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Zombie Brain Cupcakes

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Zombie brain cupcakes are spooky, fun treats perfect for Halloween or horror-themed parties. With rich chocolate or red velvet bases and pink frosting piped to look like brains—plus a bloody jam center—they’re creepy, creative, and deliciously sweet with just the right touch of gore.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • For the cupcakes:
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder (or 2 tablespoons red food coloring for red velvet)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar (for red velvet)
  • 1/3 cup boiling water or brewed coffee (for chocolate flavor)
  • For the brain frosting:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Red or pink gel food coloring
  • Optional filling:
  • 1/4 cup raspberry or strawberry jam
  • Red gel icing or melted red candy, for drizzle

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
  2. In one bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa/red coloring, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix sugar, eggs, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and vinegar (if using).
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then stir in boiling water or coffee until smooth.
  5. Divide batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling about 2/3 full.
  6. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
  7. If using filling, core each cupcake and add jam or gel inside.
  8. For frosting, beat butter until creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Tint with food coloring.
  9. Pipe frosting using a small round tip in brain-like squiggles. Drizzle with red gel icing or melted candy for effect.

Notes

  • Use boxed cake mix to save time.
  • Add cherry pie filling or candy melts for a gooier surprise center.
  • Frost with neon or soft pink for different brain styles.
  • Top with candy eyeballs or bones for extra spookiness.
  • Store frosting and cupcakes separately if making ahead.
  • A zip-top bag with the tip snipped can sub for a piping bag.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/zombie-brain-cupcakes/