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    Home / Desserts / Cupcakes

    Halloween Ghost Cupcakes

    Last update: Feb 9, 2025 Published: Sep 24, 2024 by Fadela This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

    These Halloween ghost cupcakes are the ultimate spooky treat for your next Halloween bash! With a rich dark cocoa cupcake base and fluffy marshmallow frosting shaped like adorable little ghosts, they're not only delicious but also super fun to make.

    ghost cupcakes in a table
    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredients You Need
    • How To Make Ghost Cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Tips for best results
    • Storage Instructions
    • Variations & Substitutions
    • Recipe Questions
    • More Cupcake Recipes
    • Halloween Ghost Cupcakes

    Halloween ghost cupcakes are rich dark chocolate treats topped with a marshmallow ghost frosting that’s both spooky and adorable. They’re the perfect way to add a bit of fun and fright to your Halloween celebration—sure to impress your guests and satisfy those sweet cravings!

    These cupcakes are made with my classic chocolate cupcake base, but this time, I'm using black cocoa. This type of cocoa is heavily alkalized, giving it an ultra-dark color and an even richer, more intense flavor—perfect for adding a dramatic look and rich flavor to Halloween baked treats.

    For the ghost topping, I went with a super fluffy, easy-to-make marshmallow frosting. It’s perfect for a fun decoration, and kids love creating little ghost shapes with it. It’s such a joy to make together!

    Why you'll love this recipe


    • Fun and Easy Ghost Topping: The marshmallow frosting is simple to make and lets you get creative with spooky ghost shapes—great for a family baking activity.
    • Rich, Dark Flavor: The black cocoa gives these chocolate cupcakes an intense chocolate flavor and a strikingly dark appearance, perfect for Halloween.
    • Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These Halloween cupcakes are not only delicious but also visually impressive, making them a hit at any Halloween party!

    Craving for more Halloween recipes? Give these a try Meringue ghost cake, Blue Cookie Monster Cookies, Black buttercream frosting, Halloween monster cookies, Smarties ganache brownies, M&M's chocolate chip cookies, Black cocoa cookies.

    Ingredients You Need

    You need these ingredients to make these marshmallow ghost cupcakes:

    Black Cocoa Cupcakes

    • Flour: Cake flour is best for these cupcakes to ensure a tender, light texture.
    • Black Cocoa: Black cocoa powder can be found online or at specialty baking stores. Look for a brand that specifies "black cocoa" for the deep color and flavor, such as King Arthur or Valrhona.
    • Baking Powder: Make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best results.
    • Vanilla and Salt: Pure vanilla extract adds depth of flavor, while salt enhances all the ingredients.
    • Eggs: Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation and even texture in the batter.
    • Sugar: Use fine white granulated sugar.
    • Oil: Use vegetable oil like grapeseed oil or canola oil.
    • Milk: Buttermilk is ideal for adding extra tanginess and moisture. If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened.

    Marshmallow Frosting

    • Egg Whites: Use room temperature egg whites.
    • Sugar: Fine white granulated sugar is best for this frosting as it dissolves quickly.
    bowls with cocoa cupcakes ingredients

    How To Make Ghost Cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting

    Here are some quick visual instructions. Don't forget that full recipe instructions with exact ingredients can be found in the recipe card below!

    Step 1: In a bowl, mix and sift together the dry ingredients—cake flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

    small bowl with dry ingredients
    small bowl with dry mixture

    Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.

    Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture and the milk, alternating between them, until you have a smooth batter.

    mixing bowl with egg and sugar
    mixing bowl with egg mixture and dry ingredients

    Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a cupcake tin with paper liners.

    Step 5: Pour the cupcake batter into the paper liners, filling them no more than ¾ full. Bake in the oven for about 15 to 17 minutes, or until they are cooked through in the center.

    Let the chocolate cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.

    mixing bowl with black cocoa cupcakes batter
    cupcake pan with black cocoa cupcakes

    Step 6: Place the egg whites and sugar in a heatproof bowl and cook over a double boiler on a saucepan of simmering water for about 4 minutes.

    Step 7: Transfer the mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer and whip for about 10 minutes, until a firm meringue forms.

    mixing bowl with egg mixture
    mixing bowl with whipped marshmallow frosting

    Step 8: Place the marshmallow frosting in a large piping bag fitted with a large round tip, and pipe large dollops onto the chocolate cupcakes.

    Decorate: Melt the chocolate in the microwave, transfer it to a small piping bag, and decorate the frosted cupcakes with eyes and a mouth to create ghost faces.

    frosted ghost cucpakes on a table

    Serving Suggestions

    • Spooky Dessert Table: Arrange them on a Halloween-themed dessert table with other spooky treats like spider cookies and candied apples.
    • Party Favor: Wrap each cupcake in clear cellophane with a Halloween ribbon for guests to take home.
    • Paired with Hot Chocolate: Serve alongside hot chocolate topped with ghost-shaped marshmallows for a cozy Halloween night.
    • Decorating Station: Set up a decorating station where kids can add candy eyes or sprinkles to the ghosts for extra fun.
    • Movie Night Treat: Enjoy the ghost cupcakes during a Halloween movie marathon for a festive snack.
    frosted ghost cupcake

    Tips for best results

    • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter and better rise.
    • Sift the Black Cocoa: Black cocoa can be clumpy, so sifting it with the flour will help create a smoother cupcake batter.
    • Don’t Overfill the Liners: Fill cupcake liners no more than ¾ full to prevent overflow and maintain a nice, domed shape.
    • Monitor Oven Temperature: Black cocoa can make it hard to tell if the cupcakes are browning, so use a toothpick to check doneness and ensure the oven is properly calibrated.
    • Heat Egg Whites and Sugar Correctly: For the marshmallow frosting, make sure the egg whites and sugar reach 160°F (55°C) over the double boiler to ensure the sugar is dissolved and the meringue is safe to eat.
    • Whip Until Stiff Peaks Form: Whip the meringue for at least 10 minutes until stiff peaks form. This ensures the frosting holds its shape when piped as ghosts.
    • Work Quickly with the Frosting: Once the marshmallow frosting is ready, use it immediately while it’s fluffy and easy to pipe.

    Storage Instructions

    Refrigerator: Store your Halloween ghost cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days to keep them fresh.

    Freezing: You can also freeze the cupcakes without the frosting for up to 2 months. When ready to use, let them come to room temperature before adding the marshmallow frosting and ghost decorations.

    Variations & Substitutions

    • Chocolate Orange Ghost Cupcakes: Add orange zest to the cupcake batter and a few drops of orange extract to the marshmallow frosting for a zesty twist that pairs beautifully with the dark cocoa.
    • Mint Chocolate Ghost Cupcakes: Mix in a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for a cool minty flavor, perfect for giving your ghosts a fresh spin
    • Peanut Butter Filled Ghost Cupcakes: Hollow out a small section of the baked cupcakes and fill with creamy peanut butter or peanut butter frosting before adding the marshmallow ghosts.
    • Spicy Chocolate Ghost Cupcakes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the batter to give your cupcakes a warm, spicy kick that pairs well with the rich black cocoa.
    • Cookies and Cream Ghost Cupcakes: Stir in crushed chocolate sandwich cookies into the batter and sprinkle a few on top of the marshmallow frosting like these Oreo cupcakes.
    • Colorful Marshmallow Ghosts: Tint the marshmallow frosting with a few drops of food coloring for colorful ghosts, adding a playful element to your Halloween spread.
    • Filled with Chocolate Ganache: Add a rich, dark chocolate ganache filling for a decadent surprise in the center of each cupcake.
    • Espresso Ghost Cupcakes: Mix a tablespoon of instant espresso powder into the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor and add a subtle coffee note.

    Recipe Questions

    Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of black cocoa? Yes, you can use regular cocoa powder, but the color and flavor will be different. Black cocoa gives these cupcakes a rich, dark color perfect for Halloween, while regular cocoa will give a lighter, less intense chocolate flavor.

    Can I make the cupcakes in advance? Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes in advance and freeze them without frosting for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, let them thaw to room temperature and add the marshmallow frosting and ghost decorations.

    My marshmallow frosting is too runny—what went wrong? This could be due to under-whipping or humidity. Make sure to whip the egg whites and sugar mixture until stiff peaks form, and avoid making the frosting on very humid days, as it can affect the stability.

    Can I use store-bought frosting instead of making marshmallow frosting? Yes, you can use store-bought marshmallow fluff or any other frosting you prefer. However, making the marshmallow frosting from scratch gives you the perfect texture for creating cute ghost shapes.

    How can I make the ghost faces? You can use melted chocolate, mini chocolate chips, or edible markers to add eyes and a mouth to each ghost. It’s easy and adds a lot of personality to your spooky treats!

    Can I use a handheld mixer for the frosting instead of a stand mixer? Yes, a handheld mixer works fine, but it might take a little longer to reach stiff peaks. Just make sure to keep beating until the meringue is glossy and holds its shape.

    More Cupcake Recipes

    • Chocolate Marble Cupcakes
    • Chocolate Nutella Cupcakes
    • Hi-Hat Chocolate Cupcakes
    • Chocolate Kinder Bueno Cupcakes
    sliced frosted ghost cupcakes

    I hope you love these Marshmallow ghost cupcakes. If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Happy Baking!

    Print
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    Halloween Ghost Cupcakes


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    • Author: Fadela
    • Total Time: 35 minutes
    • Yield: 12 cupcakes
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    Description

    Delicious Halloween ghost cupcake recipes with a chocolate cupcake base and marshmallow frosting topping (makes 12-14 cupcakes)


    Ingredients

    Chocolate Cupcakes

    • 100 g cake flour - (¾ cup)
    • 40 g black cocoa powder (½ cup)
    • ½ tsp baking soda
    • ¼ tsp salt
    • 2 eggs - room temperature
    • 150 g granulated sugar (¾ cup)
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 85 ml neutral vegetable oil (⅓ cup)
    • 125 ml buttermilk (½ cup)

    Marshmallow Frosting

    • 4 egg whites - about 120 g (½ cup)
    • 200 g granulated sugar (1 cup)
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

    Instructions

    Chocolate Cupcakes

    1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a cupcake tin with paper liners.
    2. In a large bowl, mix and sift together the dry ingredients—cake flour, baking soda, black cocoa powder, and salt—then set aside.
    3. In another large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
    4. Alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk in several additions, mixing until you have a dark, smooth cupcake batter.
    5. Pour the batter into the liners, filling them no more than ¾ full, and bake for about 15 to 17 minutes without opening the oven door, until the cupcakes are fully cooked in the center.
    6. Carefully remove the chocolate cupcakes from the tin and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

    Marshmallow Frosting

    1. Cook the egg whites and sugar over a double boiler in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water on medium heat for about 4 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved.  
    2. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, and whip on high speed for about 10 minutes, until you have a smooth, firm frosting.  
    3. Place the frosting in a large piping bag fitted with a large round tip.  
    4. Pipe large dollops of frosting onto the cooled chocolate cupcakes to form ghost shapes.  
    5. Melt some chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave and transfer it to a small piping bag.  
    6. Decorate the cupcakes with the chocolate to create eyes and a mouth for each ghost.  
    7. Enjoy!

    Equipment

    Cupcakes liners

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    Hand mixer

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    Muffin pan

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    Muffins tin

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    Image of Piping bag

    Piping bag

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    Stand mixer

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    Notes

    Storage: Up to 2-3 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer (without the marshmallow frosting).

    Tips & Advices: 

    • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
    • Make Buttermilk at Home: Mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar with 125 ml milk, let sit for 5-10 minutes.
    • Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour and cocoa prevents lumps.
    • Use a Kitchen Scale: Weigh ingredients in grams for more accurate and consistent results.
    • Don’t Overfill: Fill cupcake liners only ¾ full to avoid overflow.
    • Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer for accurate baking.
    • Whip Frosting Well: Beat marshmallow frosting until stiff peaks for best results.
    • Pipe Frosting Quickly: Use the frosting immediately while it's fluffy.
    • Decorate with Melted Chocolate: Use melted chocolate for ghost faces.
    • Avoid Humidity: Frosting holds better in dry conditions.
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20 minutes
    • Category: cupcakes,
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
    • Calories: 233
    • Sugar: 29.9 g
    • Sodium: 143.5 mg
    • Fat: 8.2 g
    • Carbohydrates: 38.4 g
    • Protein: 3.9 g
    • Cholesterol: 32.2 mg

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