Dark Chocolate & Blackberry Halloween Cupcakes

Last Updated on October 4, 2025 by Chef Josie

Imagine biting into a rich, dark chocolate cupcake topped with silky chocolate buttercream, only to discover a hidden pool of tangy blackberry “blood” at the center. These Halloween cupcakes are the perfect mix of spooky and delicious, combining dramatic gothic style with decadent flavor.

I created this recipe after searching for something more grown-up than the usual orange and black sprinkle cupcakes. The contrast of velvety chocolate with the jewel-toned berry filling makes these the ultimate show-stopping Halloween themed cupcakes, perfect for a party, a spooky movie night, or to impress trick-or-treat guests with a little edible drama.

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Why You’ll Love These Halloween Cupcakes

• Spooky yet elegant – A black candy skull on top makes these a centerpiece dessert.
• Rich flavor combo – Dark chocolate and tart blackberries balance sweetness perfectly.
• Party-ready – These are conversation starters at any Halloween gathering.
• Beginner-friendly – The filling and frosting look fancy but are easy to do.
• Customizable – Swap fillings, use candy eyeballs, or try different colored frostings.
• Versatile sizes – Make full-size or mini Halloween cupcakes for bite-sized treats.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Cupcakes

• 1 cup all-purpose flour – Structure base.
• ½ cup cocoa powder (Dutch-processed) – Deep chocolate flavor.
• 1 tsp baking powder – Helps cupcakes rise.
• ½ tsp baking soda – Ensures tenderness.
• ½ tsp salt – Balances sweetness.
• 2 large eggs – For binding and richness.
• 1 cup sugar – Sweetness and moisture.
• ½ cup vegetable oil – Keeps cupcakes soft and moist.
• ½ cup buttermilk – Adds tang and tenderness.
• ½ cup hot coffee – Intensifies chocolate flavor (can sub hot water).

For the Blackberry Filling

• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blackberries – Jewel-like center.
• ⅓ cup sugar – Sweetens berries.
• 2 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water – Thickens into a jammy “blood” filling.
• 1 tsp lemon juice – Adds brightness.

For the Chocolate Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Creamy base.
• 3 cups powdered sugar – Sweetness and structure.
• ½ cup cocoa powder – Rich chocolate taste.
• 2–3 tbsp heavy cream – Silky texture.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Warmth and depth.
• Pinch of salt – Balances flavors.

Decorations

• Black fondant skulls or candy toppers – For the spooky finish.
• Fresh blackberries + blueberries – Adds eerie edible accents.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bake the Cupcakes
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
   • In a bowl, sift flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, and oil until light. Stir in buttermilk.
   • Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in hot coffee last.
   • Fill liners ⅔ full and bake 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
2. Make the Blackberry Filling
   • In a small saucepan, combine blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
   • Cook over medium heat until berries break down (5–7 min).
   • Stir in cornstarch slurry, cook until thickened. Cool completely.
3. Prepare the Buttercream
   • Beat butter until fluffy (2–3 min).
   • Add powdered sugar, cocoa, vanilla, and salt.
   • Mix in heavy cream until smooth and pipeable.
4. Assemble the Cupcakes
   • Use a small knife or cupcake corer to cut a hole in the center.
   • Fill each cupcake with blackberry “blood.”
   • Pipe buttercream on top in spooky swirls.
5. Decorate
   • Add fresh berries and a fondant skull or spooky candy.
   • Serve on a dark platter for maximum effect!

Notes & Top Tips

• Chill the filling before adding so it doesn’t sink into the cupcake.
• Use black gel food coloring in frosting for an extra Gothic look.
• Make mini versions for Halloween mini cupcakes, reduce baking time to 12 min.
• Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days.
• Once filled and frosted, refrigerate up to 3 days.

Serving & Variations

• Add raspberry filling instead of blackberry for a brighter “blood” effect.
• Swap frosting for cream cheese frosting dyed blood-red.
• Turn them into cute Halloween cupcakes with candy corn, googly eyes, or gummy worms.
• Serve with a Halloween punch or spooky charcuterie board.

Final bite

These spooky cupcakes aren’t just desserts, they’re edible Halloween décor that tastes as good as they look. Give them a try this October and wow your guests with the ultimate blend of eerie and elegant.

If you make them, leave a comment, rate the recipe, and tag me on social media; I’d love to see your Halloween cupcake decorating ideas!

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake cupcakes a day in advance, store unfilled. Assemble on party day.

Can I freeze them?
Unfrosted cupcakes freeze up to 2 months. Thaw before filling and decorating.

What if I don’t have fondant skulls?
Use candy eyeballs, gummy bats, or piped chocolate decorations instead.

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