Description
These Halloween Purple Velvet Cupcakes use natural beet powder for a vibrant, spooky color and incredibly moist texture without artificial dyes. Paired with a tangy cream cheese frosting, they are a delicious, easy-to-make treat perfect for parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (15g) beet powder
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 8 oz (225g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups (360-480g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Purple gel food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and beet powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl and mix in vanilla extract.
- Reduce mixer speed to low. Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with buttermilk in two parts, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a clean bowl, beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time on low speed, then beat on high for 2 minutes until fluffy. Mix in vanilla and optional gel coloring.
- Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes and decorate as desired.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best emulsification. Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough cupcakes. Frostings must be applied only after cupcakes are completely cool to prevent melting. Beet powder provides natural color; add gel food coloring for a more vibrant purple. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake with frost
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: Halloween, cupcakes, purple velvet, beet powder, cream cheese frosting, spooky treats, easy baking, natural food coloring