These Pumpkin Halloween Cupcakes are exactly what you need for a scary Halloween. Spooky, sweet, and rich with soft chocolate cake, these delectably fun jack o’lantern cupcakes are baked to moist perfection and topped with a smooth orange frosting you will love and enjoy. Check Out this Halloween Ideas page for more inspiration.
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Fun, tasty, and made with the fun colors of Halloween, these cupcakes are definitely Pinterest-worthy and great for whenever you’re feeling spooky. Baking for a group of people for a fun Halloween party at home? Whip up a batch of these easy cupcakes with your favorite chocolate cake recipe–boxed or homemade!
This recipe is a lovely way to celebrate Halloween with the little ones or fellow adults. Pipe your favorite jack o’lantern face on the orange frosting to fit the theme of the scary holiday. There are so many options for different jack o’lantern faces that are unique, spooky, and silly.
How do I Make the Perfect Cupcake?
You’ll want to make sure you follow the chocolate cake recipe step by step. Measure everything correctly and use ingredients that are at room temperature. Be sure not to overbake the cupcakes (very easy to do) and check by inserting something in the center of the cake batter.
How far Ahead can I Bake Halloween Cupcakes?
You can bake these cupcakes up to two days in advance. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator!
Ingredients
A huge reason why we love this recipe so much is the fact that it doesn’t need a ton of Halloween decorations to shine and scream, “Halloween!”
Chocolate Cake– Keep things simple by using your favorite box cake mix or you can build a chocolate cake from scratch with your favorite recipe. The choice is up to you!
Orange Frosting– Buy your favorite Halloween-themed frosting, specifically orange, to make these pumpkin cupcakes. You can also make your own orange frosting by adding orange food coloring to vanilla frosting or homemade buttercream.
Black Gel– You’ll need this to draw the pumpkin faces onto the frosting. You can find this in the baking aisle at most well-stocked grocery stores.
How to Make Easy Halloween Cupcakes
This recipe is so simple, you will love how easily these cupcakes come together!
Step One
Bake the cupcakes per the chocolate cake recipe or box directions and allow the cake to cool completely.
Step Two
Pipe some of the orange frosting onto each baked cupcake.
Step Three
Use the black decorating gel to create a variety of faces.
Share and enjoy!
FAQs
What to add to cupcakes to make them moist?
Be sure to use oil and brown sugar instead of butter and regular white sugar. Be sure to take the cupcakes out at the right time right before they are fully baked.
What is the difference between a chocolate muffin and a cupcake?
Muffins tend to be a bit denser and are usually mixed with other ingredients such as fruit, nuts, seeds, etc. Muffins can also be baked with savory flavors making them perfect with cheeses and different proteins.
How do I make my cupcakes look professional?
If you want your cupcakes to look professional, then you will want to make sure you are measuring out even portions for each muffin tin. Try to use a measuring spoon or ice cream scoop to yield approximate and balanced results.
Tips for Halloween Cupcakes
- Switch things up and use vanilla or any other flavor cake batter for these cupcakes.
- Sprinkle Halloween-colored sprinkles on top of these cupcakes to make them even more festive.
- Store the leftover cupcakes in an airtight container for up to five days.
Serve these cupcakes as dessert after your favorite dinner recipe, with mummy shortbread cookies, Halloween cheeseboard.
These cupcakes would also be fitting for Halloween dice games with the family and outdoor Halloween parties.
Other Recipes You Will Like
- Printable Halloween Coloring Pages
- Halloween Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes
- Halloween Dice Game For Kids
- DIY Halloween Charcuterie Board
- Reese’s Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Deep-Fried Oreos
- No-Bake Chocolate Mousse
- Chocolate Sourdough Cookies
- Golden Grahams S’mores
Halloween Pumpkin Cupcakes (Scary!)
Equipment
- Cupcake tray
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix or homemade chocolate cake, cooled
- 1 tub Orange frosting
- Black gel food coloring
Instructions
- Bake the cupcakes per the chocolate cake recipe or box directions and allow the cake to cool completely.
- Pipe some of the orange frosting onto each baked cupcake.
- Use the black decorating gel to create a variety of faces.
- Share and enjoy!
Notes
- Switch things up and use vanilla or any other flavor cake batter for these cupcakes.
- Sprinkle Halloween-colored sprinkles on top of these cupcakes to make them even more festive.
- Store the leftover cupcakes in an airtight container for up to five days.
Mandy Applegate says
These look amazing – I’m going to make these!
Karla Harmer says
Hi Mandy!
Thank you!
Karla