How do you make black icing for cupcakes?

 The icing part is simple, it's the black that causes the most problems. Tracking down black food color can be a challenge. Stores that specialize in baking and cake decorating are good sources, as are some gourmet stores, and certain paper and party stores that stock seasonal merchandise.

You can buy already-made black icing online, as well as black food color.

Now, if you already have black food color, you can mix up just about any plain icing, load it with color, and start icing. Here's a very basic recipe for Royal Icing if you don't have one of your own. If you have just a little more time, try this recipe for Seven Minute Icing — it tastes better.

Royal Icing
From Homemade Halloween (Canada, UK) by the editors of Country Living magazine.

Ingredients:

1 1-pound package (3-1/2 cups) confectioners' sugar
3 large egg whites or equivalent amount of meringue powder
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Black paste food coloring

Instructions:

In a large bowl, with an electric mixer on low speed, beat the confectioners' sugar, egg whites, and cream of tartar until mixed. Increase the speed to high and beat about 5 minutes, or until very thick and fluffy. Color the frosting black. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying until ready to use. When ready, transfer some of the frosting to a medium-size bowl and beat in a few teaspoons of water, if necessary, until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

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