Description
These ghost cupcakes are playful, charming, and easy to make with a boxed mix, buttercream frosting, and candy eyes. Perfect for Halloween parties and kid-friendly baking fun.
Ingredients
- 1 box cake mix (any flavor)
- Eggs (as per box)
- Vegetable oil (as per box)
- Water (as per box)
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 Tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Candy eyes (as needed)
Instructions
- Mix the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water following the package directions until smooth.
- Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners. Roll small aluminum foil balls and place them between the pan and liners to shape ghosts. Add 2 tablespoons batter per cup.
- Bake at 350°F for 16–18 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack until fully cooled.
- Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla and milk until frosting is fluffy.
- Pipe frosting on each cupcake, smooth lightly, and add candy eyes for the ghostly look.
Notes
Always underfill the liners to keep the ghost shape distinct. Black candy pearls work well for eyes since they don’t bleed into frosting. Frosting pipes best if slightly chilled. Variations include gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan swaps using alternative mixes and plant-based ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American