This Halloween ghost cupcakes recipe has become a Halloween tradition in my kitchen ever since I hosted my first spooky party back in 2015. I remember scrambling to make something cute but not complicated, and these white ghost cupcakes completely stole the show. The soft vanilla base, topped with a fluffy buttercream swirl and two chocolate chip eyes, was all it took to impress both kids and adults.
They’re sweet, a little spooky, and come together in under 30 minutes—perfect for last-minute Halloween party cupcakes or fun weekend baking with your kids. Whether you’re making cute Halloween cupcakes for school or looking for a festive Halloween treat that doubles as edible decor, these ghost cupcakes are a must.
If you’ve been searching for the best ghost cupcakes or easy Halloween desserts you can make at home, this is the recipe you’ve been looking for.
Why Ghost Cupcakes Are a Must-Bake This Halloween
Spooky, Cute, and Perfectly Simple
These spooky ghost cupcakes combine fluffy frosting, chocolate chip eyes, and a soft vanilla cupcake base. What I love most is that they don’t require fancy decorating skills—just a piping bag and a sense of fun.
Compared to many Halloween desserts, these are refreshingly straightforward. There’s no fondant or food coloring involved—just white ghost cupcakes made with buttercream and charm. I often pair them with these Creepy Crunchy Monster Candy Bark or Cake Pops for a full treat table.
Great for Kids and Halloween Parties
If you’ve got little hands in the kitchen, this recipe is super kid-friendly. They can help with piping the ghost swirls or placing chocolate chips for eyes. It’s also the perfect recipe for classroom parties or neighborhood trick-or-treat events.
I even use this recipe when prepping themed bakes like Pumpkin Fudge and Pumpkin Muffins. Kids go crazy over the soft frosting ghosts, and adults appreciate that these cupcakes are more cute than creepy.
The Ingredients & Step-by-Step Guide
Main Ingredients for Ghost Cupcakes
Here’s what you’ll need to bring your ghost cupcakes to life:
- 24 Cupcakes (Vanilla preferred)
- 3 cups Vanilla Buttercream (smooth & stiff enough for piping)
- 1 bag Chocolate Chips (for the eyes)
- Piping bag with large round tip
Optional Add-Ins:
- A drop of almond extract in the frosting for depth
- Meringue base instead of buttercream for “Meringue ghost cupcakes” variation
- Food-safe edible glitter for sparkle
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the Frosting
Fill a piping bag with your vanilla buttercream. Use a large round tip to help create the ghost body shape. Tip: Chill your frosting for 10 minutes before piping for better structure.
Pipe the Ghost Shape
Start in the center of each cupcake and build upward in a tall swirl, making it wider at the bottom and pointy at the top.
Add the Eyes
Carefully press two chocolate chips into each ghost as “eyes.” You can use mini chips for a more subtle look.
Serve & Enjoy!
That’s it! Your easy ghost cupcakes are ready to charm guests. Pair them with Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookie or Pumpkin Shaped Bagel for a fun autumn spread.
Pro Tips, Variations, and Serving Ideas
Pro Tips for Success
- Use firm frosting: Soft frosting won’t hold the ghost shape. Add extra powdered sugar if needed.
- Chill before serving: A brief fridge chill helps the buttercream stay tall.
- Double-pipe for height: Go around once, then pipe a second layer upward for taller ghosts.
- Use toothpicks for detailing: Add mini “mouths” or eyebrows with chocolate sauce or edible pens.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Ghost Cupcakes: Use chocolate cupcakes as the base and contrast with white frosting.
- Meringue Ghosts: Bake ghost shapes using stiff meringue for a crunchy twist.
- Mini Ghosts: Use mini cupcakes for bite-sized party snacks.
Pair these with Pumpkin Creme Brulee Cheesecake Bars or Baked Pumpkin Donuts for a complete Halloween dessert board.
Storage, Nutrition, and FAQs
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Fridge: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Bring to room temp before serving; frosting should stay firm.
Nutritional Info per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | ~275 |
| Fat | 14g |
| Carbs | 34g |
| Sugar | 25g |
| Protein | 2g |
Note: Values vary based on frosting quantity and cupcake type used.
FAQs About Ghost Cupcakes
Q: What is ghost cake?
A: Ghost cake is a festive dessert often decorated with ghost shapes. These cupcakes are a simpler version, using buttercream ghosts on top of regular cupcakes.
Q: What is the average cost of 12 cupcakes?
A: On average, homemade ghost cupcakes cost around $6–$8 per dozen, while store-bought versions range from $18–$30 depending on design.
Q: How to make buttercream ghosts?
A: Pipe a tall swirl of vanilla buttercream using a round tip, then add chocolate chips as eyes. Make sure the frosting is stiff enough to hold shape.
Q: Why are cupcakes called 1234?
A: The “1234 cake” is a classic vanilla cake made using a 1-2-3-4 ratio: 1 cup butter, 2 cups sugar, 3 cups flour, and 4 eggs. It’s a common base for cupcakes.
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Now you’ve got the spookiest and easiest ghost cupcakes ready for Halloween. Whether you’re baking for a party or just want to impress the neighborhood kids, these festive ghost cupcakes are guaranteed to disappear—fast! Have you made them? Share your version in the comments and pin this recipe to your Halloween board!
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Halloween Ghost Cupcakes – The Spookiest Halloween Treat That’s Shockingly Easy
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Ghost Cupcakes are the ultimate Halloween treat—spooky, sweet, and super simple. Made with vanilla cupcakes, fluffy buttercream, and chocolate chip eyes, they’re ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for parties or kids’ baking fun.
Ingredients
24 Vanilla Cupcakes
3 cups Vanilla Buttercream (firm consistency)
1 bag Chocolate Chips (for eyes)
1 Large Round Piping Tip
1 Piping Bag
Instructions
1. Place vanilla buttercream into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
2. Start piping in the center of each cupcake and build a tall swirl, shaping it like a ghost—wider at the base, narrow at the top.
3. Add two chocolate chips as ghost eyes, gently pressing them into the buttercream.
4. Repeat for all cupcakes.
5. Chill briefly to help set the shape.
6. Serve and enjoy your spooky treats!
Notes
Tip: Make sure your buttercream is stiff enough to hold its shape. Add extra powdered sugar if needed.
For extra flair, sprinkle edible glitter or use mini chocolate chips for smaller eyes.
Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: ghost cupcakes, Halloween cupcakes, buttercream ghosts, kids Halloween treats, spooky cupcakes