Ghost Cupcakes! Recipe

There is something truly magical about Ghost Cupcakes! These delightful treats combine the rich, chocolaty goodness of a perfectly baked cupcake with the light, airy sweetness of Italian meringue shaped like charming little ghosts. Whether you’re after a fun baking project or a spooky-themed dessert to impress your friends, Ghost Cupcakes! offer a fantastic blend of flavors and textures that will make every bite unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the key to making these cupcakes stand out. Each element plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of moist cake and fluffy meringue with just the right touch of sweetness and cocoa depth.

• 150 g unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cupcake base.
• 150 g light brown sugar: Provides a lovely hint of caramel flavor and natural sweetness.
• 125 g self-raising flour: Ensures your cupcakes rise beautifully and stay tender.
• 25 g cocoa powder: Introduces that deep chocolatey note, making the cupcakes beautifully rich.
• 3 medium eggs: Bind all the ingredients together while giving structure.
• 185 g granulated sugar: Needed for the Italian meringue to create that glossy and stable topping.
• 85 ml water: Helps dissolve the sugar into a syrup for the meringue.
• 100 g egg whites: Whisked to soft peaks, these become the fluffy canvas for your ghostly decorations.
• Melted dark chocolate: Used sparingly to paint on the little ghostly eyes and mouths with precision.

How to Make Ghost Cupcakes!

Step 1: Prepare Your Cupcake Base

Start by heating your oven to 180ºC (160ºC fan) and lining a cupcake tin with 12 large cases. The magic begins with beating the butter and light brown sugar together until fluffy and pale—this step is crucial for a soft crumb. Gradually add the eggs, then fold in the flour and cocoa powder. The batter should be smooth and luscious. Spoon it evenly into the cupcake cases and bake for 15-20 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Trust me, letting the cupcakes cool fully on a wire rack makes the meringue topping so much easier to work with.

Step 2: Make the Italian Meringue

While your cupcakes bake, combine the granulated sugar and water in a heavy-based saucepan and bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally. Be vigilant—once it starts boiling, watch for sugar crystals on the pan sides and brush them down with cold water to prevent crystallization. As your syrup nears 120ºC, start whisking egg whites in a stand mixer until they form stiff peaks. The key moment is when you slowly drizzle the hot sugar syrup into the egg whites while whisking continuously. This slow pour is what creates a silky, stable meringue. Keep whisking on high speed for 5-7 minutes until the mixture cools and becomes glossy.

Step 3: Pipe Your Ghostly Decorations

Now comes the fun artistry part! Fill a large disposable piping bag fitted with a round nozzle and practice piping ghost shapes. Start by forming a larger blob for the base and lift gently to create a tapering ghostly form. Repeat to create a smaller top section. This shape gives your Ghost Cupcakes! their signature spooky charm. Finally, pipe tiny dots of melted dark chocolate for eyes and a mouth. Don’t worry if it takes a couple of tries—each ghost will have its own lovable personality!

How to Serve Ghost Cupcakes!

Garnishes

Adding a little pizzazz on top can make your Ghost Cupcakes! even more festive. Consider decorating with edible glitter for a sparkling effect or tiny edible sugar pumpkins to up the autumn vibes. A few fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and freshness alongside the sweet meringue ghosts.

Side Dishes

Pair your cupcakes with some lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for those guests who want an extra creamy contrast. Warm spiced apple cider or a rich hot chocolate served alongside creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for Halloween celebrations or anytime you want to impress at a party.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is everything, especially with Ghost Cupcakes! Arrange them on a tiered cake stand surrounded by autumn leaves or mini pumpkins to create a hauntingly beautiful centerpiece. You can also place each on individual doilies inside small clear favor bags tied with twine for charming party favors or gifts that your guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with any leftover Ghost Cupcakes!, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Because the meringue topping is delicate, avoid refrigerating as it may cause the meringue to weep and lose its beautiful texture.

Freezing

While the cupcakes themselves freeze well, the meringue topping does not handle freezing gracefully. Freeze the plain cupcakes wrapped individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely and freshly pipe the meringue ghosts before serving.

Reheating

If your frozen cupcakes are thawed and you want to warm them slightly, do so gently in a low oven for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cupcakes tough and the meringue melt prematurely. Remember, your toppings are best added fresh for that perfect look and texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of light brown sugar in the cupcakes?

Yes, you can substitute light brown sugar with regular granulated sugar, but the cupcakes may lose a bit of their caramel-like depth that brown sugar adds. For best flavor, stick with light brown sugar if possible.

What makes Italian meringue different from other types?

Italian meringue is made by slowly pouring hot sugar syrup into whipped egg whites, which cooks the whites and stabilizes the foam. This creates a glossy, firm meringue that’s safe to eat and perfect for piping decorative shapes.

Can I make mini Ghost Cupcakes! instead of large ones?

Definitely! Just reduce the baking time slightly and keep an eye on them. Mini cupcakes make adorable bite-sized treats that guests will love.

Can I substitute dark chocolate eyes and mouths with something else?

Absolutely. You can use tiny fondant pieces, edible markers, or small candy eyes for decorating the ghosts. Each option adds a unique touch to your Ghost Cupcakes!

How long can I keep the decorated Ghost Cupcakes! before serving?

It’s best to decorate the cupcakes the same day you plan to serve them for optimal meringue texture and appearance. If you need to prepare in advance, store the cupcakes and topping separately and assemble shortly before serving.

Final Thoughts

Ghost Cupcakes! are such an enchanting way to blend baking with festive fun. Their rich chocolate base paired with airy, sweet meringue ghosts makes for a dessert that tastes as delightful as it looks. Whether you’re baking for Halloween or simply in the mood for a whimsical treat, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give these a go. Your friends and family will be enchanted, and you just might find a new all-time favorite to add to your baking repertoire!

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