These Ghost Cupcakes have a fudgy brownie base, a hidden orange cream Oreo, and a fluffy Cool Whip ghost on top. They're a fun Halloween treat that's just as delicious as it is cute.
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Do you ever look back at things you did when you were younger and think, "What was I thinking?" My friends and I thought it would be fun to play ghost in the graveyard at a secluded cemetery out in the country. I'm pretty sure we were there more than once and didn't think much of it.
Now that I'm older and have kids of my own, I think about all the scary things that could have happened out there in the dark. If my kids ever told me they were doing that, I'd take their keys away!
Thankfully, these ghost cupcakes are a much safer (and delicious) kind of ghost activity. They're one of my favorite Halloween party treats because they are easy to make and have a cute ghost and hidden Oreo surprise. I love watching people bite into one and discover the cookie on the bottom.
Why You'll Love These Halloween Ghost Cupcakes
- Easy to make. A boxed brownie mix keeps things easy during a busy Halloween week.
- A hidden Oreo surprise. Each one has a cream-filled cookie baked into the bottom.
- Cute ghost toppings. Fluffy Cool Whip ghosts and candy eyes make these treats extra fun for Halloween.
Ingredients Needed
You only need a few simple ingredients to make these Halloween brownie cupcakes. Grab your favorite box mix and decorating essentials to turn them into spooky treats.
- Brownie Mix: Use a mix for a 9x13 pan, along with the water, vegetable oil, and eggs listed on the package. You can also use your favorite homemade brownie recipe.
- Orange Cream-Filled Oreos: Any cookie flavor works for the bottom of the cupcakes, but I like the orange filling for this time of year.
- Chocolate Fudge Frosting: Canned frosting is an easy way to add a rich chocolate layer without extra work.
- Halloween Sprinkles: Use your favorite sprinkle mix to add a pop of color.
- Candy Eyeballs: Find these in the cake decorating aisle of craft stores or larger retailers.
- Cool Whip: I like using a whipped topping because it makes light, fluffy ghosts. Vanilla buttercream also works, but it will be heavier.
Cupcake Variations
- Use a different Oreo flavor. Can't find the orange cream cookies? Regular Oreos or Golden Ores work just as well.
- Make your own eyes. Use chocolate chips or dots of black frosting if you can't find the candy ones.
How To Make Ghost Cupcakes
These spooky ghost cupcakes are easy and fun to make. Start by preheating your oven and placing liners in a muffin pan.
- Bake the cupcakes. Prepare the brownie batter and add a cookie to the bottom of each liner. Fill and bake, then cool on a wire rack before decorating.
- Add the frosting. Microwave about half the can of frosting for 20 seconds, then stir until smooth. Spread a thin layer on top of each cupcake, then add sprinkles around the edges before it sets.
- Pipe the ghosts. Spoon thawed Cool Whip into a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe a ghost shape swirl onto each cupcake, making it narrower at the top.
- Add the eyes. Press two candy eyeballs into the topping right before serving.
BruCrew Tips
- Keep the Oreos from sticking. Add a small spoonful of brownie batter in the bottom of each liner before placing the cookie on top.
- Cool the cupcakes completely. If the treats are even slightly warm, the toppings will melt and deflate.
- Don't overheat the frosting. Microwave it in short increments, stirring between each one, until it's smooth and easy to spread.
Storing and Freezing
Refrigerate the decorated cupcakes in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Just make sure the container is tall enough so you don't squish the ghosts.
You can also bake the brownies ahead of time and store them on the counter in a container until you are ready to decorate. Once you add the whipped dairy topping, store them in the fridge.
More Easy Halloween Cupcakes
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Recipe
Brownie Ghost Cupcakes
These fun Ghost Brownie Cupcakes have a hidden cookie surprise in the bottom of each one. Great treat for Halloween parties.
Ingredients
- 1 - 9x13 box brownie mix
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 16 orange cream filled Oreos
- 1 - 16 ounce container chocolate fudge frosting
- 1 - 8 ounce container Cool Whip, thawed
- sprinkles
- candy eyes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place 16 cupcake liners in a muffin tin. Place an Oreo cookie in the bottom of the liners.
- Mix together the brownie mix, water, oil, and eggs until combined. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared liners. Bake for 22 minutes. Remove and let cool in the pan for 2-4 minutes, then remove to a wire rack. Cool completely.
- Open the frosting and remove the metal liner. Spoon half the frosting in a microwave safe bowl and heat for 20 seconds. Stir until creamy.
- Spread the frosting on the tops of the cooled cupcakes. Add sprinkles around the edges of the frosting. Let set.
- Spoon the Cool Whip into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Swirl ghost shapes on top of each cupcake. Add eyes. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 155Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 20mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 3gSugar: 13gProtein: 3g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
Lisa Artacho says
I made these yesterday, but my cupcake liners completely stuck to the Oreo, any suggestions?
Jocelyn says
Oh, no! I've made them a few times and never had them stick. Did you peel them right away or let them cool? You could always put a little bit of brownie batter in the bottom first so they don't stick again.
Cakespy says
These are just too cute! Full of character (and tastiness)!!
Maureen Blackburn says
I just loved these as the brownie version, but as a cupcake they are even better, and just soooo cute!! The way you have presented these makes me want to eat a dozen!!!