35 Cute Halloween Cupcake Ideas That Are Scary-Good
These spooktacular treats will be the highlight of your party!
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There's no need for a magic crystal ball: We already know these Halloween cupcakes will be a hit at any Halloween party this season. Whether you're looking for a delicious Halloween dessert for the class party or just want a fun fall activity to do with the kids, whipping up a batch of these festive cupcakes is the answer. From decadent cupcakes you can really sink your vampire fangs into to whimsical swamp-inspired bites, there's sure to be something here that speaks to you.
Some of these cupcakes take time to decorate, while others are easy to whip up last minute. Many of them can even be made with the help of a store-bought mix so you've got time to do everything else on your list, like finding a Halloween costume, decorating for the party, or watching back-to-back Halloween movies.
If you need even more spooky season inspiration, check out our roundups of the best Halloween snacks and Halloween dinner ideas.
Bookmark your favorites now so you're ready all season long!
Frog and Lily Pad Mochi Cupcakes
Create your own swamp-like scene for Halloween with these unique cupcakes. They're made with matcha, mochiko (sweet rice flour) and chocolate frogs.
Spiderweb Cupcakes
These creepy crawly cupcakes will stand out on any dessert table.
Get the Spiderweb Cupcakes recipe.
RELATED: 40 Chic and Spooky Halloween Table Decorations for DIY Lovers
Mummy Cupcakes
Your guests will be dying to unwrap one of these ghoulish treats.
Get the Mummy Cupcakes recipe.
Cookie Bat Cupcakes
For an easy (and edible!) craft idea, make cute bats out of Oreos and peanut butter cups.
Get the Cookie Bat Cupcakes recipe.
Graveyard Cupcakes
Set a spooky scene on top of deep dark chocolate cupcakes.
Get the Graveyard Cupcakes recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
They may look simple on the outside but there's a whole lotta spice on the inside.
Get the Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe.
RELATED: 44 Sweet and Savory Pumpkin Recipes to Make This Fall
Apple Pie Cupcakes
These seasonal treats made with homemade apple compote, luscious whipped cream and plenty of fall spices are what Halloween is all about.
Get the Apple Pie Cupcakes recipe.
RELATED: 30 Best Fall Cupcakes and Decorating Ideas Filled With Autumn Flavor
White Chocolate Ghost Cupcakes
Boo! Scarily cute ghosts are the perfect toppers for decadent chocolate cupcakes.
Witch Cupcakes
Hats off to these witchy Halloween chocolate cupcakes topped with buttercream frosting and crafty cupcake liners.
Get the Witch Cupcakes recipe.
Chocolate Pecan Cupcakes
Inside these gorgeous cupcakes is the sweet surprise of a crunchy caramel-pecan filling. Kids and adults alike will love them.
Get the Chocolate Pecan Cupcakes recipe.
RELATED: Our 52 Best Chocolate Dessert Recipes That Are Irresistible and Decadent
Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Toasted Ginger Meringue
These fall cupcakes bring together delicious sweet potatoes and fluffy ginger meringue that's toasted to perfection with the help of a kitchen torch.
Get the Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Toasted Ginger Meringue recipe.
Pecan Cupcakes with Spiced Vanilla Frosting
Made with finely ground pecans, cinnamon and nutmeg, these spiced cupcakes are perfect for any fall holiday.
Ricotta-Orange Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting
Keep things simple with these decadent cupcakes that are elevated thanks to homemade ricotta in the batter and frosting. You can top them with some Halloween sprinkles for extra flair!
Get the Ricotta-Orange Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting recipe.
Chocolate Skeleton Cookie Cupcakes
Putting cookies on cupcakes is definitely a good idea, especially when the cookies are as cute as these skeletons.
Sugared Lavender Cupcakes
Turn these pretty cupcakes into terrifying treats with a little black icing to paint on bats, spiders or cats.
Get the Sugared Lavender Cupcakes recipe.
Chocolate Pumpkin Witch Cupcakes
The decadent hazelnut cream cheese frosting on these spooky treats makes them pretty sweet.
Vanilla Cupcakes
What better base for frighteningly fun toppings than our best-ever vanilla cupcakes? Whip these treats up for endless festive possibilities!
Get the Vanilla Cupcakes recipe.
Carrot-Pineapple Cupcakes
Carrot, ginger and pineapple cupcakes are perfect for the season —top them with gummy googly eyes instead of dried pineapple for extra spook.
Get the Carrot-Pineapple Cupcakes recipe.
Lemon Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting
Add a few extra freeze-dried strawberries to the buttercream frosting to turn it blood-thirsty red.
Berry-Stuffed Cupcakes
Use chocolate instead of vanilla cupcakes for a scarier effect.
Get the Berry-Stuffed Cupcakes recipe.
Expertise: Food writing and editing. Education: Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas (rock chalk!) About Me: As the Digital Culinary Editor at Delish, Taylor writes and updates recipe intros with an SEO-focus, co-creates and sends the daily newsletter, and offers team-wide support to ensure that recipes are the best they can be. She worked previously as a Freelance Editor on the Hearst Lifestyle group, where she updated recipes and galleries and contributed ideas for Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, Prevention, and more. Taylor loves to try out different restaurants and bakeries around Brooklyn and is always hunting for her new favorite coffee shop and wine bar. When she's not writing about everything lemon-blueberry or one of our many margaritas, she can most likely be found reading, browsing her favorite bookstores, or enjoying a little treat.
Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter.
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