Name: Ghost Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt; ⅔ cup whole milk, room temperature; 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (this is crucial!); 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted; ¼ cup heavy cream or milk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Mini chocolate chips or candy eyes for decoration

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Halloween is just around the corner, and I’m here to share the perfect non-scary treat that’ll have everyone at your party saying “BOO-tiful!” These ghost cupcakes are absolutely adorable, surprisingly simple, and guaranteed to be the hit of any Halloween gathering.

Whether you’re a complete baking novice or someone who’s been whipping up treats for years, this guide has something for everyone. I’ve designed this recipe to be foolproof, fun, and flexible enough to accommodate different dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Ghost Cupcake Recipe

Before we dive into the how to make ghost cupcakes process, let me tell you why this recipe is absolutely perfect:

Beginner-friendly – No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required
Kid-approved – Little ones can help with decorating (and they’ll love eating them!)
Minimal ingredients – You probably have most of what you need in your pantry
Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for busy Halloween party prep
Customizable – Easy to adapt for different dietary needs
Budget-friendly – Creates 12 adorable treats without breaking the bank
Guaranteed crowd-pleaser – I’ve never met anyone who didn’t smile at these little ghosts

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cupcakes:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs, room temperature
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
⅔ cup whole milk, room temperature

For the Buttercream Ghosts:

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (this is crucial!)
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
¼ cup heavy cream or milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Mini chocolate chips or candy eyes for decoration

Pro Tip: Room temperature butter is absolutely essential for smooth, pipeable buttercream. Cold butter will create lumpy frosting that’s impossible to work with. If you forgot to take it out early, cut it into small cubes and let it sit for 15 minutes, or microwave for 5-10 seconds at a time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now let’s walk through exactly how to make ghost cupcakes that’ll impress everyone at your Halloween celebration.

Step 1: Prep Your Station

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with Halloween-themed or white cupcake liners. Trust me, the right liners make all the difference in presentation!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents lumpy batter.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for tender cupcakes!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry

Add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with milk in two additions. Begin and end with flour. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 6: Fill and Bake

Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. They must be completely cool before frosting, or your ghosts will melt!

How to Pipe the Perfect Buttercream Ghosts

This is where the magic happens! Creating those adorable ghost shapes is easier than you think.

Making the Buttercream:

Beat room temperature butter until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add cream, vanilla, and salt, then beat for 2-3 minutes until smooth and pipeable.

The Piping Technique:

Use the right tip – A large round tip like Wilton 1A works perfectly
Start from the center – Place the tip in the center of the cupcake
Pipe upward – Apply steady pressure while pulling straight up
Create the body – Pipe in a spiral motion to build the ghost’s body
Taper the top – Release pressure gradually as you reach the desired height
Vary the heights – Make some ghosts tall, others short for a playful look

The key is confidence! Don’t worry if your first few aren’t perfect – each ghost will have its own personality.

Ghost Cupcake Variations (Mix Things Up!)

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some fantastic variations to try:

Rich Chocolate Ghost Cupcakes

Replace ½ cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder and add an extra 2 tablespoons of milk to the batter. The contrast between dark cupcakes and white ghosts is absolutely stunning!

Gluten-Free Ghost Cupcakes

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend like King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill. The texture will be nearly identical to the original.

Easy Vegan Ghost Cupcakes

Replace butter with vegan butter (I love Earth Balance)
Swap milk for unsweetened almond or oat milk
Use flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water, let sit 5 minutes)
For the buttercream, use vegan butter and plant-based milk

Your Ultimate Troubleshooting & FAQ

Having issues? Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered with solutions to the most common ghost cupcake challenges.

Q: How do I store my ghost cupcakes? A: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Q: My buttercream is too soft and won’t hold the ghost shape. Help! A: Your butter was probably too warm, or your kitchen is hot. Chill the buttercream for 15-20 minutes, then re-whip. If it’s still soft, add 2-4 tablespoons more powdered sugar.

Q: Can I make these cupcakes in advance? A: Absolutely! Bake the cupcakes up to 2 days ahead and store covered. Make buttercream up to 1 week ahead and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using.

Q: What if I don’t have a piping bag? A: No problem! Use a large zip-top bag with one corner snipped off, or even a spoon to dollop and shape the frosting. The ghosts might be more rustic, but they’ll still be adorable.

Q: Where can I find candy eyes? A: Most grocery stores carry them in the baking aisle, especially around Halloween. You can also find them at craft stores or order online. In a pinch, mini chocolate chips work great too!

Q: My cupcakes sank in the middle. What went wrong? A: This usually happens from overmixing the batter, opening the oven door too early, or your baking powder is old. Make sure to mix gently and avoid opening the oven for the first 15 minutes.

Q: Can I freeze these ghost cupcakes? A: Yes! Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Thaw completely before frosting. I don’t recommend freezing frosted cupcakes as the buttercream texture changes.

Final Tips for Ghost Cupcake Success

Making easy ghost cupcakes for kids (and adults!) should be fun, not stressful. Here are my final tips for guaranteed success:

Temperature matters – Room temperature ingredients mix better and create better texture
Don’t overfill – Cupcakes will overflow if you fill the liners more than ⅔ full
Test for doneness – A toothpick should have a few moist crumbs, not wet batter
Practice your piping – Try a few practice swirls on a plate first
Have fun with faces – Let kids help place the eyes for extra giggles
Make it interactive – Set up a decorating station at your party

These ghost cupcakes are more than just a treat – they’re an experience that brings people together. Whether you’re making them with little ones or surprising guests at your Halloween party, they’re guaranteed to create smiles and memories.

The best part? Once you master this basic technique, you can apply it to other holidays too. Think snowmen for winter, or even colorful ghosts for a non-Halloween celebration!

So grab your ingredients, put on some spooky music, and let’s create some deliciously adorable ghost cupcakes that’ll have everyone screaming… for more!

Ghost Cupcakes