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Imagine rich cocoa combined with a subtle hint of savory warmth: that’s exactly what you’ll get when you try these special black velvet cupcakes. This unique twist on a classic treat features a touch of earthy spice that balances the sweet chocolate flavor. Introducing the unforgettable “Midnight Cocoa & Thyme Black Velvet Cupcakes”—a fantastic dessert worthy of any celebration!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder (dark or black cocoa powder for extra richness)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional sweet topping: cream cheese frosting or whipped ganache
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners, then set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps meld the dry ingredients evenly, ensuring your cupcakes bake up moist and tender.
Next, in a separate mixing bowl, whisk the sugar and egg until the mixture takes on a light, pale appearance. Stir in the buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gently fold in the chopped thyme, which adds a savory herbal note to complement the dark chocolate flavor.
Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cupcakes. Fill each liner about two-thirds full of batter, then pop the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Once baked, transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, you can swirl on some cream cheese frosting or whipped ganache for an extra layer of sweetness. Finish with a fresh sprinkle of thyme leaves to highlight the savory notes.
These Midnight Cocoa & Thyme Black Velvet Cupcakes are perfect for those who love a bold chocolate flavor with a delicious hint of savory goodness. They’re an impressive choice for chocolate lovers looking to branch out into more adventurous flavor territory. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can swap the granulated sugar for a low-glycemic alternative, and feel free to experiment with fresh rosemary or a dash of smoky chili powder for different flavor twists. Bake a batch today—you’ll find this spin on classic cupcakes both surprising and totally irresistible!
