Description

These Jack Skellington Themed Cupcakes are chocolatey, spooky, and full of Halloween charm. With soft cocoa cupcakes, creamy vanilla buttercream, and fondant faces inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas, they’re perfect for parties, bake sales, or a Tim Burton movie night.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup neutral oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup freshly brewed coffee or warm water
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
White marshmallow fondant (or rolled fondant)
Black food coloring gel or edible black marker
Round cutter or small glass

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with 12 paper liners.
Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
In another bowl, beat oil with brown and white sugars until combined.
Add eggs one at a time, then mix in yogurt and vanilla extract.
Gradually stir in dry ingredients, alternating with coffee or warm water, until smooth.
Divide batter evenly into liners (about 2/3 full) and bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
For the frosting: beat softened butter until fluffy (2 minutes). Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, then add milk and vanilla. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Roll fondant on a powdered sugar surface and cut 12 circles. Draw Jack’s eyes, nostrils, and stitched smile with a brush or edible marker.
Pipe vanilla buttercream onto each cupcake and gently place a fondant face on top. Add optional black icing borders or stitches.

Notes

Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent melting. Dust hands with powdered sugar when working with fondant. Use black edible pens for precise details. Store frosted cupcakes in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze unfrosted cupcakes up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American