Step into a world of gothic elegance and decadent chocolate with these Wednesday Morticia’s Midnight Rose Garden Cupcakes. Inspired by the iconic dark aesthetic of the Addams Family, these cupcakes combine rich, moist chocolate cake with velvety frosting, all adorned with dramatic black and red rose decorations. They’re perfect for Halloween, themed parties, or any time you want a show-stopping dessert that blends whimsy and sophistication.

From the first bite, you’ll experience the deep chocolate richness, balanced by creamy frosting, with a subtle floral hint from the decorative roses. The cupcakes are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them a centerpiece dessert that guests will rave about. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a creative home cook, these cupcakes are surprisingly easy to assemble and decorate with some patience and love.

Ingredients

Cupcake Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup sour cream
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Black food coloring (for midnight rose effect)
- Red food coloring (for rose accents)
Decorations
- Edible gold dust or glitter (optional)
- Edible flower petals (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven & Prep Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with milk and sour cream, mixing until smooth. Do not overmix.
Bake Cupcakes: Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare Frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or cream as needed. Tint frosting with black food coloring for base and red for rose accents.
Frost Cupcakes: Using a piping bag fitted with a rose tip, swirl black frosting on each cupcake to resemble a dark rose garden. Add red accents for dimension and realism.
Decorate: Optionally sprinkle edible gold dust or petals for a whimsical, gothic effect. Serve immediately or refrigerate until needed.

Creative Notes & Tips

Cake Moisture Tip: The addition of sour cream keeps the chocolate cake moist and tender.
Frosting Flexibility: Adjust food coloring gradually to avoid overpowering the black frosting, ensuring a deep but rich hue.
Make Ahead: Cupcakes can be baked a day in advance; frost and decorate just before serving.
Thematic Presentation: Place cupcakes on a black or dark platter to enhance the gothic aesthetic.

Flavor & Texture Insights

These cupcakes are a balance of intense chocolate flavor, soft crumb, and rich, creamy frosting. The dark frosting offers a slightly bittersweet contrast to the sweet cake, while the red accents give visual interest and a subtle tartness if using fruit-based gels or natural decorations. The combination evokes a luxurious and hauntingly beautiful dessert, perfect for themed parties or spooky celebrations.