Halloween Ghost Cupcakes

Name: Halloween Ghost Cupcakes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-488356H13M49S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large egg whites; 1/4 tsp cream of tartar; 1/2 cup white sugar; 1 stick unsalted butter (softened); 2 cups confectioners' sugar; 2 tbsp milk; purple gel food coloring; black decorating frosting

Published: September 4, 2025

by Lucille

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear instructions, these cupcakes can be whipped up in no time.
Fun Presentation: The ghostly meringue topping creates an eye-catching look that’s perfect for Halloween.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet buttercream and light meringue makes these cupcakes irresistible.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for Halloween parties, school events, or as a creative dessert option any time of the year.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin creating your spooky treats, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Electric mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Piping bags
Wilton piping tips (#12 and #3)

Importance of Each Tool

Electric mixer: This is essential for achieving the fluffy texture needed for both the meringue and buttercream frosting.
Piping bags: These allow you to decorate your cupcakes easily and create beautiful ghost shapes with precision.

Ingredients

Make cute purple ghost cupcakes with white meringue ghosts on top!

For the Meringue Ghosts

2 large Egg Whites (Room Temperature)
1/4 tsp Cream of Tartar
1/2 cup White Sugar

For the Buttercream Frosting

1 stick Unsalted Butter (softened)
2 cups Confectioner’s Sugar
2 tbsp Milk
Purple Gel Food Coloring

For Decoration

Black Decorating Frosting

How to Make Halloween Ghost Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside while you prepare the meringue.

Step 2: Prepare the Meringue Mixture

Pour egg whites into a large bowl.
Start beating them on low speed using an electric mixer.
Add cream of tartar once the egg whites are frothy.

Step 3: Sweeten It Up

Gradually add sugar while increasing the mixer speed to high.
Continue mixing until the mixture turns bright white and forms semi-stiff peaks.

Step 4: Pipe Meringue Ghosts

Scoop the meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with Wilton tip #12.
Pipe out mounds on the lined baking sheet, creating bases about 1 inch in diameter that rise to about 2 inches high.

Step 5: Bake Meringues

Bake for 2 hours at 200 degrees F. After this time, turn off the oven but leave the meringues inside for an additional 30 minutes to dry completely.

Step 6: Make Buttercream Frosting

While the meringues bake:
1. In a large bowl, combine softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, and milk.
2. Beat together with an electric mixer until smooth.
3. Add one small drop of purple gel food coloring and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 7: Frost Cupcakes

Scoop out purple buttercream into another piping bag fitted with Wilton tip #12. Frost each cupcake generously with buttercream.

Step 8: Decorate Meringues

Once cooled, remove meringues from the oven:
1. Attach a Wilton tip #3 on black decorating frosting.
2. Pipe eyes and mouths onto each meringue ghost.

Step 9: Assemble Your Cupcakes

Place one meringue ghost on top of each frosted cupcake. If you have any extra meringues, serve them alongside for an extra treat!

Enjoy these festive Halloween Ghost Cupcakes, perfect for spreading some spooky cheer!

How to Serve Halloween Ghost Cupcakes

Serving Halloween Ghost Cupcakes can be a delightful experience, especially when you get creative with their presentation. Here are some fun and festive ideas to make your spooky treats the star of the show.

Festive Platter

Arrange cupcakes on a decorative platter surrounded by candy corn or small pumpkins for a colorful display.

Individual Boxes

Place each cupcake in a small, clear box tied with purple or black ribbon. This makes for great party favors.

Halloween-themed Cake Stand

Use a cake stand designed with pumpkins or ghosts to elevate your cupcakes and add height to your table setting.

Spooky Labels

Create fun labels for each cupcake, describing them as “Ghostly Delights” or “Meringue Monsters” for an extra touch of creativity.

Themed Napkins and Plates

Serve cupcakes on Halloween-themed plates and use matching napkins to enhance the overall spooky aesthetic.

How to Perfect Halloween Ghost Cupcakes

Perfecting your Halloween Ghost Cupcakes is all about attention to detail and technique. Here are some helpful tips to achieve spooktacular results.

Use Room Temperature Egg Whites: This helps create a more stable meringue that holds its shape better when baked.
Beat Until Stiff Peaks Form: Ensure your meringue reaches stiff peaks for the best ghost shapes; it should stand firmly without drooping.
Pipe Quickly: Work swiftly when piping your meringue ghosts to maintain their shape, as the mixture can start to settle.
Monitor Oven Temperature: Keep an eye on the oven temperature while baking meringues; too high can cause them to crack.
Cool Gradually: Allow the meringue to cool in the oven after baking. This prevents sudden temperature changes that could lead to cracks.

Best Side Dishes for Halloween Ghost Cupcakes

Pairing side dishes with your Halloween Ghost Cupcakes can enhance your dessert table. Here are some tasty options that complement the spooky theme perfectly.

Pumpkin Soup: A creamy and spiced soup that adds warmth and seasonal flavor to your spread.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with rice, veggies, or turkey make for a hearty addition that’s easy to prepare.
Spooky Veggie Platter: Arrange an assortment of vegetables in ghostly shapes alongside dip, perfect for snacking between sweets.
Spider Web Dip: Layered bean dip decorated with sour cream webs can serve as a fun savory option.
Cheese and Crackers Board: A selection of cheeses arranged artfully can provide balance against sweet treats while adding variety.
Witch’s Brew Salad: A mixed green salad topped with dried fruits and nuts; serve it in a cauldron-like bowl for flair.
Mini Chicken Tacos: Bite-sized tacos filled with seasoned chicken offer a savory bite that pairs well with cupcakes.
Candy Corn Fruit Cups: Layered fruit salad resembling candy corn adds sweetness while keeping things fresh and fruity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Halloween Ghost Cupcakes can be fun, but certain mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

Bold Egg Whites: Not using room temperature egg whites can affect the meringue’s volume. Always let them sit out for about 30 minutes before whipping.
Bold Incorrect Mixing Speed: Starting on high speed can deflate your meringue. Begin mixing on low and gradually increase to prevent losing air.
Bold Overbaking Meringue: Baking meringues for too long can lead to a chewy texture. Follow the timing closely and let them cool in the oven after baking.
Bold Insufficient Buttercream Tinting: Adding too much food coloring at once can make it difficult to achieve the desired shade. Use just a drop at a time and mix thoroughly.
Bold Ignoring Frosting Technique: Applying frosting without a piping bag may result in uneven coverage. Invest in a piping bag for a professional finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep the meringue ghosts separate from frosted cupcakes to maintain texture.

Freezing Halloween Ghost Cupcakes

Wrap cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Halloween Ghost Cupcakes

Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10 minutes to restore freshness.
Bold Microwave: Heat individual cupcakes on low power for about 10-15 seconds, checking frequently.
Bold Stovetop: Place cupcakes in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Halloween Ghost Cupcakes, this section is here to help!

What are Halloween Ghost Cupcakes?

Halloween Ghost Cupcakes are festive treats topped with fluffy white meringue shaped like ghosts, perfect for spooky celebrations.

How do I make the meringue ghosts?

To make the meringue ghosts, whip egg whites with cream of tartar and sugar until stiff peaks form, then pipe into ghost shapes.

Can I customize my Halloween Ghost Cupcakes?

Absolutely! You can change the frosting color or add different toppings like edible glitter or sprinkles for extra flair.

How should I store my Halloween Ghost Cupcakes?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them wrapped well for up to two months.

Are there alternatives to traditional frosting?

Yes! Consider using vegan butter or plant-based frostings if you prefer dairy-free options while still maintaining delicious flavors.

Final Thoughts

Halloween Ghost Cupcakes are not only adorable but also versatile. You can customize them with different colors or flavors to suit your taste. These delightful treats are perfect for any Halloween gathering, so don’t hesitate to try this recipe!

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