Halloween Ghost Cupcakes

Name: Halloween Ghost Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; ¾ cup buttermilk; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) for frosting; 3 – 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted); 2 tsp vanilla extract for frosting; 2 – 4 tbsp milk or heavy cream (to reach desired consistency); Black decorating gel or mini chocolate chips (for the ghost eyes)

Posted on October 11, 2025

Spooky Halloween ghost cupcakes decorated with cream frosting and ghost shapes.

DESSERTS

Written by Clara Rose

Why make this recipe

Halloween Ghost Cupcakes are a fun and festive treat perfect for any Halloween celebration. They are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them a great activity for families and friends. These cupcakes are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face with their adorable ghostly appearance. Whether you are hosting a party, attending a potluck, or just want to celebrate the spooky season, these cupcakes will be a hit!

How to make Halloween Ghost Cupcakes

Ingredients:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup buttermilk
1 cup unsalted butter (softened) for frosting
3 – 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
2 tsp vanilla extract for frosting
2 – 4 tbsp milk or heavy cream (to reach desired consistency)
Black decorating gel or mini chocolate chips (for the ghost eyes)

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This may take about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix well. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to this mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes
Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or heavy cream until you reach your desired frosting consistency.

Step 7: Decorate the Ghosts
Use a piping bag to frost the cooled cupcakes with a swirl of white frosting. Create ghost shapes by making peaks. Use the black decorating gel or mini chocolate chips to add eyes to each ghost.

How to serve Halloween Ghost Cupcakes

Serve these cupcakes on a festive tray or a Halloween-themed platter. They can be a delightful centerpiece at your Halloween party or a spooky treat during a movie night. Encourage guests to admire the ghosts before they dig in!

How to store Halloween Ghost Cupcakes

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer.

Tips to make Halloween Ghost Cupcakes

Ensure your butter is softened for both the cake and frosting to make mixing easier.
Use a gel food coloring for the ghost eyes if you prefer a different color.
For added fun, add crushed Oreos or sprinkles on top of the frosting to make a graveyard effect.

Variation

For a chocolate version, you can use chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla. Simply replace the dry ingredients with 1½ cups of chocolate cake mix and follow the rest of the directions as is.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them on the day you plan to serve them.

Q: Can I use different flavors for the frosting?
A: Absolutely! You can flavor the frosting with cocoa powder for chocolate frosting or use different extracts like almond or peppermint.

Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: You can make your own buttermilk by mixing ¾ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.

Discover a variety of clean eating ideas on Pinterest and enjoy natural ways to support your diet and healthy lifestyle!

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Hi, I'm Clara! 👩‍🍳🍽️

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