Spooky Halloween Vampire Bite Cupcakes

It’s Halloween, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious and spooky treat? These Halloween vampire cupcakes are the perfect way to add a touch of fright and delight to your festivities. Get ready to sink your teeth into these rich, chocolatey cupcakes with a gooey, blood-red jam filling that will have everyone screaming for more!

Why You’ll Love This Halloween Vampire Cupcakes Recipe

These Halloween vampire cupcakes are incredibly moist and delicious, making them the perfect addition to any Halloween celebration. The combination of rich chocolate flavor with the sweet and tart raspberry jam filling is simply irresistible. Plus, these cupcakes are easy to make and decorate, so you can impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. These vampire bite cupcakes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, making your Halloween gathering even more memorable.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups (192g), sifted for a lighter texture.
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200g), use fine granulated sugar for even mixing.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: ½ cup (40g), Dutch-processed cocoa powder will provide a richer flavor.
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon, ensure it’s fresh, not expired.
• Baking soda: ½ teaspoon, also ensure freshness.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon, fine sea salt is recommended.
• Large eggs: 2, about 50g each, bring to room temperature 30 minutes before using.
• Vegetable oil: ½ cup (120ml), use a neutral-flavored oil like canola or sunflower.
• Buttermilk: 1 cup (240ml), cold from the fridge.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, pure vanilla extract is preferred.
• Raspberry or strawberry jam: 1 cup (280g), seedless variety recommended for smoother texture.
• Unsalted butter: 1 cup (226g), softened at room temperature.
• Powdered sugar: 4 cups (480g), sifted to avoid lumps.
• Heavy cream: ¼ cup (60ml), cold from the fridge.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, pure vanilla extract is preferred.
• Red food coloring: Gel food coloring is recommended for a vibrant color.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. This ensures the cupcakes bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps with the cupcake’s texture and rise.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure the eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother batter.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures:

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cupcakes. A few lumps are okay!

Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes:

Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The oven time may vary, so check your cupcakes regularly.

Step 6: Make the Filling:

In a small saucepan, heat the raspberry or strawberry jam over low heat until it becomes liquid. Then, remove from heat and set aside to cool. This will make it easier to fill the cupcakes.

Step 7: Core the Cupcakes:

Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a cupcake corer or a small knife to remove the center of each cupcake, creating a well for the filling. Be careful not to go too deep!

Step 8: Fill with Jam:

Spoon the slightly cooled jam into each well generously. This creates the “blood” effect for your Halloween vampire cupcakes.

Step 9: Prepare the Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Then, add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, and beat until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cream. Gel food coloring is recommended for a vibrant color.

Step 10: Frost the Cupcakes:

Pipe or spread the frosting on top of each cupcake. You can use a piping bag with a decorative tip for a more professional look, or simply spread the frosting with a knife.

Step 11: Garnish:

Add fresh raspberries on top of the frosting for decoration, or use other Halloween-themed sprinkles or decorations. Let your creativity shine!

Variations, Pairings, & Serving Ideas

For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of brewed coffee to the cupcake batter. If you’re looking for a less sweet option, reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting. To make these even more festive, try adding gummy worms or candy bats as garnishes. These Halloween vampire cupcakes pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. Serve them at your next Halloween party alongside other spooky treats, and for more Halloween baking ideas, check out these Halloween Vampire Cupcakes 2! These cupcakes are also a great option to have along with Fantasy Fudge.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store these Halloween vampire cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the cupcakes individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them completely before frosting. The frosting can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Let it come to room temperature before using.

Common Mistakes When Making Halloween Vampire Cupcakes

Why are my cupcakes dry?

Overbaking is a common cause of dry cupcakes. Make sure to check your cupcakes at the 18-minute mark and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean. Also, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can develop the gluten and lead to a tougher, drier cupcake.

Why is my frosting too runny?

If your frosting is too runny, it could be due to the butter being too warm. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool. Also, gradually add the powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s still too runny, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time.

Why are my cupcakes sinking in the middle?

Cupcakes sinking in the middle can happen if the oven temperature is not hot enough, or if the batter is not evenly distributed in the liners. Make sure your oven is properly preheated, and fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full.

Why isn’t my jam filling as red as I expected?

The color of your jam filling can vary depending on the brand and type of jam you use. If you want a more vibrant red color, you can add a drop or two of red food coloring to the jam while heating it. Gel food coloring is recommended for the best results.

Why is my cupcake batter lumpy?

Lumpy cupcake batter is often caused by adding cold ingredients or overmixing. Ensure that your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix. A few lumps are okay!

Final Notes

These Halloween vampire cupcakes are a spooktacular treat that are sure to impress your friends and family. These easy to make Halloween vampire cupcakes will make your party the hit of the neighborhood! So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some delicious and spooky Halloween memories.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these Halloween vampire cupcakes, you might also love these other delicious recipes.

• Cranberry Rosemary Chicken – A flavorful and festive main course perfect for a holiday gathering, featuring tender chicken infused with the sweet and savory flavors of cranberry and rosemary.
• Chopped Chicken Sandwich – A quick and easy lunch option packed with shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing, all served on a toasted bun.
• Cornish Hens – These perfectly roasted Cornish hens are an elegant and delicious option for a dinner party, offering a delightful alternative to chicken.
• Reuben Soup Recipe – A comforting and hearty soup inspired by the classic Reuben sandwich, featuring corned beef, sauerkraut, and a creamy broth.
• Balsamic Vinaigrette – A simple yet versatile dressing made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and herbs, perfect for salads or as a marinade for grilled vegetables.

We love seeing your creations! Don’t forget to share your Halloween vampire cupcakes with us on social media and leave a comment below to let us know how they turned out! Let your friends and family know about CookReel for more delicious recipes!