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Chocolate Spider Cupcakes Recipe Perfect for Halloween

chocolate spider cupcakes - featured image

Spooky and delicious chocolate spider cupcakes with rich frosting and fun decorations, perfect for Halloween parties or family baking activities.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
  • 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
  • 3/4 cup (95g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream or milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pretzel sticks (for spider legs)
  • Mini candy eyes
  • Chocolate sprinkles or shredded coconut (optional, for texture)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!
  5. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
  7. For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy using a hand or stand mixer. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, followed by the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
  8. Frost the cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or spatula. Aim for a smooth surface to make decorating easier.
  9. Break pretzel sticks into small pieces for spider legs and gently press them into the frosting—three on each side. Add candy eyes using a dab of frosting to secure them. For extra flair, sprinkle chocolate sprinkles or coconut around the edges.

Notes

[‘Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cupcakes fluffy.’, ‘Use room-temperature ingredients for smooth blending.’, ‘Refrigerate frosting briefly if your kitchen is warm.’, ‘Handle pretzel sticks gently to avoid breaking.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween, Chocolate Cupcakes, Spider Cupcakes, Festive Dessert, Easy Baking