Name: Spooky Spider Halloween Cupcakes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 16.5 oz Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake mix; 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp canned 100% pure pumpkin; 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp water; 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp confectioners' sugar; 4 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tbsp 1% milk (plus 1 tsp if needed); 1/4 tsp vanilla extract; pinch salt; 6 tbsp chocolate sprinkles; black string licorice (cut into 2 inch strips); Wilton eyeball candy

Jump to Recipe Print it

There’s something about Halloween that brings out the kid in all of us, and what better way to celebrate than with some Spooky Spider Halloween Cupcakes? As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, I get excited about creating fun and festive treats that delight both kids and adults alike. These cupcakes are not only delicious but also incredibly fun to decorate, making them perfect for Halloween parties or cozy family gatherings. I remember hosting a Halloween bash a few years back, and these cupcakes were the star of the show. They were gone in a flash! The combination of rich chocolate and creamy pumpkin is a little unexpected, but trust me, it works like magic. Plus, the spider decorations add a playful touch that gets everyone into the spooky spirit!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
30 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
220 kcal

Protein:
2g g

Diet:
Low FODMAP

Fat:
9g g

Tools Used:
Baking Sheet, Oven, Frying Pan, Mixing Bowl

The Magic of This Spooky Spider Halloween Cupcakes

It’s All About the Chocolate

There’s just something special about chocolate, isn’t there? When you bite into these cupcakes, the rich flavor from the chocolate cake mix envelops your taste buds in bliss. It’s the kind of chocolate that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, perfect for a chilly fall evening.

Unexpected Pumpkin Surprise

Using pure pumpkin in your cupcakes adds a rich moisture that makes them soft and tender. Not only does it enhance the flavor, but it also sneaks in a bit of nutrition! Who knew that Halloween treats could also be wholesome?

Creative Decoration

What really sets these cupcakes apart is how you can decorate them with chocolate sprinkles and eyeball candy. The joy of adding the finishing touches, like the little licorice legs, is just as much fun as eating them. It’s a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Although they’re themed for Halloween, these cupcakes can easily be enjoyed during any fall gathering. They’re festive enough for a Halloween party but also cozy enough for a cozy family dinner. Everyone will be impressed by your creativity!

Make Ahead Magic

You can prepare these cupcakes the night before your big event, which is a game-changer for busy hosts. Simply store them in an airtight container, and you’ll be all set to impress your guests when the time comes.

Ingredients for Spooky Spider Halloween Cupcakes

When it comes to baking, the ingredients are crucial to creating delicious flavors and textures. Each component of these Spooky Spider Halloween Cupcakes plays a vital role in achieving the perfect spooky treat. The key players, like chocolate cake mix and pumpkin puree, work harmoniously to create a cake that’s moist and rich in flavor. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need!

16.5 oz Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake mix – This chocolate cake mix forms the base of your cupcakes, providing a rich flavor and moist texture that everyone loves.
3/4 cup + 2 tbsp canned 100% pure pumpkin – Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that complements the chocolate beautifully.
3/4 cup + 2 tbsp water – Required to help combine the dry ingredients and ensure the cupcakes are light and fluffy.
1/2 cup + 2 tbsp confectioners’ sugar – Used for the glaze, it provides the sweetness and a silky texture.
4 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder – Enhances the chocolate flavor in the glaze, making it rich and decadent.
1 tbsp 1% milk, plus 1 tsp if needed – Adds creaminess to the glaze, making it easy to spread.
1/4 tsp vanilla extract – Adds depth to the flavor of the glaze.
pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness of the glaze and brings out all the flavors.
6 tbsp chocolate sprinkles – For a fun and festive decoration that kids will love!
black string licorice, cut into 2 inch strips – Used for creating spider legs, adding to the fun and creativity.
Wilton eyeball candy – The perfect spooky touch to complete your Halloween cupcakes.

Directions for Spooky Spider Halloween Cupcakes

Making these Spooky Spider Halloween Cupcakes is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love every minute of the process. Just follow these simple steps to create your spooky treats!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important first step to ensure that your cupcakes bake evenly and rise perfectly.
Line a cupcake tin with 18 cupcake liners. Choose fun Halloween-themed liners if you have them; they’ll add an extra festive touch.
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree and water. Mix them together until you have a smooth consistency.
Next, add the chocolate cake mix to the pumpkin mixture. Beat the mixture for about 2 minutes until it’s well combined and fluffy. Make sure you’re using the right size cake mix!
Fill the cupcake liners about 2/3 full with the batter. This ensures that they have room to rise without overflowing.
Bake the cupcakes for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll know they’re done when they’re springy to the touch!
Once baked, cool the cupcakes in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. This will help them set properly and makes them easier to handle.
For the glaze, combine all of the dry ingredients: confectioners’ sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk, mixing until smooth. If needed, add more milk, a little at a time, to achieve your desired consistency.
Place the chocolate sprinkles in a bowl. This will be used for dipping the cupcakes.
Using a spatula or butter knife, spread just under 1 teaspoon of the glaze over the top of each cupcake. Quickly dip each cupcake into the bowl of sprinkles so the glaze sticks.
Before the glaze dries, add the eyeball candy to the center of each cupcake, placing one or two on top.
To create the spider legs, poke holes into the sides of the cupcakes with a bamboo stick and insert the black string licorice. Make sure they’re positioned to resemble real spider legs!
These cupcakes can be made the night before. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and delicious.

Things Worth Knowing

Temperature Check: Always ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking to achieve even cooking. This is essential for all baked goods!
Mixing Matters: When combining your ingredients, be careful not to overmix. This can lead to dense cupcakes instead of light and fluffy ones.
Cooling Technique: Letting your cupcakes cool in the pan briefly helps them set better and prevents them from breaking apart.
Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, gradually add more milk to achieve a smooth spreading consistency. The glaze should be pourable but not watery.

Change It Up

If you want to take these Spooky Spider Halloween Cupcakes to the next level or give them a fun twist, here are some tips to consider:

Storage: Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have leftover decorations, keep those separate and add them just before serving.
Freezing: Can you freeze these cupcakes? Absolutely! Freeze them before frosting for up to a month. Just thaw them at room temperature before decorating.
Pairing: Serve these cupcakes with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of apple cider for a delightful fall treat.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different cake mixes, such as red velvet or pumpkin spice cake. Each will give a unique twist to the classic recipe!
Decoration Ideas: Get creative with your decorations! Use different candies or edible glitter to make your cupcakes stand out even more.

How to Enjoy Spooky Spider Halloween Cupcakes

Enjoying your Spooky Spider Halloween Cupcakes can be just as fun as making them. Here are several ideas on how to present and serve them:

Ideal for Halloween Parties: These colorful and fun cupcakes are the perfect addition to any Halloween party. Set them out on a festive table to get everyone excited!
Fun for Kids’ Events: These cupcakes are great for kid-friendly gatherings, such as school parties or birthday celebrations. Kids will love the playful decorations!
Cozy Family Treat: Make these cupcakes for a family movie night. They add a festive touch to your regular snacks.
Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in a cool, dry place. They’ll keep well for a few days, and you can enjoy them as a sweet treat after school or work.
Seasonal Celebrations: Not just for Halloween! These cupcakes can also be enjoyed during Thanksgiving or any fall celebration, making them a versatile treat.
Creating a Cupcake Bar: Set up a decorating station with various toppings, allowing guests to customize their own cupcakes. This interactive element adds fun to any gathering.

FAQ

Yes! These Spooky Spider Halloween Cupcakes can be baked a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can add the decorations right before serving to ensure they look their best!

If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can try using unsweetened applesauce or pureed sweet potatoes. These alternatives will add moisture and a hint of sweetness, but they will change the flavor slightly.

Indeed! You can freeze the cupcakes before frosting them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature and then add your frosting and decorations.

The spider legs are made using black string licorice. Once your cupcakes are frosted, poke holes into the sides with a bamboo stick and insert the licorice pieces to resemble spider legs. It’s a fun and creative touch that everyone loves!

Conclusion

The Spooky Spider Halloween Cupcakes are truly a delightful combination of flavors and festive fun! These cupcakes not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also bring a touch of whimsy to your celebrations. I encourage you to whip up a batch for your next gathering, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a spooky Halloween party. You’ll create memories and smiles with each bite!