Low-Carb Black Heart Halloween Cupcakes Recipe
These Low-Carb Black Heart Halloween Cupcakes are a festive, delicious treat perfect for Halloween celebrations. Made with almond and coconut flours, rich black cocoa, and filled with a luscious low-carb berry jam center, these cupcakes are topped with a creamy black cocoa frosting. They are gluten-free and low-carb, providing an indulgent dessert option without the guilt.
- Author: zara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Cupcakes
- 1 cup almond flour (100 g / 3.5 oz)
- 1/4 cup coconut flour (30 g / 1.1 oz)
- 3 tbsp black cocoa powder (27 g / 1 oz) or Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter (57 g / 2 oz)
- 1/2 cup granulated Swerve (100 g / 3.5 oz)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup full-fat 5% Greek yoghurt (250 g / 8.8 oz)
- 1 tsp gluten-free baking powder
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 2/3 cup low-carb berry jam such as Raspberry Chia Jam or Low-Carb Cherry Amarenata (160 g / 5.6 oz)
Frosting
- 1 pack full-fat cream cheese (250 g / 8.8 oz)
- 250 g unsalted butter (8.8 oz)
- 1/4 cup confectioner’s Swerve or Erythritol (40 g / 1.4 oz)
- 3 tbsp black cocoa powder (27 g / 1 oz) or Dutch process cocoa powder
- 2 tsp sugar-free vanilla extract
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 175 °C (350 °F) if using a fan-assisted oven or 195 °C (380 °F) for a conventional oven. This ensures the cupcakes bake evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sweetener: Using a stand mixer or hand beaters, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated Swerve until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step builds the structure of the cupcakes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the Greek yoghurt until combined, then add the eggs one by one, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: On low speed, add the almond flour, coconut flour, black cocoa powder, sea salt, and gluten-free baking powder. Mix until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients.
- Prepare Muffin Tray: Line a 12-cup muffin tray with paper liners. Using a 1/4 cup measure, evenly distribute the batter into each liner.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After baking, remove the cupcakes and let them cool completely before decorating.
- Make Frosting: Soften unsalted butter and cream cheese slightly. Whisk together using a mixer until the mixture is fluffy. Add black cocoa powder, confectioner’s Swerve or erythritol, and sugar-free vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and well blended. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with your preferred nozzle.
- Hollow Cupcakes: Once cooled, use a sharp knife to carefully hollow out a cone-shaped section from the top center of each cupcake to create a well for the jam filling.
- Fill with Jam: Spoon a heaped teaspoon of low-carb berry jam into each hollowed center of the cupcakes.
- Replace Cut Tops: Cut a thin slice off the top of each removed piece of cupcake and place it back over the jam as a lid, slightly pressing down to seal.
- Pipe Frosting: Pipe the prepared cocoa frosting on top of each cupcake for a beautiful finish.
- Storage: Store the cupcakes in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Note that the jam center may soften with time due to moisture. Allow cupcakes to return to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use gluten-free baking powder to keep these cupcakes suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Low-carb berry jams like raspberry chia or cherry amarenata work best to maintain the low-carb profile.
- Allow cupcakes to come to room temperature after refrigeration to enjoy the best texture.
- Leftover muffin dough pieces can be enjoyed as a snack.
- If black cocoa powder is unavailable, Dutch process cocoa powder is a good substitute, though it may alter the final color slightly.
Keywords: Low-Carb, Halloween Cupcakes, Black Cocoa, Gluten-Free Dessert, Keto Friendly, Low Sugar