We love Halloween candy as much as anyone, but there's something so fun about creating your own Halloween treats from scratch. That’s why this list of Halloween cupcake ideas is perfect for the spooky season. Along with creepy cupcake decorating ideas, like eerie eyeball cupcakes made from candy gum drops and spider web cupcakes made from a web of melted marshmallow, this list also includes some cute cupcake recipes that won't necessarily make you jump. Think: colorful pumpkins, candy corn cupcakes, and lots of ways to use Halloween sprinkles.
Of course, Halloween cupcakes are always a crowd-pleaser at costume parties, bake sales, or neighborhood potlucks, but they're also fun if you're just looking for a Halloween activity to do with the kids. We've also made sure to include some seasonal fall cupcakes, too. Check out the spiced pumpkin cupcakes or the caramel apple cupcakes, to name a few. And if you need more sweet ideas, don't forget to check out our list of the best Halloween cookies and Halloween cakes. With all of these frightfully-fun ideas, your Halloween dessert spread will go from spooky to spookier!
Ghost Cupcakes
That fluffy frosting, those peering eyes—these friendly ghost cupcakes are the ultimate Halloween treat. The best part is that it all starts with a box of cake mix!
Get the Ghost Cupcakes recipe.
Caramel Apple Cupcakes
Caramel and apple go together like chocolate and peanut butter. Basically, they're meant to be! And that's especially true in the autumn months when we're craving something sweet and seasonal.
Get Ree's Caramel Apple Cupcakes recipe.
Dr Pepper Cupcakes
They might not be spooky, but these cupcakes have a nice pumpkin spice flavor. Plus, you can change up the cupcake liners to be more Halloween festive.
Get Ree's Dr Pepper Cupcakes recipe.
Black Cat Pumpkin Cupcakes
Looking for your next baking project? Try your hand at these intricate cupcakes decorated to look like spooky black cats! The golden eyes and whiskers really take it to the next level.
Get the Black Cat Pumpkin Cupcakes recipe at Half Baked Harvest.
Hocus Pocus Cupcakes
Hocus Pocus fans will love these simple treats! Each one uses different colors (orange, purple, and yellow) to signify the infamous Sanderson Sisters.
Get the Hocus Pocus Cupcakes recipe.
Eerie Eyeball Cupcakes
We love that these cupcakes are both creepy and colorful at the same time! Not everything on Halloween has to be dark and moody.
Jack-O'-Lantern Cupcakes
Skip carving your own pumpkins this year and make these jack-o'-lantern cupcakes instead! Each one even has a stem and leaf made from pretzels and candy.
Spider Web Cupcakes
This cool design looks just like a spider web! The effect is made possible by using melted marshmallow to create a web over the chocolate cupcakes.
Get the Spider Web Cupcakes recipe at A Cookie Named Desire.
Mini Chocolate Halloween Cupcakes
You'll need a mini cupcake pan to make these adorable tasty treats. They're the perfect bite-sized snack for a Halloween potluck.
Get the Mini Chocolate Halloween Cupcakes recipe at Delicious Little Bites.
Bleeding Cupcakes
One bite into these cupcakes will reveal an oozing blood-red ganache that will have everyone jumping with fright! It's not for the faint of heart.
Mini Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes
Transform pumpkin pie into bite-sized cupcakes with this recipe made from pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. There's even a dollop of whipped cream on top!
Get the Mini Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes recipe at Spend with Pennies.
Basic Chocolate Cupcakes
You can't go wrong with a simple chocolate cupcake recipe. This one can be dressed up for Halloween with orange sprinkles or your favorite Halloween candy.
Get Ree's Basic Chocolate Cupcakes recipe.
Witch's Cauldron Cupcakes
Double, double toil and trouble... these cupcakes are made to look just like a witch's cauldron. They're even filled with candy eyes, bones, and gummy worms.
Get the Witch's Cauldron Cupcakes recipe at Life Made Simple.
Graveyard Brownie Cupcakes
These spooky cupcakes will delight kids and adults alike! The tombstones are made from cinnamon-spiced cookies dipped in icing, so they’re just as sweet as the cake itself.
Mummy Cupcakes
Your Halloween party guests will be delighted by these not-so-scary mummy cupcakes! If you'll have kids around, make them colorful by using different shades of icing.
Polka Dot Halloween Cupcakes
Anyone looking for a simple decorating idea should try these orange and black cupcakes. They’re topped with M&M’s, a Halloween candy favorite.
Get the Polka Dot Halloween Cupcakes recipe at Tara Teaspoon.
Black Velvet Cupcakes with Raspberry Jam
We’ve all heard of red velvet, but what about black velvet?! Just swap out the red food coloring for black, then top it with cream cheese frosting and raspberry "blood" for a scream-worthy treat.
Get the Black Velvet Cupcakes with Raspberry Jam recipe at A Cookie Named Desire.
Bat Cupcakes
Turn simple chocolate cupcakes into a festive Halloween treat. Use this blogger's template to craft the bat wings, then finish them off with some cute candy eyes.
Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes
If you’re looking for something sweet (rather than scary), these pumpkin cupcakes are the treat for you. The stems of the pumpkins are made from pieces of pretzel rods!
Devil's Food Cupcakes
Don't worry, these devil’s food cupcakes only look dangerous! Their candy "shards" are made from pomegranate juice and sugar so they're sweet, not scary.
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