Ghost Cupcakes
When Halloween rolls around, it’s time to unleash your creativity in the kitchen! These Ghost Cupcakes are the perfect treat to serve at your spooky gatherings. They’re not only adorable, but also super easy to make, thanks to a chocolate cake mix that saves you time while ensuring a deliciously moist cupcake. Topped with fluffy marshmallow icing and decorated with cute little M&Ms, these cupcakes are sure to impress both kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into the details and whip up some ghostly delights!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
These Ghost Cupcakes are a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, the combination of chocolate cake and fluffy frosting creates an irresistible flavor profile. Second, the assembly is simple enough for kids to help out, making it a fun family activity. Lastly, the ghostly appearance adds a festive touch to any Halloween celebration. Whether you’re hosting a costume party or treating your little ones after a night of trick-or-treating, these cupcakes are bound to be a hit!
Shopping List
- 15.25 ounces chocolate cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup chocolate milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 12 large marshmallows, halved
- 2 tubs whipped white frosting (14 ounces each)
- 48 brown Mini M&Ms
Must-Have Equipment
- Cupcake Pan: Essential for holding your cupcake batter.
- Cupcake Liners: Makes for easy cleanup and adds a fun touch.
- Mixer: A hand or stand mixer will help blend your cake batter smoothly.
- Offset Spatula: Perfect for spreading frosting evenly.
Build Ghost Cupcakes Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cupcakes bake evenly and rise perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Cupcake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, chocolate milk, and vegetable oil. Mix using your electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Fill the Cupcake Liners
Line your cupcake pan with cupcake liners. Fill each liner about two-thirds full with the chocolate batter. This will allow space for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing.
Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes
Place the filled cupcake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Frost the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, it’s time to frost! Using an offset spatula, spread a generous layer of whipped white frosting on top of each cupcake.
Step 6: Create the Ghosts
Take the halved marshmallows and place them on top of the frosted cupcakes to create the ghostly shape. Position them cut-side down for a smooth appearance.
Step 7: Add the Eyes
Using the brown Mini M&Ms, place two on each marshmallow half to create the ghost’s eyes. This will give your Ghost Cupcakes character and charm!
Season-by-Season Upgrades
- For a Halloween Party: Add edible glitter or orange sprinkles for extra festivity.
- During Christmas: Swap the M&Ms for red and green candy for a holiday twist.
- For Valentine’s Day: Use pink frosting and heart-shaped candies instead.
- For Spring: Decorate with pastel-colored frosting and flower-shaped candies.
Errors to Dodge
- Overmixing the batter can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix just until combined.
- Not letting the cupcakes cool completely before frosting may cause the frosting to melt.
- Using stale marshmallows can affect the texture of the ghosts. Always use fresh marshmallows for the best results.
Save It for Later
If you have leftovers, simply store the Ghost Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to three months. Just thaw and frost when you’re ready to serve!
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix is delicious, you can substitute it with vanilla or any flavor you prefer. Just adjust the frosting and decorations accordingly.
What can I use instead of Mini M&Ms?
If you can’t find Mini M&Ms, you can use chocolate chips or other small candies like chocolate-covered raisins. Just make sure they are suitable for your desired taste!
How can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Ghost Cupcakes, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Are these cupcakes suitable for a themed party?
Yes! These Ghost Cupcakes are perfect for Halloween parties, but they can also fit into any spooky or ghost-themed event. Just get creative with the decorations!
Weekend Projects
- Ghostly White Chocolate Bark – A fun and spooky treat that pairs perfectly with your cupcakes.
- Ghost Meringues With Chocolate Eyes – Add some variety to your dessert table with these adorable meringues.
Before You Go
These Ghost Cupcakes are not only delightful to make but also a guaranteed hit at any Halloween gathering. The combination of chocolate and marshmallow is hard to resist, and the little touches like Mini M&Ms make them oh-so-cute. So, gather your ingredients, invite your friends into the kitchen, and enjoy the spooky fun of baking these ghostly treats together! Happy Halloween baking!
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Ghost Cupcakes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, chocolate milk, and vegetable oil. Mix for about 2 minutes until smooth.
- Step 3: Line your cupcake pan with cupcake liners and fill each about two-thirds full with batter.
- Step 4: Bake for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Step 5: Once cool, frost each cupcake with whipped white frosting using an offset spatula.
- Step 6: Place halved marshmallows on top of each frosted cupcake, cut-side down.
- Step 7: Add two brown Mini M&Ms on each marshmallow to create ghost eyes.
Notes
- Mix only until combined to avoid dense cupcakes.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Use fresh marshmallows for the best ghostly appearance.
