Description
Hocus Pocus Chocolate Cupcakes are decadently rich chocolate cupcakes topped with vibrant, colorful frosting styled to resemble the iconic ‘hair’ of the Sanderson sisters from the beloved film. These cupcakes combine a moist chocolate base with luscious, buttery frosting artfully colored and finished with a touch of silver edible glitter for a magical, festive treat perfect for Halloween or themed parties.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Batter
- 1 cup boiling water
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Buttercream Frosting
- 2 cups unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 pounds powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring: yellow, orange, and purple
- Silver edible glitter
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the boiling water, unsweetened cocoa powder, and espresso powder until smooth and combined. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Incorporate Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed using a hand or stand mixer. Once combined, slowly pour in the cooled chocolate mixture while continuing to mix, resulting in a smooth batter.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cupcake pans with paper liners and fill each about two-thirds full with batter.
- Bake Cupcakes: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter with a mixer on medium speed until creamy and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, a cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. If necessary, add a tablespoon or two of milk to reach desired consistency.
- Color the Frosting: Divide the buttercream into three bowls. Add gel food coloring separately to each bowl to create yellow, orange, and purple frostings. Mix thoroughly to combine vibrant colors.
- Decorate Cupcakes: Using piping bags fitted with grass or multi-opening tips, pipe the colored frosting onto each cupcake to create ‘hair’ inspired by the Sanderson sisters from Hocus Pocus. Alternate colors creatively to mimic the whimsical hair styles.
- Add Final Touches: Sprinkle silver edible glitter lightly over the frosted cupcakes to add a magical sparkle, completing the festive look.
Notes
- This recipe yields 24 cupcakes, perfect for parties or gatherings.
- Using espresso powder in the batter enhances the chocolate flavor without imparting a noticeable coffee taste.
- Gel food coloring is recommended for vibrant, concentrated colors that won’t thin the frosting.
- Be sure cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- The silver edible glitter adds a sparkling festive touch but is optional.
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
