Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Make the Cupcake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat ½ cup butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners (about ¾ full).
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Ghost Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat 1 cup butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar (1 cup at a time), beating on low at first, then increasing speed.
- Add vanilla and heavy cream. Beat on high for 2–3 minutes until fluffy and pipeable.
- If frosting is too stiff, add more cream (1 tsp at a time). If too soft, add more powdered sugar.
Step 4: Pipe the Ghosts
- Fill a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or use a ziplock bag with the corner snipped).
- Starting at the center of each cupcake, pipe tall swirls of frosting — higher and rounder to mimic a ghost shape.
- Carefully press two mini chocolate chips into each swirl to make ghost eyes.
- Sprinkle with edible glitter for that magical haunted shimmer!
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days (in a cool spot).
Refrigerator:
Lasts up to 5 days. Let come to room temperature before serving for soft frosting.
Freezer:
Freeze cupcakes without frosting for up to 2 months. Frost after thawing.
🥄 Variations
Pumpkin Ghosts: Add ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice to the batter for autumn flavor.
Spooky Chocolate: Replace ½ cup flour with cocoa powder for a ghost-on-chocolate contrast.
Monster Eyes: Use candy eyeballs for an extra creepy touch.
Color Swap: Tint the frosting with food coloring for colorful ghosts (green, purple, or orange).
Vegan-Friendly: Use dairy-free butter, almond milk, and egg replacers.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! Bake cupcakes up to 2 days ahead. Decorate the day of serving for best look. Can I use box mix for the cupcakes?
Absolutely — use your favorite vanilla or yellow cake mix to save time. What tip is best for ghost frosting?
A large round tip (like Wilton #1A) creates perfect ghostly swirls. How do I keep the frosting firm?
Make sure the butter is room temp but not melted, and don’t add too much cream. Can I use regular chocolate chips for eyes?
You can, but mini chips work best for proportion and easy placement. What flavor is the frosting?
Classic vanilla buttercream — smooth, fluffy, and sweet! How do I get tall swirls?
Apply steady pressure and swirl vertically in one spot, layering upward. Can I skip the edible glitter?
Sure — but it adds fun sparkle. Try colored sugar or Halloween sprinkles instead. Can kids help decorate?
Definitely! Let them pipe ghosts and add eyes — great family activity. How do I transport these for a party?
Use a cupcake carrier or deep container. Chill slightly to firm up frosting if needed before traveling. 🏁 Conclusion These Spooktacular Ghostly Vanilla Cupcakes are a haunting hit on any Halloween dessert table. With moist vanilla cake, dreamy frosting, and adorable ghostly faces, they strike that perfect balance between cute and creepy. Whether you're baking with kids, hosting a haunted bash, or looking for themed treats to impress, these cupcakes deliver the fun and the flavor. So grab your piping bag, a handful of mini chips, and let your kitchen become a bakery of boo-tiful delights this Halloween!
Yes! Bake cupcakes up to 2 days ahead. Decorate the day of serving for best look. Can I use box mix for the cupcakes?
Absolutely — use your favorite vanilla or yellow cake mix to save time. What tip is best for ghost frosting?
A large round tip (like Wilton #1A) creates perfect ghostly swirls. How do I keep the frosting firm?
Make sure the butter is room temp but not melted, and don’t add too much cream. Can I use regular chocolate chips for eyes?
You can, but mini chips work best for proportion and easy placement. What flavor is the frosting?
Classic vanilla buttercream — smooth, fluffy, and sweet! How do I get tall swirls?
Apply steady pressure and swirl vertically in one spot, layering upward. Can I skip the edible glitter?
Sure — but it adds fun sparkle. Try colored sugar or Halloween sprinkles instead. Can kids help decorate?
Definitely! Let them pipe ghosts and add eyes — great family activity. How do I transport these for a party?
Use a cupcake carrier or deep container. Chill slightly to firm up frosting if needed before traveling. 🏁 Conclusion These Spooktacular Ghostly Vanilla Cupcakes are a haunting hit on any Halloween dessert table. With moist vanilla cake, dreamy frosting, and adorable ghostly faces, they strike that perfect balance between cute and creepy. Whether you're baking with kids, hosting a haunted bash, or looking for themed treats to impress, these cupcakes deliver the fun and the flavor. So grab your piping bag, a handful of mini chips, and let your kitchen become a bakery of boo-tiful delights this Halloween!