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Lifestyle

The 9 Spookiest Halloween Cupcake Recipes

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at SLU chapter.

October is a wonderful month. Between the delightfully chilly weather and the fact that you can get your spook on for a full 31 days and nobody will judge you for it, it’s a time of year that everyone can get behind. Of course, the natural progression of the season means you’re going to see a shift in both your fashion and in your food. In case you’re feeling a bit behind, here are some delicious Halloween cupcakes to help you kick-start the spooky season.

1. Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

The first thing that comes to mind when someone talks about fall is pumpkin spice everything. Why not put it in a cupcake? This simple recipe will let you bring fall vibes into your kitchen without having to make anything more time-consuming, like a pumpkin cheesecake (though you can definitely make one of those, too).

2. Shattered Glass Cupcakes

halloween cupcakes cupcake chocolate
Julia Hedelman

If you’re more into red velvet than pumpkin spice (and you don’t mind a little bit of work), then these are the cupcakes for you. Their ultra-spooky decoration will SLAY at your Halloween party in the best way, and you probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already. It’s literally a recipe for success.

3. Worm Cupcakes

A variation of the ever-so-nostalgic dirt cake, this recipe will definitely bring out your inner 9-year-old-at-your-school-Halloween-party. Fun to make by yourself, even more fun to play with crushed Oreos and gummy worms with friends.

4. Hocus Pocus-Themed Cupcakes

halloween cupcakes
Jessica O’Connell

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, go watch Hocus Pocus right now. If you do, great! These three Halloween cupcakes perfectly exemplify some of our favorite witches, with spooky ingredients like Pop Rocks, black licorice, and red hots. Make them all, or pick your favorite.

5. Crystal Cheesecakes

Cheesecake is, without a doubt, a year-round dessert. It also doesn’t have to be pumpkin to be festive in the fall. These mini cheesecakes are topped with sugar crystals that will give off witchy vibes all October long, but their versatile decor can be appreciated during any season.

6. Snickerdoodle Ghost Cupcakes

halloween cupcakes
Jaime Wilson

Snickerdoodles? Cupcakes? Ghosts? These cupcakes have got it all. They’re especially great if you can’t decide between cookies and cupcakes, which can be a real problem. Serve these spirits, and you’re sure to get some spooks in return.

7. Frankenstein Cupcakes

What would Halloween be without at least the mention of Frankenstein? These babies are a bit time-intensive, but the fun and festive results are worth the extra work. Of course, you can vary the exact ingredients used in the decoration to make your life a little bit easier (I won’t judge).

8. Candy Corn Cupcakes

halloween cupcakes pumpkin vegetable
Vitoria Freitas

Candy corn is by far the most polarizing Halloween treat. Those of you who love candy corn will love these cupcakes. Even you folks (freaks) who don’t like the flavor of candy corn can still enjoy its aesthetic. Just skip adding candy corn to the frosting. Everyone wins!

9. Candy Bar Cupcakes

halloween cupcakes
Jaime Wilson

Whether you just love chocolate or have a bunch of extra Halloween candy, these Halloween cupcakes will please all of your spooky guests. Top them with the candy of your choice (if you’re willing to share) and watch them magically disappear at your next party.

Whether you’re going to a Halloween party or just ready for fall baking, there’s always a cupcake to suit your baking needs. October wouldn’t be October without treats, so get out there and spread the spook.