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–+ servings

Simple Halloween Cupcakes

These cupcakes are spooky, colorful, and just the right amount of over-the-top—perfect for your Halloween party when you need a treat that looks like it took hours but really didn’t. Chocolate cake, neon buttercream, and festive sprinkles make these little monsters irresistible.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 12 cupcakes

EQUIPMENT (PAID LINKS)

  • Mixing bowls
  • Muffin pan (12-cup)
  • Cupcake liners
  • Electric mixer (stand or handheld)
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Piping bags
  • Wilton 1M piping tip

Ingredients
  

  • 12 cupcake liners
  • 1 box chocolate cake mix I used triple chocolate fudge
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened (2 sticks)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups powdered sugar 1 pound
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • Gel food coloring neon green, orange, purple
  • Halloween sprinkles

Instructions

  • Bake Cupcakes: Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Prepare the cake mix according to the box instructions. Bake and let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
    12 cupcake liners, 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • Whip Butter: In a large bowl with a mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed for about 4 minutes until fluffy.
    1 cup unsalted butter
  • Add Flavor: Mix in vanilla extract and salt until blended.
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon salt
  • Sweeten It Up: Turn the mixer to low and slowly add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until fully mixed in.
    4 cups powdered sugar
  • Smooth It Out: Add the milk and beat just until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then mix on medium speed for 2 minutes until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
    2 tablespoons whole milk
  • Divide and Color: Split the frosting evenly into three bowls. Add neon gel food coloring to each bowl—one green, one orange, and one purple.
    Gel food coloring
  • Pipe Swirls: Spoon each colored frosting into separate piping bags fitted with a Wilton 1M tip. Pipe swirls on top of the cooled cupcakes by starting at the edge and circling inward until you reach the center. Repeat for all 12 cupcakes.
  • Sprinkle Magic: Add Halloween sprinkles on top. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
    Halloween sprinkles