Description
These Halloween Cupcakes are delightfully spooky treats resembling fresh-from-the-zombie-apocalypse brains. Featuring moist strawberry cake cupcakes topped with creamy strawberry buttercream frosting and drizzled with vibrant strawberry syrup, they bring an eerie yet delicious touch to any Halloween party.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cupcakes
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- Oil, water, and eggs as required by cake mix package instructions
For the Strawberry Buttercream
- 2 sticks unsalted butter (1 cup), softened
- ½ cup strawberry jam
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch kosher salt
- ¼ cup strawberry syrup (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the cupcakes: Follow the package instructions on the strawberry cake mix box to prepare 24 cupcakes. Bake as directed and let the cupcakes cool completely before proceeding to decorating.
- Make the strawberry buttercream: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened unsalted butter on medium speed until fluffy and smooth. Add the strawberry jam and continue mixing on medium speed until fully incorporated.
- Add powdered sugar: While mixing on medium-low speed, add the powdered sugar one cup at a time until all is fully blended with the butter and jam mixture.
- Flavor and finalize buttercream: Add vanilla extract and a pinch of kosher salt, then mix on medium speed until the frosting is smooth and evenly combined.
- Frost the cupcakes: Using an offset spatula, spread a thin layer of strawberry buttercream on the top of each cooled cupcake. This base layer does not have to be perfect as it serves as the foundation for the detailed piping.
- Pipe zombie brain designs: Transfer the remaining buttercream into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Pipe a curved line down the center of each cupcake, resembling an L shape. Then, create swirls and squiggles extending from the curve to cover half of the cupcake surface. Repeat this on the other half to complete the brain-like texture.
- Finish with strawberry syrup: Arrange the decorated cupcakes on a rimmed serving tray and lightly drizzle strawberry syrup over them to mimic dripping blood, enhancing the zombie apocalypse effect.
- Storage and serving: Store the frosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best results, drizzle the strawberry syrup right before serving to maintain freshness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Use an offset spatula for even and controlled spreading of frosting.
- The strawberry syrup should be added just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- If you want to intensify the strawberry flavor, use high-quality strawberry jam and syrup.
- These cupcakes are best enjoyed within 3 days of preparation.
- Ensure cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting to avoid melting the buttercream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
