cloak of darkness over your cupcakes.

Step 7: Assemble Your Vampire Cupcakes

Gently scoop out a small portion from the center of each cooled cupcake using a small knife or cupcake corer. Fill the cavity with that luscious red ganache, then pipe on the black chocolate buttercream generously. To finish, add a few drips or splatters of leftover red ganache on top to mimic vampire bites—trust me, this detail sends these cupcakes over the edge in creepiness and taste.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Blood Sucking Vampire Cupcakes Recipe

  • Use Gel Food Coloring: Liquid food coloring can change the batter’s texture and color saturation; gels deliver that intense black and red without watery batter.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: I learned that softened butter and room temperature eggs make the batter smoother and produce fluffier cupcakes.
  • Don’t Overmix: When combining flour mixtures with liquids, mix just until combined to keep your cupcakes tender.
  • Cooling Completely is Key: I once skipped this and the ganache melted into a mess; waiting for full cooling keeps your ganache inside without oozing everywhere.

How to Serve Blood Sucking Vampire Cupcakes Recipe

The image shows six dark black cupcakes with a smooth texture, each topped with black frosting that has a swirl pattern. Bright red icing is drizzled over the top of the frosting. Two cupcakes in the front are cut in half, revealing a bright red filling inside the soft and moist black cake. All the cupcakes are placed on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to finish these cupcakes with a few fun garnishes like edible glitter for a magical sparkle or small plastic vampire fangs for extra spookiness. Sometimes I add thin red sugar strands or red sanding sugar around the edges of the frosting to resemble blood splatters—that extra touch always gets compliments!

Side Dishes

Serving these cupcakes alongside a cold glass of dark berry punch or a creamy chai latte works wonderfully. For parties, I like pairing them with other Halloween-themed snacks like candied popcorn or roasted pumpkin seeds to keep the spooky vibe going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

For a Halloween party, I arranged my Blood Sucking Vampire Cupcakes Recipe on a black slate serving tray with red rose petals scattered around. I’ve also served them in a tiered stand decorated with cobweb lace and fake spiders for an eye-catching effect. Using themed cupcake liners or wrapping a velvet ribbon around the stand adds to the drama!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the frosting firm and the ganache fresh for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let chilled cupcakes come to room temperature before serving—the flavors really pop when not too cold.

Freezing

Freezing works great if you want to prepare ahead. I pop the unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container or freezer bag, freeze them for up to a month, then thaw completely before filling and frosting. I don’t recommend freezing cupcakes once filled and frosted because the textures can change.

Reheating

If you want to refresh the cupcakes, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just enough to warm them without melting the frosting. This simple trick brings back that just-baked softness, especially lovely with the rich inside filling.

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel for the Blood Sucking Vampire Cupcakes Recipe?

    While regular liquid food coloring can be used, gel food coloring is preferred because it provides a more intense color without adding extra liquid to your batter or frosting, which could affect texture and consistency.

  2. How do I make sure the ganache filling doesn’t leak out of the cupcakes?

    Make sure your cupcakes are completely cooled before coring and filling. Also, chilling them briefly after filling can help the ganache set inside and prevent it from oozing too much when you pipe the buttercream on top.

  3. Can I substitute something else for white vinegar?

    Yes, lemon juice is a good substitute for white vinegar in this recipe. Both act as acid to react with the baking soda and help the cupcakes rise with a tender crumb.

  4. Is there a vegan alternative for the Blood Sucking Vampire Cupcakes Recipe?

    Absolutely! You can swap eggs with flax eggs (mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water each), use plant-based butter, and substitute coconut cream for the dairy cream. The texture and color will still be deliciously spooky.

  5. How long do these cupcakes keep?

    Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the cupcakes stay fresh for 3-4 days. For best results, consume them within that timeframe to enjoy the optimal texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I honestly fell in love with this Blood Sucking Vampire Cupcakes Recipe the first time I made it—and each time since, it just keeps getting better. It’s the kind of recipe that turns casual baking into a fun, festive adventure that makes your kitchen feel alive with Halloween spirit. So don’t hesitate—give it a go and get ready to be flooded with compliments and happy “oohs” and “ahhs.” I can’t wait for you to try it and share your spooky cupcake success stories with your friends and family!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Blood Sucking Vampire Cupcakes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 131 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes, serves 12 people
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Blood Sucking Vampire Cupcakes are decadent black velvet cupcakes featuring a dramatic black chocolate buttercream and a striking red white chocolate ganache ‘blood’ filling. Perfect for Halloween or any spooky occasion, these cupcakes combine rich cocoa flavors with a visually eerie finish that mimics a vampire bite, offering both a delicious and fun treat.


Ingredients

Cupcake Batter

  • 1/2 Cup Butter, Softened (110g)
  • 1 and 1/4 Cups Sugar (250g)
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1/4 Cup Cocoa (24g)
  • 6 Tbsp. Black Food Colouring
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Cup Milk
  • 1 and 1/4 Cups All-Purpose Flour (160g)
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
  • 3 Tbsp. White Vinegar

White Chocolate Ganache

  • 1 Cup White Chocolate (180g)
  • 2/3 Cup Cream
  • Few drops of red food colouring gel (not liquid)

Chocolate Buttercream

  • 2 and 1/4 Cups Icing Sugar (270g)
  • 1/2 Cup Butter, Softened (110g)
  • 1/4 Cup Cocoa (24g)
  • 2 Tbsp. Milk
  • Few drops of black gel food colouring (not liquid)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cocoa Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the cocoa powder, black food colouring, and vanilla extract until you form a thick, smooth paste. Set this mixture aside to incorporate into the batter later.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is fluffy and light in texture, ensuring good incorporation of air for a tender crumb.
  3. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, which will help emulsify the batter and build structure.
  4. Incorporate Cocoa Mixture: Mix the previously prepared cocoa and black food colouring paste into the creamed butter, sugar, and eggs mixture until evenly combined, allowing the batter to develop that rich dark color.
  5. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda to ensure even leavening and to remove any lumps.
  6. Alternate Adding Flour and Milk: With the mixer on low speed, add one-third of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, followed by one-third of the milk, repeating this alternating process until all the flour and milk are incorporated, starting and ending with the flour mixture. This gentle mixing helps prevent gluten overdevelopment.
  7. Add Vinegar: Finally, stir in the white vinegar, which will react with the baking soda to help the cupcakes rise and stay tender.
  8. Fill Muffin Tin and Bake: Line a muffin tin with cupcake cases and spoon the batter evenly into each case. Place in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 15 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and cupcakes are soft to the touch.
  9. Cool Cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before filling and frosting to ensure the ganache and buttercream do not melt.
  10. Make White Chocolate Ganache: Heat the cream to boiling point, then pour it over the white chocolate in a bowl. Stir gently until the chocolate fully melts and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Add red food colouring gel in small drops until a vibrant red color is achieved to simulate ‘blood’. Set aside to cool slightly and thicken.
  11. Prepare Chocolate Buttercream: Beat the softened butter until creamy, then add cocoa powder and two tablespoons of milk and continue beating until combined. Gradually add the icing sugar and beat until smooth and fluffy. Add black gel food colouring until the buttercream turns jet black. If needed, add more milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.
  12. Fill Cupcakes: Using a small spoon or a cupcake corer, scoop out the center of each cooled cupcake. Fill the hollow with the red white chocolate ganache, then pipe the black chocolate buttercream over the top.
  13. Decorate: Drizzle or splatter remnants of the red ganache on top of the buttercream to emulate blood dripping or a vampire bite effect for a spooky finish.

Notes

  • These cupcakes are a decadent black velvet base with black chocolate buttercream and a white chocolate ganache dyed red to mimic blood filling.
  • Use gel food colouring for vibrant colors without thinning the mixtures.
  • Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before adding ganache and buttercream to avoid melting.
  • White vinegar reacts with baking soda to produce a light and fluffy texture in the cupcakes.
  • For extra flair, consider topping with edible vampire-themed decorations or candies.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 493 kcal
  • Sugar: 51 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 63 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 94 mg

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star