How to Make Red Velvet Halloween Eyeball Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
How to make homemade red velvet Halloween Eyeball Cupcakes with cream cheese frosting for a spooky Halloween treat to share.
Halloween is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen, and there’s no better way to embrace the spooky season than with Halloween Eyeball Cupcakes. These eye-catching treats (pun intended!) are made with rich red velvet cupcakes and creamy cream cheese frosting, and they’re decorated to look like bloodshot eyeballs. Not only are they perfect for a Halloween party, but they also bring a deliciously eerie touch to any gathering.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make these Halloween Eyeball Cupcakes, from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to fun ways to use this recipe and variations to try. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these spooky cupcakes are easy to make and guaranteed to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect for Halloween
You’ll love these Halloween Eyeball Cupcakes because they are the ideal spooky treat for any Halloween celebration. Whether you’re throwing a haunted house party or just want a fun activity to do with your kids, these cupcakes will fit right in. The creepy candy eyeballs and bloodshot frosting lines are sure to be the talk of the party, adding that perfect mix of fun and fright to your dessert table.
Rich Red Velvet and Cream Cheese Combo
On top of their spooky design, these cupcakes are made with a classic red velvet base and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. The rich, moist texture of the red velvet pairs perfectly with the tangy sweetness of the cream cheese, creating a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist. The red coloring also gives them an extra Halloween flair, while the creamy frosting balances out the flavors for a treat that’s both fun and delicious.
Ingredients for Halloween Eyeball Cupcakes
Before you start, gather all the ingredients you’ll need to whip up a batch of these spooky cupcakes:
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For the cupcakes:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (or one whole bottle)
For the frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- Additional red food coloring
- Eyeball candies for decoration (Here are some options, Gummy Eyeballs, Marshmallow Eyeballs, Gumballs)
How to Make Halloween Eyeball Cupcakes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with cupcake liners. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer or using a large mixing bowl and an electric hand mixer, beat the softened butter until smooth. Add the sugar and continue to mix until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- Add the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Mix until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Add red food coloring: Stir in the red food coloring until the batter reaches your desired level of redness. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure an even color throughout.
- Fill the cupcake liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each one about two-thirds full.
- Bake the cupcakes: Place the cupcakes in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
Frosting Instructions:
- Prepare the frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer (again you can use a medium mixing bowl and hand mixer), beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Then, increase the speed and whip the frosting until light and fluffy.
- Tint a portion of the frosting: Remove about ½ cup of frosting and tint it red with food coloring. Transfer this red frosting into a piping bag.
- Frost the cupcakes: Using a piping bag with a large round tip, pipe a large mound of white frosting in the center of each cooled cupcake. Then, use the red frosting to pipe squiggly lines from the center outward, creating a bloodshot effect.
- Add the eyeballs: Place a candy eyeball in the center of each cupcake to complete the spooky design.
Places to Take or Use Halloween Eyeball Cupcakes
These Halloween Eyeball Cupcakes are a showstopper at any Halloween event. Here are a few fun occasions where these eerie treats will shine:
- Halloween Parties: Whether it’s a kids’ Halloween party or an adult costume bash, these cupcakes will be a hit with guests of all ages.
- Classroom Celebrations: If you’re looking for a fun treat to send to school, these cupcakes are both festive and easy to serve.
- Potlucks: Bring a platter of these cupcakes to your next fall potluck or work gathering—they’ll definitely stand out among the crowd.
- Halloween Movie Night: Hosting a spooky movie marathon? Serve these eyeball cupcakes alongside popcorn for the ultimate creepy snack spread.
Variations for Halloween Eyeball Cupcakes
While this red velvet version is delicious, you can easily change things up to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
- Chocolate Eyeball Cupcakes: Swap the red velvet for chocolate cupcakes by eliminating the red food coloring and using more cocoa powder. Go for double chocolate by adding in a cup of chocolate chips.
- Vegan Eyeball Cupcakes: Use plant-based butter, milk, and cream cheese to make these cupcakes vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-Free Eyeball Cupcakes: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour to make these cupcakes safe for anyone with gluten sensitivities.
- Different Colored Eyes: Instead of red bloodshot lines, try green or blue food coloring for a unique twist on the classic design.
Can These Cupcakes Be Stored or Made Ahead?
Storage
Absolutely! These Halloween Eyeball Cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving so that the frosting softens up again.
Make Ahead Instructions
If you want to make them ahead of time, you can bake the cupcakes a day or two before the event and store them (unfrosted) in the fridge. Then, frost and decorate them on the day of your party. You can also make the frosting a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick whip before using it to ensure it’s light and fluffy.
Common Questions About Halloween Eyeball Cupcakes
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought frosting to save some time. However, homemade cream cheese frosting gives a richer flavor and works best for the texture and taste.
How do I prevent the frosting from melting?
Since these cupcakes use cream cheese frosting, it’s best to keep them cool, especially if you’re serving them at a warm party. Store the cupcakes in the fridge and take them out about 20 minutes before serving to let them come to room temperature.
Where can I find candy eyeballs?
Candy eyeballs are available at most grocery stores during the Halloween season. You can also find them at craft stores or online retailers like Amazon (I have linked some options in the ingredient list).
Halloween Eyeball Cupcakes (Red Velvet w/ Cream Cheese Frosting)
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
- 1 c unsalted butter softened
- 2 c sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 t vanilla
- ½ c milk
- 1 c sour cream
- 2 ½ c flour
- 1 t baking soda
- 1 t baking powder
- ½ t salt
- ½ c cocoa powder
- 1 T or one whole bottle red food coloring
For the Frosting
- 1 c unsalted butter softened
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 t vanilla
- 1 t salt
- 4 c powdered sugar
- Additional red food coloring
- Eyeball candies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a standard cupcake tin with liners and set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter until smooth.
- Add the sugar and cream until combined.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla – mixing well until combined. Scrape the sides often.
- Add in the remaining dry ingredients – flour, salt, powder, soda and cocoa powder. Mix until combined and smooth.
- Add the red food coloring and mix well – scraping the sides as needed until thoroughly combined.
- Divide between the cupcake liners and fill until about ⅔ full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the center is set. Allow to cool before decorating.
- For the frosting – in the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter and the cream cheese. Mix until smooth.
- Add in the vanilla, salt and about half of the powdered sugar. Mix on low until smooth.
- Scrape the sides and then add in the remaining powdered sugar and mix on low until combined.
- Bump up the speed to medium and whip the frosting for about a minute until smooth and fluffy.
- Reserve about ½ a cup of frosting in a small bowl and tint red. Place the frosting in a piping bag and set aside.
- Transfer the remaining frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Set aside.
- To assemble – decorate only once cupcakes are cool. Pipe a large round mound of frosting in the center of each cupcake.
- Pipe squiggly lines from the center of the cupcake and down the sides, about 4-5 per cupcake to make it look like blood-shot eyes.
- Place an eyeball candy in the center of each cupcake and press into the frosting to secure.
Notes
Conclusion
Halloween is all about fun, fright, and creativity, and these Halloween Eyeball Cupcakes deliver on all three! They’re not only a visual treat but also delightfully delicious with their red velvet base and creamy frosting. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or just want to make something fun for the family, these spooky cupcakes are sure to be a hit.
So, what are you waiting for? Try making these eyeball cupcakes for your next Halloween celebration, and don’t forget to share your creations with us by tagging us on social media!
More of the best Halloween games, free printables, and new ideas for a good time on Halloween Night:
- Halloween Don’t Eat Pete-simple game
- Halloween Word Search
- Halloween Color by Number
- You’ve Been Spooked
- Trick or Treat Bingo Game Boards
- Halloween Think Fast Game
- Halloween Party Games Bundle
- Halloween Brown Butter Sprinkle Cookies-Halloween Treat
- How to Carve Jack O’ Lanterns
- Halloween Crayon Holders
- Halloween Trivia for Kids
- Halloween Mystery Picture Color by Number
- Halloween Coloring Pages
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Hi there!
I’m Emily, a mom and wife with a passion for crafting, celebrating holidays, and creating memorable moments. From Idaho to the world, The Benson Street is a treasure trove of easy, fun DIY projects, delightful printables, and delicious recipes. With over a decade of experience in blogging and a love for all things seasonal, I’m here to share my tips, ideas, and occasional mishaps. Join me in adding a dash of joy and creativity to every day! Read more…
