Description
Delightfully spooky and fun, these Monster Cupcakes are a perfect treat for Halloween or any playful occasion. Moist vanilla cupcakes are topped with creamy, colorful buttercream frosting and decorated with Oreos and candy eyes to create whimsical monster faces. Easy to bake and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
Scale
For Cupcakes:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For Frosting and Decorating:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Gel food colors of your choice (red, orange, green recommended)
- Oreos for decoration – 7-8 pieces (large and small)
- Candy eyes – 30-35 pieces
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking tray with cupcake liners. This setup ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt until combined well. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the buttermilk, egg, melted and cooled unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in batches. Stir gently to combine just until the batter comes together; avoid overmixing to keep cupcakes tender.
- Fill cupcake liners: Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, divide the batter equally into the cupcake liners, filling each about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Place the filled baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool cupcakes: Let the cupcakes cool in the baking tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy. Divide the frosting and tint portions with gel food colors as desired.
- Decorate: Frost each cupcake with the colored buttercream to create monster faces. Use Oreos and candy eyes to assemble creative and spooky monster decorations.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Ensure the butter for frosting is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Gel food coloring is recommended for vibrant colors without altering the consistency of the frosting.
- Use various sizes of Oreos and different candy eyes for unique monster designs.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
