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Halloween Bloody Cupcakes Recipe – Spooky & Delicious Party Treats

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as creepy as it is delicious, these Halloween Bloody Cupcakes are the perfect choice. With rich chocolate cupcakes, vanilla frosting, and a gory red “blood” drizzle, they look straight out of a haunted bakery. They’re easy to make, incredibly fun to decorate, and guaranteed to wow guests at Halloween parties. Whether you’re hosting a spooky bash, sending treats to school, or just creating a scary movie night snack, these cupcakes will vanish faster than a vampire at sunrise.
Prep Time 20 minutes
bake & Decorating Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes

Ingredients
  

For the cupcakes
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup hot coffee or hot water
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the frosting
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the “bloody” drizzle
  • ½ cup corn syrup or honey
  • Red food coloring gel works best
  • 1 –2 drops blue food coloring optional, for realistic blood tone

Equipment

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Cupcake liners
  • Mixing bowls (large & medium)
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Cooling rack
  • Piping bag or zip-top bag (for frosting)
  • Squeeze bottle or spoon (for “blood” drizzle)

Method
 

Step 1: Make the cupcakes
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
  4. Stir in hot coffee until batter is thin and glossy.
  5. Fill liners ⅔ full and bake 18–20 minutes. Cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the frosting
  1. Beat butter until creamy.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar.
  3. Mix in milk and vanilla until fluffy.
Step 3: Frost the cupcakes
  1. Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes in spooky swirls.
Step 4: Make the bloody drizzle
  1. In a small bowl, mix corn syrup with red food coloring until vibrant.
  2. Add 1–2 drops blue for a darker, realistic look.
Step 5: Decorate
  1. Drizzle “blood” over frosted cupcakes. Let it drip down the sides for a creepy effect.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature: Store covered up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps 4–5 days in airtight container.
Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes up to 2 months. Thaw and decorate before serving.
🥄 Variations
Bloody Surprise Cupcakes: Fill centers with cherry or raspberry jam before frosting.
Vampire Bite Look: Poke two holes in frosting and drip red syrup from them.
White Chocolate Frosting: Use white frosting for maximum “blood” contrast.
Zombie Brains Version: Tint frosting pink and drizzle red syrup for a gory look.
Spider Web Topper: Pipe black gel icing webs before adding drizzle.
Mini Bloody Cupcakes: Make bite-sized versions for parties.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use box mix for the cupcakes?
Yes, it works perfectly if you’re short on time.
What if I don’t want to use corn syrup?
Honey or strawberry syrup works as an alternative.
Do the cupcakes taste overly sweet with the drizzle?
No—the chocolate base balances the sweetness.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes, bake a day ahead and add drizzle before serving.
How do I get the “blood” to drip nicely?
Use a spoon or squeeze bottle for better control.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Do I need a piping bag for frosting?
Not at all—a spoon or spatula works fine.
Can I make different flavors of cupcakes?
Yes, vanilla or red velvet cupcakes also work great.
What makes the blood look realistic?
A drop of blue food coloring deepens the red for a darker shade.
Do kids like these?
Yes—they love the spooky effect!
🏁 Conclusion
These Halloween Bloody Cupcakes are the ultimate spooky dessert—moist, chocolatey cupcakes with fluffy frosting and a creepy, realistic blood drizzle. They’re festive, dramatic, and perfect for adding a touch of fright to your Halloween dessert table.
Make them once, and they’ll become a haunting tradition for every spooky season!