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–+ servings
A spooky Halloween cupcake with grey frosting, candy eyes, and colorful sprinkles.

Spooky Halloween Cupcake

These cupcakes are perfect for Halloween parties. They are easy to make and can be decorated in many spooky ways.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cupcakes
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 0.5 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frosting
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 0.25 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1-2 drops black food coloring optional, for grey frosting
For Decoration
  • Halloween sprinkles
  • candy eyes

Equipment

  • Muffin tin
  • Cupcake liners
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Piping bag
  • Piping tip

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. While the cupcakes cool, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
  9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, and beat until smooth and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract. If desired, add a drop or two of black food coloring for a grey frosting.
  10. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them using a piping bag and tip, or a spatula.
  11. Decorate with Halloween sprinkles and candy eyes to create spooky faces or designs.

Notes

You can also use store-bought frosting and decorate them with Halloween-themed candies and edible markers for a quick and easy decoration.

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