Description
These Pink Monster Cupcakes are soft, fluffy vanilla cupcakes topped with vibrant pink frosting, candy eyes, and optional Oreo mouths. Perfect for Halloween parties, kids’ birthdays, or any spooky celebration, they’re as fun to decorate as they are to eat.
Ingredients
For Cupcakes:
-
1 ¼ cups (160 g) all-purpose flour
-
½ tsp baking powder
-
½ tsp baking soda
-
¼ tsp salt
-
½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk
-
1 large egg
-
¼ cup (60 g) melted butter
-
½ cup (100 g) sugar
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
For Frosting:
-
1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
-
2 ½ cups (300 g) powdered sugar
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
Pink gel food coloring
For Decoration:
-
Candy eyeballs
-
Oreo cookies (optional)
-
Birthday candles (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with festive paper liners to keep the cupcakes from sticking.
2️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution and avoids clumps.
3️⃣ Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
4️⃣ Combine the Batter
Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined—overmixing makes cupcakes dense.
👉 Pro Tip: Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.
5️⃣ Bake the Cupcakes
Fill liners about ¾ full and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Insert a toothpick; if it comes out clean, they’re done. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
6️⃣ Make the Frosting
Beat softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla. Add a few drops of pink gel food coloring until you reach the shade you love.
👉 Pro Tip: Chill frosting for 10 minutes before piping so it holds its shape better.
7️⃣ Decorate the Monsters
Pipe or spread frosting generously on each cupcake. Place two candy eyeballs on top and press half an Oreo into the frosting for a “mouth.” Add birthday candles if you’re making them for a party.
Notes
-
Substitute buttermilk with milk + ½ tsp vinegar if needed.
-
Use gluten free 1:1 flour blend for a gluten free version.
-
Gel coloring works better than liquid for vibrant frosting.
-
Decorate just before serving for the freshest look.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes + Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American