Spooky Ghost Cupcakes with Marshmallow Toppers are more than just cute Halloween treats they’re part of the magic I love sharing at Fresh Leaf Rezepte. My story begins in my grandmother’s kitchen, where Halloween meant warm spices in the air and flour-dusted laughter. These ghost cupcakes quickly became a reader favorite because they combine rich, chocolatey flavor with playful marshmallow toppers that kids (and adults!) can’t resist. Whether you’re throwing a Halloween party or just want a cozy baking night, this recipe adds a hauntingly sweet touch to fall festivities.
Let’s walk through how to make them, step-by-step. Don’t worry, even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find this one easy, fun, and absolutely rewarding.
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Spooky Ghost Cupcakes with Marshmallow Toppers
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
Description
Spooky Ghost Cupcakes with Marshmallow Toppers are a fun, chocolatey Halloween treat made with pantry-friendly ingredients and topped with cute ghost marshmallows. Perfect for parties or cozy fall baking nights!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ⅓ cup neutral oil
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 12 large marshmallows
- 1½ cups white melting chocolate or white candy melts
- Black edible gel or melted dark chocolate for ghost faces
- Optional: Halloween sprinkles or crushed cookies
- Optional: Orange cupcake liners
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Add yogurt, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently. Do not overmix.
- Fill each cupcake liner ¾ full and bake for 18–20 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean.
- Cool cupcakes completely on a wire rack.
- Melt white chocolate in 30-second intervals in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth.
- Dip each marshmallow into melted chocolate and place on parchment paper.
- Let set slightly, then draw ghost faces using black edible gel or melted dark chocolate.
- Place one ghost marshmallow on top of each cooled cupcake.
Notes
Let cupcakes cool completely before topping to prevent ghost marshmallows from melting. Use a toothpick or piping bag for precise ghost faces.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Spooky Ghost Cupcakes with Marshmallow Toppers
Here’s what you’ll need for the cupcakes and the ghost toppers. All ingredients are pantry-friendly and easy to find.
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ⅓ cup neutral oil
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Marshmallow Ghost Toppers:
- 12 large marshmallows
- 1½ cups white melting chocolate or white candy melts
- Black edible gel or melted dark chocolate for ghost faces
Optional Decorations:
- Halloween sprinkles or crushed cookies
- Orange cupcake liners for festive flair
Internal Tip: These cupcakes pair wonderfully with other fall-inspired recipes like Brown Sugar Pumpkin Loaf or Pumpkin S’mores Cookies for a complete spooky dessert spread.
How to Make Spooky Ghost Cupcakes with Marshmallow Toppers
Let’s break it down into easy, beginner-friendly steps.
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cupcakes
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the oil, sugars, and eggs until smooth. Add yogurt, milk, and vanilla.
- Gently combine wet and dry ingredients. Don’t overmix.
- Fill each liner ¾ full and bake for 18–20 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean.
- Let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 2: Make the Ghost Toppers
- Melt white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Dip each marshmallow fully into the melted chocolate using a fork or skewer.
- Place dipped marshmallows on parchment paper. Let them set slightly before drawing eyes and a mouth using edible black gel or melted dark chocolate.
- Once set, place one marshmallow on top of each cupcake.
Pro Tip: Try this with Glow in the Dark Halloween Sugar Cookie Cutouts for an eerie dessert table.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix your batter. It can make your cupcakes dense.
- Make sure your cupcakes are completely cool before adding ghost toppers to avoid melting.
- For perfect ghost faces, use a fine-tip piping bag or toothpick dipped in dark chocolate.
Need another spooky idea? Check out Witches Hat Cookies with Chocolate for a fun companion treat.
Variations to Try
Make these spooky ghost cupcakes your own with these creative twists:
Gluten-Free Option
Swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. These cupcakes stay moist thanks to the yogurt and oil, so texture holds up beautifully.
Streusel Topping Variation
For a cozy twist, sprinkle a light cinnamon-streusel topping on the cupcakes before baking. It adds crunch and autumn spice.
Vegan-Friendly
Replace eggs with flax eggs, and use dairy-free yogurt and milk. Choose vegan marshmallows and white chocolate.
Extra Spooky
Add red jam or Caramel Apple Puppy Chow as a “bloody” filling for a Halloween surprise.
How to Store Spooky Ghost Cupcakes
You can store these cupcakes and their toppers separately or assembled. Here’s how:
- Unfrosted Cupcakes: Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days or freeze up to 1 month.
- Assembled Cupcakes: Keep in a cool place (not the fridge) for 1–2 days. If needed, refrigerate but bring to room temp before serving.
- Ghost Toppers: Can be made a day ahead and stored in a cool, dry place.
Make these ahead along with Cheesecake Banana Pudding Bites for easy party prep!
FAQ: Spooky Ghost Cupcakes with Marshmallow Toppers
Q1: Can I use mini marshmallows instead?
A: Not recommended. Large marshmallows give you enough surface to draw expressive ghost faces.
Q2: How do I stop the marshmallows from sliding off?
A: Make sure cupcakes are cool and flatten the top slightly if domed. You can also secure with a bit of frosting.
Q3: Can kids help with this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Let them dip the marshmallows and draw faces—it’s a perfect Halloween activity.
Q4: Can I use store-bought cupcakes?
A: Yes! Just make the toppers and place them on frosted cupcakes for a shortcut version.
Conclusion
Spooky Ghost Cupcakes with Marshmallow Toppers are a heartwarming, silly, and festive Halloween dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. With simple steps and playful decorations, they bring smiles to every age. Whether you’re hosting a party or baking just for fun, these cupcakes add joy (and just the right amount of spook) to your fall celebrations.
Ready to bake more fall treats? Try Classic Pumpkin Spice Halloween Cookies or Ghostly Marshmallow Sandwich Cookies