Moody & Magnificent: How to Create Penny Dreadful Dessert Perfection
Set the Table for a Penny Dreadful Dessert Spread
When hosting a gathering, dessert isn’t just a sweet afterthought—it’s the grand finale, leaving your guests with one last taste of the night’s experience. At our Penny Dreadful Cocktail Party, the desserts we served embodied the dark, whimsical vibe of the evening, ensuring every bite was as memorable as the mood. Let us take you through the recipes that brought this soiree to life—because setting the table with intention means dessert plays a starring role.
Background:
When we designed the Penny Dreadful Cocktail Party, we wanted a menu that was as enchanting as the experience itself—something indulgent, slightly eerie, and bursting with visual appeal. I’m a big fan of cupcakes, and red velvet was the perfect fit. It’s rich, dramatic, and deep scarlet—right on theme for the evening.
Of course, one dessert option isn’t enough! We also wanted to celebrate the season by incorporating something autumn-inspired. That’s when the pumpkin cheesecake brownies came into play—a delicious blend of chocolatey richness with spiced pumpkin warmth. With these two desserts, we were able to balance both bold elegance and cozy seasonal flavors. Perfectly on theme and crowding the table with irresistible treats!
Red Velvet Cupcakes: A Classic with a Dark Twist
Key Ingredients for Perfect Red Velvet Cupcakes
Cake Flour: Cake flour makes the cupcakes soft and fluffy—perfect for a light, delicate bite.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Just a hint of cocoa gives the batter its signature depth without overwhelming the flavor.
Red Gel-Paste Food Coloring: For that deep crimson color that matches the eerie aesthetic. The gel-paste ensures the hue stays vibrant.
Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture, ensuring the cupcakes remain tender.
Cream Cheese Frosting: No red velvet cupcake is complete without its tangy-sweet crown!
Full Ingredient List:
Red Velvet Cupcakes
2 1/2 cups cake flour
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 tsp red gel-paste food coloring
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp distilled white vinegar
Frosting
3 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
Pinch of kosher salt
1 cup whipping cream
Process Overview:
Cupcakes:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tins with paper liners.
Beat oil and sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Mix in vanilla. Alternate adding the flour mixture with the buttermilk.
Stir baking soda and vinegar together, then mix into the batter.
Divide the batter among the cupcake liners and bake for 20 minutes. Let cool.
Frost with cream cheese frosting and drizzle with berry coulis.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies: A Harvest Delight with a Gothic Flair
What Makes Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies a Crowd-Pleaser?
Canned Pumpkin: Opt for pure pumpkin puree to get that rich, earthy flavor that sings of fall.
Pumpkin Spice: A cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—because what’s autumn without a little pumpkin spice?
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Creates that fudgy chocolate base.
Cream Cheese: Adds lusciousness to the cheesecake swirl, balancing the sweetness with creamy tang.
Brownie Batter:
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
Cheesecake Batter:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 egg
⅓ cup sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup canned pumpkin
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin spice
How to Make These Dark and Delicious Desserts
Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper.
For the brownie batter: Combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients.
For the cheesecake batter: Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add pumpkin, spices, and sugar.
Spread ⅔ of the brownie batter in the pan. Layer cheesecake batter on top, and dollop remaining brownie batter. Swirl the two batters together.
Bake for 40-50 minutes. Cool completely before slicing.
Elevate Your Next Gathering with These Serving Tips
Serving Tip: Display the desserts on a black cake stand for extra drama. Add some dried roses for a gothic touch.
Kitchen Tool Recommendations:
Hand Mixer: Makes quick work of the frosting and batters.
Silicone Cupcake Liners: Reusable and eco-friendly—plus, they release perfectly shaped cupcakes!
Cake Decorating Kit: Jazz up your cupcakes.
Decor: Check out what is On Our Table for all the details!
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Conclusion:
If you’re ready to recreate the dark elegance of our Penny Dreadful Cocktail Party, make sure to grab the Penny Dreadful Template Goodie from our shop. It has everything you need to set the perfect eerie scene! Looking for more recipe inspiration? Check out our other crowd-pleasing ideas on the blog like the Spooktacular Boneyard Grazing Board or the Perfect Cocktails for your Penny Dreadful Themed Party. And remember—there’s always a place for you at our crowded table. Leave a comment below with your favourite dessert or let us know how your party turned out!
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Crowd your table, feed your soul! Let's create memories that will last a lifetime, together. Leave a comment below and let us know how your pretzels turned out!
