Print

Vanilla Ghost Cupcakes

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These vanilla ghost cupcakes are fluffy, fun Halloween treats topped with swirled vanilla frosting and candy eyes to create adorable edible ghosts. Perfect for parties and easy enough for all skill levels.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 23 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • Cupcakes:
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ cup milk
  • Frosting:
  • 1 cup butter, softened to room temperature
  • 34 cups powdered sugar
  • 34 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • Decoration:
  • Small candy eyes (2 per cupcake)
  • Large round piping tip and piping bag

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a 12-count muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In one bowl, mix flour, sugar, and baking powder. In another bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk.
  3. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry, mixing until smooth and well combined.
  4. Fill cupcake liners about ¾ full and bake for 20–23 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  5. Let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
  6. For the frosting: Beat softened butter and vanilla on high speed. Gradually add powdered sugar, then milk, until stiff but pipeable consistency is reached.
  7. Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe a swirl from the outer edge inward to form a ghost shape.
  8. Gently press two candy eyes onto each frosted swirl to complete the ghost look.
  9. Serve immediately or chill to set frosting shape. Bring to room temperature before serving if refrigerated.

Notes

  • Add a few mini chocolate chips to the batter for texture.
  • Use red velvet or chocolate cupcakes as a base for visual contrast with the white frosting.
  • Chill cupcakes briefly before adding eyes to keep the frosting firm.
  • If you don’t have piping tools, use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
  • Frost just before serving for best texture and visual appeal.

Nutrition