Name: Halloween Ghost Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk; 1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (120 ml) hot water or coffee; 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting); 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar (for frosting); 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk (for frosting); Mini chocolate chips or black decorating gel (for ghost faces)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cupcakes combine the rich, indulgent flavor of chocolate cake with smooth, sweet frosting in a design that’s both cute and spooky. They’re simple to make, fun to decorate, and versatile enough to customize with different flavors or ghost faces. Whether you’re hosting a party or baking with kids, these ghost cupcakes will bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Cocoa powder
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Milk
Vegetable oil
Vanilla extract
Hot water or coffee
Butter (for frosting)
Powdered sugar
Heavy cream or milk
Mini chocolate chips or black decorating gel (for ghost eyes and mouth)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then stir in hot water or coffee until the batter is thin and well combined.
Pour the batter into cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely before decorating.
To make the frosting, beat butter until creamy, then gradually mix in powdered sugar. Add cream or milk until fluffy and pipeable.
Using a piping bag with a round tip, swirl the frosting high to resemble a ghost shape.
Add mini chocolate chips or use black gel to create eyes and a mouth for each ghost.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 cupcakes. Preparation takes 20 minutes, baking requires 18–20 minutes, and decorating takes an additional 15 minutes.

Variations

Use vanilla cupcakes instead of chocolate for a lighter base.
Flavor the frosting with peppermint or almond extract for a festive twist.
Add orange or purple cupcake liners for extra Halloween flair.
Dip the ghost frosting in shredded coconut for a “furry ghost” effect.

Storage/Reheating

Store decorated cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze undecorated cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting. Cupcakes are best enjoyed at room temperature, so let refrigerated ones sit out for 15–20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and frost them right before serving.

Do I need a piping bag to make the ghost frosting?

A piping bag works best, but you can also use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, store-bought frosting is convenient, but homemade frosting holds its shape better for ghost designs.

How do I keep the frosting firm?

Use room-temperature butter and whip the frosting well. If it’s too soft, chill it for 10–15 minutes before piping.

Can I make mini ghost cupcakes?

Absolutely! Just reduce the baking time to about 10–12 minutes.

What’s the best cupcake flavor for ghost cupcakes?

Chocolate is classic, but vanilla, red velvet, or pumpkin spice also work wonderfully.

How do I make the ghosts look more realistic?

Pipe the frosting tall with swirled layers, then use small chocolate chips for eyes and a larger one for the mouth.

Can I use whipped cream instead of buttercream?

Yes, but whipped cream is less stable and may not hold its shape for long.

Can kids help with decorating?

Definitely! Kids will love adding faces with chocolate chips or decorating gel.

How do I transport decorated ghost cupcakes?

Place them in a deep cupcake carrier so the frosting doesn’t get smudged during transport.

Conclusion

Halloween Ghost Cupcakes are the perfect combination of festive fun and delicious flavor. With their moist cake base, fluffy frosting, and playful ghost design, they’ll stand out at any Halloween gathering. Easy to make and fun to decorate, these cupcakes are sure to be a hauntingly good treat for your spooky celebrations.