These Halloween Zombie Cupcakes are creepy, squishy, and shockingly good. With bright strawberry cake, pink buttercream “brains,” and a drizzle of sticky red “blood,” they’re the kind of dessert that makes kids scream (with delight) and adults grin. No fancy gear or baking sorcery just you, a piping bag, and a deliciously weird vision.
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Why You’ll Love These Creepy Cupcakes
Whether you’re hosting a monster mash or packing up treats for a school party, these cupcakes bring that perfect combo of gross and great. Here’s why you’ll want to make them ASAP:
- Starts with strawberry cake mix (zero stress)
- Strawberry jam makes the perfect brain-pink buttercream
- Looks spooky but is super easy to decorate
- No sculpting skills needed just squiggle and drizzle
- Guaranteed hit with zombie lovers and sugar fiends alike
Add these creepy Nutter Butter Ghost Cookies for a hauntingly sweet dessert table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cupcakes
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (15.25 oz)
- Ingredients called for on box (typically eggs, oil, water)
For the Brain Frosting
- 2 sticks unsalted butter (1 cup)
- ½ cup strawberry jam
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of kosher salt
For the “Blood” Drizzle
- ¼ cup strawberry syrup (store-bought, like Hershey’s)
How to Make Halloween Zombie Cupcakes
Bake the Cupcakes
Prepare your strawberry cake mix as directed on the box. Bake in lined muffin tins and let cool completely before frosting. A hot cupcake = frosting slide city.
Whip the Strawberry Buttercream
In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until fluffy. Add the strawberry jam and beat again. Slowly mix in powdered sugar, then vanilla and salt. You want a thick but pipe-able texture think spooky toothpaste vibes.
Frost and Pipe the Brains
Spread a thin layer of frosting on each cupcake this is just the base. Now fill a piping bag with a small round tip and get to squiggling! Pipe a straight line down the center, then create curved loops and swirls on each side to resemble brains. Imperfect is perfect here.
Add the “Blood” Drizzle
Drizzle strawberry syrup across the top for that fresh-outta-the-apocalypse look. Serve immediately or chill until party time.
These Halloween Mummy Hotdogs make a frightfully fun savory snack to serve alongside.
Tips for Piping Zombie Brains
- Use a small round piping tip for clean squiggles
- No piping tip? Snip a disposable bag for a DIY version
- Chill your frosting for 10 minutes if it’s too soft
- Practice a few brains on parchment paper first
- Don’t aim for perfection lumpy = realistic!
Can I Use Homemade Cupcakes Instead?
Absolutely. While boxed strawberry mix saves time, you can swap in:
- Chocolate cupcakes for a darker, spookier look
- Vanilla cupcakes tinted pink or green
- Even pumpkin cupcakes (but skip the jam and use red food gel)
Just make sure the flavor pairs well with the strawberry syrup or switch it up!
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Frosted cupcakes keep in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Store in an airtight container
- Add syrup drizzle just before serving
- Bring to room temp before eating for the softest texture
How to Serve These Creepy Cupcakes
Presentation is half the scare! Try:
- Serving on a white tray with extra “blood” syrup pooled underneath
- Sprinkling edible glitter or black sugar for drama
- Adding mini tombstones, skeleton picks, or gummy worms
- Wrapping each in Halloween cellophane for party favors
Pair these cupcakes with Halloween Buffalo Chicken Dip for a spooky-satisfying spread!
FAQ Halloween Brain Cupcakes
Do I need special tools to decorate?
Not at all. Just a piping bag and a small round tip (or cut corner) gets the job done.
Can I skip the jam and still get pink frosting?
Yes! Use red or pink food gel in plain vanilla buttercream if you’re not into jam.
Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Freeze the unfrosted cupcakes, then thaw and decorate the day of serving for best results.
These Halloween Zombie Cupcakes are the kind of dessert that steals the show without stealing your time. They’re creepy, they’re cute, and they’re absolutely delicious. Go ahead frost some brains. Your inner zombie will thank you!
Follow us on Pinterest for more creepy-chic bakes, or hang out on Facebook for kitchen laughs and last-minute Halloween ideas!
Halloween Zombie Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix 15.25 oz
- Ingredients called for on box typically eggs, oil, water
- 2 sticks unsalted butter 1 cup
- ½ cup strawberry jam
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of kosher salt
- ¼ cup strawberry syrup store-bought, like Hershey’s
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberry cake mix as directed on the box. Bake in lined muffin tins and let cool completely.
- In a bowl, beat the butter until fluffy. Add strawberry jam and beat again. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, then vanilla and salt until the texture is thick but pipe-able.
- Spread a thin layer of frosting on each cupcake. Fill a piping bag fitted with a small round tip and pipe a straight line down the center. Add curved loops on either side to resemble brains.
- Drizzle strawberry syrup on top to create a creepy “bloody” effect. Serve right away or chill until ready.