Halloween is the one day out of the whole year where kids and adults are allowed to devour as many sweets as they can. So if you’re looking for fun and festive desserts to bake this Halloween, it’s your lucky day! I have here 30 different cupcake recipes that are almost too enchanting to eat. Also, don’t worry – I know it’s a busy time of the year, so I’ve made it a point to feature spooky cupcakes that are so easy, it’s embarrassing! This year, make Halloween even sweeter and spookier. Ditch the candy and serve these terrifyingly fun Halloween cupcakes to trick-or-treaters instead.
30 Cute & Spooky Halloween Cupcake Ideas
1. Witch Hat Cupcakes
Let’s start things off with these adorable cupcakes that look complicated to make, but are actually newbie-friendly. These are classic chocolate cupcakes at the base, frosted with green buttercream frosting (thank you, food color gel), and topped with wickedly cute witches’ hats. Don’t be fooled, you don’t need any witchcraft knowledge to pull this off. The hat is just a simple layering of Oreo Thins, Hershey’s Kisses, and some orange buttercream in between.
2. Black Cat Halloween Cupcakes
Black cats are often seen as a bad omen. On these cupcakes, though, they couldn’t be cuter! This recipe is perfect if there’s no time to bake. Just get store-bought cupcakes and doll them up with a can of frosting, sprinkles, M&Ms, jelly beans, stick-shaped cookies, chocolate bars, and edible markers. With just a bit of creativity and imagination, you can transform those ingredients into these beautiful creatures – no magic wand required.
3. Floating Ghost Cupcakes
OMG, how cute are these floating ghosts?! Wondering how that floating ghost effect is achieved? It’s simpler than you think. Just stick a lollipop into the middle of a frosted cupcake and cover it up with white fondant. You can use either black decorating icing or nonpareils for the eyes. Neat, huh? Also, don’t worry, you don’t need to make the fondant from scratch. You can get pre-rolled fondant sheets in most grocery stores.
4. Halloween Spider Web Chocolate Cupcakes
These spiderweb cupcakes aren’t only stunning, they taste incredible, too. At the base are chocolate banana cupcakes so light and fluffy it’s like biting into a cloud. The flavor combination of chocolate and banana is also absolutely on point. The melted chocolate is the perfect cherry on top. The design looks intimidating, but it’s just a matter of piping melted chocolate and using a toothpick to create swirls.
5. Owl Cupcakes
These owl cupcakes are a hoot! Those big eyes are way too cute. They’re also easily customizable. You can use whatever cupcake and frosting recipe you like or, you know, just get store-bought. No one will judge. Then, for the eyes, just place two open-faced Oreos on top. Use M&M’s or Reess’ pieces for both the pupils and the beaks. It’s another fun project that requires minimal effort but yields phenomenal results.
6. Harry Potter Sorting Hat Cupcakes
Chocolate cupcakes are frosted with a vanilla buttercream swirl. Sure, they’re basic, but the Sorting Hat cutout on top makes them extraordinary. This one’s for all my fellow Potterheads! Muggles wouldn’t bother taking a second look at these cupcakes, but witches and wizards will know what’s up. If you’re unfamiliar, the Sorting Hat is one of the most iconic figures in the HP universe. It’s a magical hat used to determine which house Hogwarts students belong to. Whether you belong to Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin, you’ll definitely be enchanted by these cupcakes.
7. Oreo Bat Cupcakes
Looking for a fun Halloween activity for the kids? The search is over – these Oreo bat cupcakes are the winner. Just like most of the recipes on this list, you’re free to use store-bought cupcakes and frosting for this project. To make the bat design, all you’ll need are Oreo cookies and M&Ms! The great thing is you can easily customize the bats’ look and make them as adorable or scary as you like.
8. Blood Sucking Vampire Cupcakes
If you’re a fan of Dracula, Lestat, or Edward, I’m sure you’ll find these vampire cupcakes spellbinding. The deep black hue of both the cupcakes and frosting makes them hauntingly beautiful. The crimson icing makes them even more alluring. The secret to its unique pigmentation is simpler than you think: just black gel food coloring.
9. Monster Cupcakes
These monsters are more charming than terrifying. They’re also extremely tasty. I love that with just some frosting, food coloring, a piping bag, and piping tips, you can make anything. There’s no one specific way to go about this – just have fun in creating those monstrous looks. Get the kids to join in. Monsters don’t have to look perfect!
10. Eerie Eyeball Cupcakes
Large gumdrops for the eyeballs, M&Ms for the pupils, and licorice for the eyelashes – whoever came up with this idea is a genius. It’s so easy, but just look how amazing! They’re so captivating I can stare at them for hours. Tip: place the M&Ms in various places to make the eyeballs seem like they’re looking in different directions.
11. Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes
They may not look spooky at all, but what they lack in presentation, they make up for in flavor. Believe me, these pumpkin pie cupcakes are the stuff of legends! Made with pumpkin puree, milk, and pumpkin pie spice, they taste just like your favorite pumpkin pie, but in bite-sized, cupcake form. With a dollop of whipped cream on top, this might just be your newest favorite fall dessert.
12. Halloween Skull Cupcakes
If time is not on your side this Halloween, here’s what you should do: get a bag of Butterfinger Peanut Butter Cup Skulls. With these spooky and tasty treats, decorating your cupcakes is a breeze. Just whip up basic chocolate cupcakes, pipe them with purple-dyed frosting, and plop a skull on top. They look and taste as if you worked on them for hours, but in truth, you hardly worked at all.
13. Edible Glass Shared Bloody Red Velvet Cupcakes
Don’t those glass shards look like the real thing? I was mindblown, too. But first, let’s talk about that gorgeous red cupcake base. It’s not just dyed vanilla cupcakes, people! Rather, it’s a ridiculously light and fluffy red velvet topped with decadent cream cheese frosting. Even without the Halloween design, they’ll absolutely be a hit. Now, for the broken glass, all you’ll need is to boil sugar, water, and syrup. It’s that easy. Spread the mixture onto parchment paper and wait until it hardens. The fun part is you get to break the sugar glass yourself!
14. Polka Dot Halloween Cupcakes
These polka dot cupcakes are simple, yet they look so adorable. They’re proof that even basic designs can match elaborate ones – you don’t always have to go all out! These cupcakes are topped with chocolate frosting and dotted with orange M&M’s to get that Halloween-y black and orange color combo. Feel free to use whatever cupcake and frosting recipe as you please. Whether you make it from scratch or rely on a boxed mix, that’s totally fine.
15. Witch Cauldron Halloween Cupcakes
You little ghouls and goblins will go crazy over these witch cauldron Halloween cupcakes. This design is pure genius! It’s so easy, but see how amazing they look. They’re dark chocolate cupcakes with dyed buttercream frosting – just like most of the cupcakes on this list. But what makes them iconic is a combo of candy eyes, edible bones, and confetti.
16. Hocus Pocus Cupcakes
If you loved the 1993 Disney film, Hocus Pocus, you’ll definitely appreciate these cupcakes. The purple, yellow, and orange frostings look exactly like the Sanderson Sisters’ hairstyles! The base is a dark chocolate cupcake with a peanut butter filling. That in itself is already perfection. But with just some vanilla buttercream and gel food coloring, you’ll transform the cupcakes into spooktacular treats that’ll remind you of the popular Disney classic.
17. Halloween Candy Cupcakes
Got way too much Halloween candy from trick-or-treating? Transform them into these insanely delicious cupcakes! They’re so good, I’m sure the kids won’t mind you using their Halloween candy. These are tender and fudgy chocolate cupcakes with bits of Halloween candy in every bite. But it doesn’t end there. The cupcakes are topped with peanut butter frosting so so stinking tasty, I could cry. Happy Halloween, indeed.
18. Candy Corn Cupcakes
It only takes one look at these candy corn cupcakes to understand why they’re called such. If you find the overly sweet taste of candy corn repulsive, don’t worry, these cupcakes taste nothing like it. They just mimic the candy corn’s colors, but their flavor is way better. These are regular cupcakes made from white cake mix. The cake batter is split in two and colored with yellow and orange food coloring to achieve that stunning, 2-tone candy corn hue. Round it out with vanilla buttercream frosting and a piece of candy corn for garnish.
19. Ultimate Snickers Cupcakes
These Snickers cupcakes are so mouthwatering, I’m already drooling just by looking at them. Chocolate cupcakes are topped with peanut butter frosting, drizzled with caramel sauce, and topped with chopped Snickers bars, to boot. Between the cupcake, the frosting, and the chocolate topping, it’s hard to decide what to love most about them. I mean, chocolate, peanut butter, and caramel together in one dessert? Who can say no to that?
20. Chocolate and Vanilla Mummy Cupcakes
These are the only mummies I’m not terrified of. In fact, I think they’re lovable! They’re almost too heartbreaking to eat. But once you take a bite, it’ll be impossible not to take another. You really can’t go wrong with the chocolate cupcake and white frosting combination. It’s such a basic pairing, but it works like a charm.
21. Graveyard Cupcakes
It’s crazy how these cupcakes look just like actual dirt! The print-out tombstones and gummy worms complete the graveyard look. They may not look appetizing, but they perfectly fit the theme. I love how something as simple as crushed up Oreos can transform regular cupcakes and make them look like a memorial park. Oh, and in case you’re wondering – yes, they’re delicious. Chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting, for the win.
22. Reese’s Cup Werewolf Cupcakes
Can you believe these cute, toothy werewolf cupcakes only call for two ingredients? Yep, all you’ll need are Reese’s peanut butter cups and candy melts. You can make your werewolves smooth or furry – it’s totally up to you. And since they’re purely made of peanut butter cups and melted chocolate, expect nothing but deliciousness from these treats. As a huge fan of chocolate and peanut butter, this one’s a personal favorite.
23. Sweet Potato Cupcakes With Brown Sugar
Let’s take a break from all the chocolatey cupcakes and focus our attention on these sweet potato-flavored treats. I can’t get over how extremely flavorful these cupcakes are! If you’ve never had a sweet potato-flavored cupcake before, take this as the sign to do so. The cupcakes are ridiculously tender and moist and bursting with the goodness of sweet potato. The frosting is just as exceptional, too. Made with brown sugar, mini-marshmallows, vanilla, and pecans, it’s the perfect way to round out a sweet potato cupcake.
24. Caramel Apple Cupcakes
They taste just like caramel apples, but they take the form of cupcakes. I’m a huge fan of caramel apples, so I take such-flavored desserts seriously. And I must say, with this recipe, I’m highly impressed. The cupcakes are light and fluffy and have that perfect, spiced apple flavor. What makes them even more exceptional, however, is the frosting. Flavored with caramel and cinnamon, it’s the perfect topping to complete the caramel apple experience.
25. Popcorn Cupcakes
Whether you serve them on movie night, Halloween, or just a random Saturday, these popcorn cupcakes will be a huge hit. First of all, how cute are they? I think I’ve used the adjective about 10 times now, how else can you describe these sweets? They look like movie popcorn, but they’re actually vanilla cupcakes topped with buttercream frosting. Now, for the fun part: snip mini marshmallows to give them that popped kernel look. Stick them onto the frosting and spray some spots with yellow color mist, and voila.
26. Pumpkin Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting
These pumpkin cupcakes are the ultimate autumn sweets. They’re light and fluffy, and the combination of sweet pumpkin puree and fall spices is just on point. It’s not too sweet, not too spicy – just pure perfection. Honestly, they’re fantastic on their own. But with cream cheese frosting on top, they’ll become simply irresistible.
27. Marshmallow-Filled S’Mores Cupcakes
Give those cute little trick-or-treaters a treat they won’t soon forget. These marshmallow-filled s’mores are a cozy autumn delight. With layers of chocolate cupcake, marshmallow filling, milk chocolate frosting, and a toasted marshmallow on top, this dessert is what campfire dreams are made of. You’d think they’d be too sweet, but they’re not! When combined, dark chocolate and marshmallows create a wonderful balance of flavors.
28. M&M Cupcakes With Peanut Butter Frosting
Calling all peanut butter lovers: this dessert is for you. Be amazed at how color-studded the cupcakes are! The secret is to add M&Ms to a white or yellow cake mix batter. You’re welcome. The frosting is just as bright as the cupcakes – a mix of peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and milk. Yum. Jazz them up with even more M&M’s on top for extra pizazz.
29. Trick-or-Treat Cupcakes Filled With Slime and Sprinkles
These slimy cupcakes definitely look horrifying, but you’ll be surprised at how ridiculously delicious they are. This is how it goes: moist chocolate cupcakes are hollowed out and filled with sprinkles and a slime-like pudding and frosted with Oreos buttercream. Don’t knock it until you try it. I promise you, the look won’t turn you off.
30. Jack-O-Lantern Cupcakes
Let’s end this round-up with a bang, shall we? Who needs to carve pumpkins when you can easily make these Jack-O-Lantern cupcakes? All you’ll need for the cupcake base is a boxed cake mix. Of course, you can make the batter from scratch, too, but there’s no need. These lanterns will be delicious, regardless. To complete the look, decorate the cupcakes with orange frosting and draw the face with black decorating icing. It’s simple, but it gets the job done. Click on a star to rate it!
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