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When the crispness of autumn air turns your thoughts to Halloween, what better way to embrace the spooky spirit than with a batch of enchanting Vampire Cupcakes? These delightful treats are not just your average chocolate cupcakes; they’re a feast for the senses! Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist chocolatey crumb, only to discover a gooey strawberry jelly “blood” filling that oozes with flavor. Topped with a fluffy marshmallow frosting that mimics Dracula’s famed coif, these cupcakes are sure to be the highlight of any Halloween gathering.

Whether you’re hosting a spooky soirée or looking to impress friends with your baking prowess, these whimsical, delicious confections promise to thrill and delight. So gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity, and let’s conjure up some devilishly delightful Vampire Cupcakes that will leave your guests howling for more!

Why are Vampire Cupcakes a Halloween favorite?

Irresistible Flavor: These cupcakes combine rich chocolate with a sweet, fruity “blood” filling that is simply unforgettable.
Visual Appeal: Their spooky design, complete with fluffy frosting and vibrant colors, makes them a show-stopping addition to any Halloween dessert table.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can impress their friends and family.
Versatile Options: Swap the jelly or food coloring for personalized variations – creativity knows no bounds!
Fun for Everyone: Perfect for both kids and adults, these cupcakes add a playful touch to your spooky celebrations.
Don’t forget to check out our expert tips for frosting techniques to ensure your Vampire Cupcakes look as good as they taste!

Vampire Cupcake Ingredients

For the Cupcake Batter
Instant Espresso Powder – Enhances chocolate flavor; substitute with strong coffee for a similar effect.
All-Purpose Flour (120 g) – Provides structure to the cupcakes; for gluten-free, use an appropriate gluten-free blend.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (½ cup) – Adds rich chocolate flavor; alternatives include Dutch-processed cocoa for a unique taste.
Baking Powder (¼ tsp) – Acts as a leavening agent for rising; ensure it’s fresh for optimal results.
Baking Soda (¼ tsp) – Boosts leavening and browning, essential for achieving that delectable crust.
Kosher Salt (¼ tsp) – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Large Egg (1, room temperature) – Binds the ingredients and adds moisture; substitute with a flax egg for a vegan option.
Whole Milk (½ cup) – Adds moisture and richness; can be replaced with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
Vegetable Oil (¼ cup) – Contributes to the moistness; melted coconut oil can be a great substitute.
Pure Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Elevates the overall flavor profile of the cupcakes.
Granulated Sugar (200 g) – Provides sweetness and contributes to moist texture; brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
Strawberry Jelly (½ cup) – Offers a fruity “blood” filling; feel free to substitute with raspberry or cherry jelly for a twist.
For the Frosting
Unsalted Butter (2 sticks, softened) – Serves as the base for frosting, ensuring creaminess; use dairy-free butter if desired.
Marshmallow Fluff (1½ cups) – Creates that fluffy texture in the frosting, making each bite light and airy.
Confectioners’ Sugar (230 g) – Sweetens and gives structure to the frosting.
For Decoration
Red Gel Food Coloring – Optional, but adds a vibrant look that ties in with the Halloween theme.
Crushed Chocolate Graham Crackers or Chocolate Wafer Cookies (1 cup) – Perfect for decoration; crushed Oreos can also be a delightful alternative.

Get ready to whip up these enchanting Vampire Cupcakes that will surely be a hit at your Halloween festivities!

How to Make Vampire Cupcakes

Prepare the Cupcake Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, blend the egg, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla, and sugar, then combine the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just moist.
Bake Cupcakes: Fill each cupcake liner two-thirds full with batter. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool Completely: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is a treat; let the aroma envelop your kitchen!
Fill with Jelly: Using a small round cutter or a knife, create a hole in the center of each cupcake. Fill with the sweet strawberry jelly, then replace the top. Watch those gooey “blood” centers come to life!
Prepare the Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened butter and marshmallow fluff together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, continuing to mix until well blended and creamy.
Decorate: Generously frost your cooled cupcakes using a cookie scoop for that perfect shape. Add red gel food coloring to create vampire fangs and sprinkle crushed cookies on top for that signature hairline look.

Optional: For an eerie effect, drizzle extra jelly on top before serving!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Vampire Cupcakes

Room Temperature: Keep your cupcakes covered at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and moisture.

Fridge: If you prefer a longer storage option, refrigerate the cupcakes (frosted or unfrosted) for up to 5 days. Make sure they are in an airtight container.

Freezer: To freeze, wrap the un-frosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. This preserves the flavor and texture beautifully.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for a few seconds, then frost if desired. Your Vampire Cupcakes will taste freshly baked!

Expert Tips for Vampire Cupcakes

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures your cupcake batter comes together smoothly, enhancing the texture of your Vampire Cupcakes.
Avoid Overmixing: To keep your cupcakes moist, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dry, tough cupcakes—definitely not what we want!
Check Jelly Thickness: Ensure your strawberry jelly is thick enough to stay inside the cupcakes after filling. A runny jelly can create a mess and detract from the fun presentation.
Experiment with Jellies: Feel free to swap the strawberry jelly with raspberry or cherry jelly for a unique twist that still keeps the vampire theme alive!
Mind Your Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven. Uneven baking can cause cupcakes to rise improperly, leading to a less than desirable cupcake experience.
Creative Decoration: Let your imagination run wild! Use different food colorings or toppings to personalize your Vampire Cupcakes for any Halloween gathering.

What to Serve with Vampire Cupcakes?

These delightful treats are perfect for a spooky gathering and deserve a fitting accompaniment to enhance your Halloween festivities.

Witch’s Brew Punch: A fizzy, fruity drink with floating gummy worms creates a fun, festive atmosphere alongside your cupcakes.
Spider Web Brownies: Rich, fudgy brownies drizzled with white chocolate mimic a spider web design, pairing beautifully with the chocolatey Vampire Cupcakes.
Ghostly Meringue Cookies: Light and airy, these meringue ghosts provide a lovely texture contrast and make a charming addition to your dessert display.
Candy Corn Parfaits: Layered jars of citrus-flavored yogurt and candy corn not only add color but offer a sweet, tangy flavor that complements the cupcakes.
Pumpkin Spice Cookies: Soft, spiced cookies echo the cozy flavors of fall, offering a lovely balance to the rich sweetness of the cupcakes.
Chocolate Milkshakes: Thick, creamy shakes topped with whipped cream are a crowd-pleasing drink option that pairs perfectly with all those chocolatey flavors.
Apple Cider: The warm spices of apple cider bring all the autumn vibes, contrasting beautifully with the rich sweetness of your cupcakes while keeping your guests cozy.

Treat your friends to an unforgettable Halloween bash with these fun and festive pairings!

Make Ahead Options

These Vampire Cupcakes are a fantastic choice for meal prep, making your Halloween celebrations stress-free! You can prepare the cupcake batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, the cupcakes themselves can be baked and stored, uncovered, at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain their moistness, it’s crucial to let them cool completely before sealing. For the frosting, you can whip it up a day ahead and refrigerate, but remember to bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick stir before decorating. When it’s time to serve, just fill with jelly and frost for devilishly delightful results that taste just as fresh as the day you made them!

Vampire Cupcakes Variations

Feel free to unleash your creativity and make these cupcakes uniquely yours while keeping the spirit of Halloween alive!

Fruit Jelly Twist: Swap strawberry jelly for raspberry or cherry jelly for a different fruity burst. The versatility of flavors will surprise your taste buds!
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to accommodate dietary needs. Enjoy the same rich taste without worry!
Coffee Infusion: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the batter for an extra depth of flavor in your chocolate cupcakes. This twist will awaken your taste buds!
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the batter for a subtle, warming heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweet filling. It adds a surprising layer of excitement!
Nutty Crunch: Fold in some chopped hazelnuts or walnuts into the batter for an added texture and crunch that complements the soft cupcake. A delightful surprise with every bite!
Different Frosting: Substitute marshmallow fluff for cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist and a richer flavor profile. This variation balances the sweetness perfectly!
Color Palette: Use assorted food colorings to create gradient frosting that captures the Halloween vibe even more. The visual presentation makes them even more enchanting!
Dark Chocolate Delight: Replace cocoa powder with dark chocolate cocoa powder for a deeper, richer chocolate experience. Perfect for true chocolate lovers!

Vampire Cupcakes Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe strawberries for the jelly filling?
When choosing strawberries for your jelly, look for ones that are vibrant red and free of dark spots or bruises. They should be firm to the touch and fragrant. If you’re opting for store-bought jelly, check the expiration date to ensure freshness.

How should I store leftover Vampire Cupcakes?
Absolutely! Store any leftover Vampire Cupcakes covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have frosting on them, they can also be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain their texture and flavor.

Can I freeze Vampire Cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze them! For best results, wrap the un-frosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature, and then frost as desired.

What if my cupcakes come out dry?
If your Vampire Cupcakes turn out dry, it’s likely due to overmixing the batter or baking them too long. Always mix the ingredients just until combined; a few lumps are perfectly okay. Also, keep a close eye on the baking time; they should be removed from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.

Are these Vampire Cupcakes suitable for those with allergies?
For those with allergies, the cupcakes can be made with substitutions. Use a flax egg for a vegan version, and choose gluten-free flour to cater to gluten sensitivities. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens, especially for jelly and food coloring.

Can I use other flavors for the jam filling?
Very! Feel free to get creative! While strawberry jelly gives a classic “blood” look, you can replace it with raspberry or cherry jelly for a different flavor and look. A hint of orange marmalade could offer an interesting twist too!