When I was growing up my Grandma made everything from scratch. One of the recipes that I distinctly remember are these chocolate cupcakes. Sure, everyone has had chocolate cupcakes in their lifetime - but these are different. Their texture is unique and unlike anything I have ever had before, and little did I realize growing up the recipe that accompanies the cupcakes is equally as special. In our family these are known as "Aunt Ellen's Chocolate Cupcakes." And given what I know about our family history, that makes this recipe around 100 years old, if not more!! How awesome is that?

This Halloween I'm super excited to share these Quick & Spooky Halloween Cupcakes with our party guests. The delicious red cupcake just has Halloween bash written all over it! Simply whip these up and pair it with your Halloween Fete Box and your guests will be wowed. They'll likely think you spent hours shopping and preparing for the ghoulish bash. Don't worry - we won't spoil the secret!

I'm very excited and honored to share my adaptation of Aunt Ellen's Chocolate Cupcakes, perfect for your Halloween gathering. They are delicious!

Spooky Halloween Cupcakes:

Ingredients:

1 Cup Sugar
2 Eggs
1/2 Cup Butter
2 Squares of Baking Chocolate
1 Cup Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 Cup Milk
1 tsp Vanilla
1 tsp Instant Espresso Granules (optional)
Several drops of Red Cake/Gel Food Coloring (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat Oven to 350°F. Line cupcake pan with desired cupcake tins. In medium sized mixing bowl beat together eggs and sugar. In separate bowl, place chocolate baking squares and butter. Melt the baking square + butter mixture according to package instructions (I usually do this step in the microwave. But watch it very carefully, and only heat in small increments). Once melted, stir carefully into the egg and sugar mixture. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. If you want to add the instant Espresso granules you will mix them with the milk before combining with additional ingredients as follows. Alternate stirring flour mixture and milk into the wet ingredients until all is combined. Drop in food coloring to reach desired shade of red. Bake approximately 20 minutes. Makes around 16 cupcakes. Wait until completely cooled to top with your favorite icing and sprinkles (included in our Halloween Fete Box!).

Want to add the spooky cauldron effect to your table display this Halloween? Simply add dry ice and water to a black mug or container. Gather the guests as it bubbles and fizzes creating a fun and spooky effect. Don't forget to remind the kids - no touching or drinking! Please follow the proper handling instructions on the dry ice to avoid any accidents.*

Show us your version of our Heirloom Cupcakes by tagging a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #spookycupcakes!

Cheers and Happy Baking!

-Maddie

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Quick & Spooky Halloween Cupcakes - Heirloom Recipe from the 1900's