If you are looking for a delightfully spooky and surprisingly simple treat to wow friends and family, this Marshmallow Ghost Cupcakes Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining rich chocolate cupcakes with fluffy marshmallow ghosts that practically glow with vanilla frosting, this recipe is playful, festive, and perfect for any occasion that calls for a bit of fun and sweetness. It’s easy enough for bakers of all levels, yet impressive enough to make your dessert table unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Marshmallow Ghost Cupcakes Recipe plays a crucial role, from providing a moist cake base to creating that charming ghostly look with marshmallows and vanilla frosting. These simple staples come together to deliver fantastic flavors and textures that make each bite a treat.
- 1 box chocolate cake mix: The foundation of these cupcakes, giving a deep, chocolaty flavor and moist crumb without the fuss of making from scratch.
- Vanilla frosting: Adds a creamy, sweet coating that mimics ghostly softness and helps hold your marshmallows in place.
- 24 large marshmallows: The star decoration, creating adorable ghost shapes that melt in your mouth.
- Black icing: Essential for adding the spooky eyes and mouth on each ghost, bringing your cupcakes to life.
How to Make Marshmallow Ghost Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tins
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, a perfect temperature for baking cupcakes that are tender and evenly cooked. Line two 12-count muffin tins with cupcake liners to keep your cupcakes from sticking and make removal a breeze after baking.
Step 2: Mix Your Chocolate Cake Batter
Follow the easy instructions on your chocolate cake mix box to prepare the batter. This step is straightforward, but following the directions precisely ensures your cupcakes will rise beautifully and have that perfect moist texture.
Step 3: Bake Until Perfectly Done
Pour the batter evenly into each cupcake liner, filling about two-thirds full to allow room for rising. Bake for about 18-20 minutes; to check doneness, insert a toothpick into a cupcake—if it comes out clean, your cupcakes are ready to come out of the oven.
Step 4: Let the Cupcakes Cool
Once baked, transfer your cupcakes to a cooling rack and allow them to come to room temperature completely. This step is important so the frosting and marshmallow decorations don’t melt or slide off.
Step 5: Attach the Marshmallow Ghosts
Spread a small dab of vanilla frosting on the bottom of each large marshmallow. This acts like glue, helping the marshmallows stick securely on top of each cupcake. Place one marshmallow on each cooled cupcake, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 6: Melt the Vanilla Frosting
To give your ghost cupcakes a smooth, glossy finish, scoop a few tablespoons of vanilla frosting into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for about 10 seconds just until it softens, then stir well.
Step 7: Coat the Marshmallows
Use a spoon to carefully drizzle the melted vanilla frosting over each marshmallow ghost, letting it cover all sides. This chilly, sweet glaze adds a silky texture and keeps the ghost’s shape intact. Repeat until all marshmallows are coated.
Step 8: Add the Final Ghostly Features
Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes, then use black icing to draw eerie yet adorable ghost faces. Two eyes and a mouth on each marshmallow will instantly turn these cupcakes into charming little ghosts ready for the spotlight.
How to Serve Marshmallow Ghost Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your cupcake presentation, consider sprinkling a little edible glitter or purple and orange sprinkles around the base for a festive fall vibe. Fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar can also add a delicate touch that complements the sweet vanilla and chocolate flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these cupcakes alongside a warm cup of spiced apple cider or rich hot chocolate to keep the cozy, seasonal spirit alive. A light fruit salad with citrus notes can balance the sweetness and add freshness to your dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Marshmallow Ghost Cupcakes Recipe on a tiered cake stand surrounded by mini pumpkins or autumn leaves for a festive centerpiece. You could also place each cupcake in a decorated paper cup or wrap a decorative Halloween-themed ribbon around each liner for a fun party favor idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat to prevent the marshmallow ghosts from melting or becoming sticky.
Freezing
These cupcakes freeze well if you want to prepare in advance. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to one month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Note that the decorative frosting glaze might slightly soften with freezing.
Reheating
To enjoy your cupcakes at their best after freezing, let them thaw completely first. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can cause the marshmallow decoration to melt. Instead, serve them chilled or at room temperature for perfect texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of cake mix?
Absolutely! While this Marshmallow Ghost Cupcakes Recipe uses a box mix for convenience, homemade chocolate cake batter will work beautifully if you prefer. Just ensure it’s a recipe that yields a moist, sturdy cupcake to hold the marshmallow ghost decoration.
What if I don’t have black icing for the ghost faces?
If black icing isn’t on hand, you can use melted chocolate or edible markers designed for decorating. Alternatively, mini chocolate chips can be pressed lightly into the marshmallows to create eyes and a mouth.
Can I use different flavors for the frosting?
Vanilla frosting is classic here because it contrasts nicely with the chocolate cake and helps create that ghostly look, but feel free to experiment with cream cheese or cream-flavored frostings. Just keep in mind that the frosting must be meltable to coat the marshmallows smoothly.
How do I make sure the marshmallows don’t slide off the cupcakes?
Spreading a bit of frosting on the bottom of each marshmallow acts as a sticky base that helps them grip the cupcake’s surface. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before attaching the marshmallows so the frosting doesn’t melt and lose its hold.
Are these cupcakes suitable for kids’ parties?
Definitely! The Marshmallow Ghost Cupcakes Recipe is kid-friendly, fun to make, and adorable to look at. Kids usually love helping with the decoration steps, especially drawing ghost faces and coating marshmallows with frosting.
Final Thoughts
This Marshmallow Ghost Cupcakes Recipe is a delightful surprise that’s easy to make, fun to decorate, and irresistibly tasty. Whether you’re baking for a festive holiday or just want to share a sweet moment with loved ones, these cupcakes bring joy and smiles with every bite. Give this recipe a try, and watch how quickly these little ghosts disappear from your plate and into happy memories.
Print
Marshmallow Ghost Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 24 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Marshmallow Ghost Cupcakes are a fun and spooky treat perfect for Halloween or any ghostly celebration. Moist chocolate cupcakes are topped with large marshmallows, covered in melted vanilla frosting to create a smooth ghostly appearance, and finished with black icing eyes and mouths for a playful effect.
Ingredients
Cupcake Base
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- Ingredients required by cake mix package (usually eggs, oil, water)
Toppings
- Vanilla frosting (enough for spreading and melting, approximately 2 cups)
- 24 large marshmallows
- Black icing (for decorating eyes and mouth)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Prepare the batter: Mix the chocolate cake batter according to the instructions on the cake mix box, ensuring a smooth and even consistency.
- Bake the cupcakes: Pour the batter evenly into the liners and bake for 18-20 minutes. Around 18 minutes, test doneness by inserting a toothpick in a cupcake; if it comes out clean, the cupcakes are ready.
- Cool the cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely to room temperature before applying toppings.
- Attach marshmallows: Spread a small amount of vanilla frosting on the bottom of each large marshmallow, then place each on top of a cooled cupcake to help them stick securely.
- Melt frosting: Scoop the vanilla frosting into a microwave-safe glass dish and heat it for about 10 seconds. Stir well to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Coat marshmallows: Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the melted vanilla frosting over each marshmallow, covering all sides to create a ghostly white shell. Repeat for all cupcakes.
- Decorate ghosts: Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes. Use black icing to carefully draw two eyes and a mouth on each marshmallow to create friendly ghost faces.
Notes
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before attaching marshmallows to prevent melting.
- You can use store-bought black icing or pipe your own using black food coloring and frosting.
- For a firmer frosting coating, chill cupcakes briefly after coating the marshmallows.
- This recipe yields 24 cupcakes, perfect for parties or events.
