Spooky Halloween Vampire Bite Cupcakes

Bite into a little bit of spooky magic with these Halloween Vampire Cupcakes. Imagine rich chocolate cupcakes oozing with a vibrant, blood-red jam filling. This recipe promises a fun baking experience and a wickedly delicious treat that will be the star of your Halloween festivities.

Why You’ll Love This Halloween Vampire Cupcakes Recipe

These Halloween vampire cupcakes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any Halloween party, thanks to their rich chocolate flavor and eye-catching presentation. The sweet-tart raspberry jam filling creates a delightful burst of flavor in every bite, making them irresistibly delicious. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers! So grab your mixing bowls and get ready to whip up a batch of spooky treats that everyone will adore.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups (192g), sifted.
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200g).
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: ½ cup (40g).
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon, fresh, not expired.
• Baking soda: ½ teaspoon, fresh, not expired.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon.
• Eggs: 2 large eggs (100g), room temperature. Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before using.
• Vegetable oil: ½ cup (120ml), neutral-flavored oil like canola.
• Buttermilk: 1 cup (240ml), cold from fridge.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, recently opened.
• Raspberry or Strawberry Jam: 1 cup (283g), seedless variety.
• Unsalted butter: 1 cup (226g), softened.
• Powdered sugar: 4 cups (480g).
• Heavy cream: ¼ cup (60ml), cold from fridge.
• Red food coloring: Gel food coloring recommended.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup cupcake pan with paper liners to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the room temperature eggs, vegetable oil, cold buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smoothly combined.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures:

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, which can lead to tough cupcakes. Mix until no large lumps remain.

Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes:

Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let the Halloween vampire cupcakes cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Filling:

In a small saucepan, heat the raspberry or strawberry jam over low heat until it becomes smooth and liquid, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 7: Core the Cupcakes:

Once the Halloween vampire cupcakes are completely cooled, use a cupcake corer or a small knife to remove a small circle from the center of each cupcake, creating a well for the jam filling.

Step 8: Fill with Jam:

Spoon the heated raspberry or strawberry jam into each well, filling it generously.

Step 9: Prepare the Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour in the cold heavy cream and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

Step 10: Frost the Cupcakes:

Add a few drops of red gel food coloring to the frosting and mix until you achieve the desired shade of red. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip, or simply spread the frosting on top of each cupcake with a knife.

Step 11: Garnish:

For an extra spooky touch, add fresh raspberries on top of the frosting to resemble vampire bites. Serve these Halloween vampire cupcakes and enjoy!

Variations, Pairings, & Serving Ideas

For a different flavor, try using cherry jam or blackberry preserves instead of raspberry or strawberry. A splash of chocolate extract in the batter will deepen the chocolate flavor of these Halloween vampire cupcakes. These treats pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa. Serve them at your next Halloween party or as a fun dessert for family and friends. Don’t forget to check out our other delicious recipes, like this Fantasy Fudge, Crispy Gnocchi Recipe, or these Chopped Chicken Sandwiches.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store the frosted Halloween vampire cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them completely before frosting. To make ahead, bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them at room temperature in an airtight container. Prepare the frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature and rewhip before frosting the cupcakes.

Common Mistakes When Making Halloween Vampire Cupcakes

Why are my cupcakes dry?

Overbaking is a common culprit for dry cupcakes. Be sure to check for doneness at the 18-minute mark, and avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher, drier cupcake.

Why are my cupcakes sinking in the middle?

This can happen if the oven temperature is too low, or if the batter is overmixed. Make sure your oven is properly preheated, and avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking. Ensure all ingredients are measured accurately, as too much liquid can also cause sinking.

Why is my frosting grainy?

Grainy frosting is often caused by using cold butter or not beating the butter and powdered sugar long enough. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before beginning, and beat the frosting for several minutes until it is light and fluffy.

Why isn’t my jam filling staying in the cupcake?

Allow the jam to cool slightly before filling the cupcakes. If the jam is too hot, it can soak into the cupcake and make it soggy. Ensure you don’t make the well too large when coring the cupcakes.

Why is my frosting too runny?

Runny frosting is often due to too much liquid. Gradually add the heavy cream, and stop when the frosting reaches your desired consistency. You can also add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it up if necessary.

Final Notes

These Halloween vampire cupcakes are the perfect combination of spooky and sweet, sure to delight everyone with their rich chocolate flavor and vibrant jam filling. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your frosting and garnishes to make them truly unique! Grab your apron and bake a batch of these Halloween vampire cupcakes for a memorable and delicious treat.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these Halloween vampire cupcakes, you might also like these other delicious dessert recipes!

• Cranberry Rosemary Chicken – A savory dish with festive flavors, perfect for the holiday season.
• Cornish Hens – Elevate your dinner with these perfectly roasted small birds, ideal for a special occasion.
• Fantasy Fudge – A classic and easy fudge recipe that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Crispy Gnocchi Recipe – Try a new take on potato dumplings with this recipe that results in golden, crispy gnocchi.
• Oaxaca Cheese – Learn more about this versatile Mexican cheese and how to use it in your cooking.

We hope you enjoy these recipes! Share your creations with friends and family, and don’t forget to leave a comment or review to let us know what you think. Your feedback helps us create even more delicious content for you to enjoy.