Decorating cupcakes are so much fun, especially with kids! I’m sharing how I made my Bite Me Cupcakes and Graveyard Cupcakes that are so cute and delicious!
CUPCAKE RECIPES
Bite Me Cupcakes: Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting with my my Raspberry Grand Marnier Sauce
Graveyard Cupcakes: While I used the same recipe for this post, I usually make my Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting and garnish as noted below. Allow the cupcakes to cool before you add the frosting and decorations. I like to use a piping tip to create the ribbon ridges needed to hold either the sauce or the dirty. You don’t want a smooth frosting on this one.
DECORATING
The Bite Me Cupcakes were very simple to decorate. Once the cupcakes have been frosted, add plastic vampire teeth from the dollar store and drizzled my Raspberry Grand Marnier Sauce for the blood. This is a very cool effect and the kids (of all ages) can play with the vampire teeth after. If you need a quick hack, add a little red food coloring to strawberry syrup for the same effect. If you’re making these for adults, make the Raspberry Grand Marnier Sauce – it’s always a huge hit!
The Graveyard Cupcakes require a little more work. You’ll need Graham cracker crust, Milano cookies, black food gel and bug sprinkles. I usually buy them on Amazon or my local craft store in the baking supply section.
Start by making the “dirt” with Graham crackers – full recipe below. While the “dirt” is baking, make the tombstone. Use the black gel to outline the Milano cookies and add a cross or R.I.P. in the upper half of the cookie. Set aside and allow the get to dry a bit. You’re decorating the upper half of the cookie since you’re pushing the bottom half into the cupcake to create the upright tombstone. You want RIP to be visible and not covered by frosting. If a cookie breaks, no worries, you’ll have partial or broken tombstones like in the old cemeteries. Simply arrange them as best you can.
When the Graham cracker “dirt” has completely cooled, sprinkle it onto the cupcake, insert your tombstone and add a few bugs and bones onto the dirt. That’s it!
Making the Graham Cracker Gritty Dirt:
• one sleeve Graham Crackers
• 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 Tablespoons melted butter
Crush the Graham crackers (in the food processor or a Ziploc bag with a mallet) and combine with the sugar and melted butter. Spread out on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F for 6-8 minutes. Allow to cool completely before using.
Note: I like to toast the Graham crackers for a crunchy bite, but it’s not required. You can skip the baking part and just add the crumbled Graham crackers.
Don’t be afraid to get creative or to get the kids involved! Halloween cupcake decorating is definitely a fun family activity. I’ll be adding more Halloween recipes and themed ideas.
