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Halloween Vampire Bite Cupcakes with Creepy Red Centers

Spooky red-filled cupcakes perfect for Halloween parties, featuring a chocolate base and creamy frosting with a creepy surprise center.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Halloween
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cupcakes
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs large
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.75 cup buttermilk
Creepy Red Filling
  • 0.5 cup raspberry jam or cherry preserves
  • 2 tbsp corn syrup optional
Frosting
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3-4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Red food coloring optional

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Muffin pan
  • Cupcake liners
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
  4. Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture until just combined.
  5. Scoop batter evenly into liners, filling ⅔ full.
  6. Bake 18–22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on wire rack.
  7. Warm preserves and mix with corn syrup if using. Set aside.
  8. Core cupcakes and spoon 1–2 teaspoons of filling into each hollow.
  9. Replace top portion of cake and prepare frosting by beating butter and powdered sugar, adding cream and vanilla.
  10. Frost cupcakes and optionally add red food coloring.
  11. Decorate with chocolate fangs, candy teeth, or sprinkles.

Notes

Serve immediately for best effect. Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.