The must-bake chocolate cupcakes for spooky season.

Halloween is the perfect excuse to go all out with dessert, and these cupcakes are as fun as it gets. The Ultimate Halloween Cupcakes are rich, chocolatey, and piled high with creamy frosting and themed sprinkles. They’re the kind of treat that instantly makes any party, movie night, or October get together feel like a full-on celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich chocolate flavor with a soft, bakery-style crumb
• Semi-homemade and easy to make using a cake mix
• Perfectly creamy cocoa frosting that pipes beautifully
• Festive Halloween sprinkles and toppers for spooky fun
• Ideal for parties, bake sales, or family movie nights
• A Halloween dessert everyone will love

Ingredient Notes

• Wednesday Super Moist Dark Chocolate Cake Mix: The rich base that gives these cupcakes their deep, bakery-style flavor and perfectly soft texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds extra moisture and richness for cupcakes that stay soft for days.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth, thick batter that bakes up tender and fluffy.
• Melted Butter and Oil: The combination keeps the cupcakes flavorful and moist without feeling greasy.
• Cocoa Powder: Brings a bold chocolate flavor to the frosting for a decadent finish.
• Heavy Cream: Creates that perfectly silky frosting texture that’s easy to pipe or spread.
• Halloween Sprinkles and Toppers: Add the festive touch that makes these cupcakes the star of your spooky dessert table.

Before You Bake

Do I need to use the Wednesday cake mix, or can I substitute another brand?
You can use any chocolate cake mix you like! The Wednesday Super Moist Dark Chocolate mix gives the cupcakes a rich, bakery-style flavor, but a similar dark or devil’s food mix works just as well.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them the day you plan to serve for the freshest texture and flavor.

Can I double the recipe for a party?
Absolutely. Just double all ingredients and bake in batches. The recipe scales perfectly for large gatherings or Halloween parties.

The Ultimate Halloween Cupcakes

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• Author: Taryn Camp

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 box Wednesday Super Moist Dark Chocolate Cake Mix (or your favorite chocolate cake mix)
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Frosting

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4–6 tablespoons heavy cream
• Halloween sprinkles

Supplies

• Halloween cupcake liners
• Assorted Halloween toppers

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with Halloween paper liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, melted butter, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Add the cake mix and beat with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, until the batter is thick and creamy.
4. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter.
5. Bake according to the directions on the cake mix box, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the cupcakes in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Beat the butter until light and fluffy. Add half of the powdered sugar and mix until combined.
8. Add the remaining powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and 4 tablespoons of cream. Beat on medium-high until smooth and creamy, adding more cream as needed for your desired texture.
9. Pipe or spread the frosting onto cooled cupcakes using a 1M piping tip or a knife.
10. Finish with Halloween sprinkles and your favorite toppers.

FAQ

How do I make sure my cupcakes stay moist?
Don’t overbake them! Check a minute or two before the suggested time, and remove when a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few crumbs. The sour cream and butter also help keep them tender.

Can I use store-bought frosting instead?
Yes, but homemade frosting gives the cupcakes a richer flavor and fluffier texture. If using store-bought, whip it with a few tablespoons of heavy cream to make it extra light and smooth.

How should I store the frosted cupcakes?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Can I freeze the cupcakes?
You can! Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and decorating.

What frosting tip should I use for the swirl?
A 1M or 2D tip creates that classic bakery-style swirl. If you don’t have one, you can spread the frosting with a butter knife for a simple but still festive look.

Sprinkle of Fun

Host a Halloween dessert night and serve these cupcakes alongside candy, popcorn, and festive drinks. Turn on your favorite spooky movie, dim the lights, and decorate the table with cobwebs, pumpkins, and flickering candles for the ultimate Halloween vibe. It’s the perfect way combo of sweet treats with all the haunted fun.