Description
These Creepy and Delicious Cockroach Cupcakes are the ultimate Halloween party treat—spooky enough to wow guests but still rich, chocolatey, and irresistible. With moist chocolate cupcakes, dark Gothic frosting, and realistic chocolate cockroach decorations, they’re the perfect addition to any Halloween dessert spread. Whether you’re planning a Halloween dinner buffet or creating Goth cakes for a themed party, these cupcakes deliver the perfect mix of creepy and sweet.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder (dark, for a Gothic vibe)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream
- Black gel food coloring
For the Cockroach Decorations:
- Melted chocolate or black candy melts
- Pretzel sticks (legs & antennae)
- Almonds or chocolate-covered raisins (bodies)
- Optional: candy eyes or edible glitter
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with spooky liners.
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla.
- Make batter: Combine wet and dry ingredients into a smooth batter.
- Bake: Divide into liners and bake for 18–20 minutes. Cool completely.
- Make frosting: Whip butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa, cream, and food coloring.
- Create cockroach decorations: Pipe melted chocolate bodies on parchment, add almonds or raisins, then pretzel legs. Chill to set.
- Assemble: Frost cupcakes and top with creepy cockroach decorations.
Notes
- Make cockroach decorations ahead of time for stress-free assembly.
- Add a glossy finish with corn syrup or edible glaze spray for realism.
- Use candy eyes if making a kid-friendly version.
- For extra creepiness, drizzle red gel “blood” over the cupcakes.
- Variations: Use gluten-free flour, vegan butter/milk, or try no-bake brownie cups instead of cupcakes.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Halloween Recipes, Cupcakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Halloween cupcakes, Cockroach cupcakes, Goth cakes, Spooky desserts, Halloween party food