Jack-O-Lantern Cupcakes

5 from 3 votes

Published on July 20, 2023

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These Jack-O-Lantern Cupcakes are perfect for all your Halloween parties. They are easy to make and sure to be a crowd favorite.

Easy Jack-O-Lantern Cupcakes Recipe:

If you are hosting a Halloween party make these easy and delicious Jack-O-Lantern Cupcakes. This recipe starts with a cake mix which saves time and money.

The made from scratch frosting adds flavor and is easy to make. Top with a fun Jack-O-Lantern face to make it the perfect Halloween treat.

We love making bake goods for the holiday season. This is one that my kids love to help with and can create their own. Invite friends and family over and make these fun and festive cupcakes.

The Best Halloween Cupcakes:

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. It is the beginning of cooler weather and the start of the holiday season. Making these Jack-O-Lantern cupcakes gets everyone in the mood.

These are the perfect cupcakes to serve while carving out pumpkins or for hosting a Halloween party.

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

Chocolate Cake Mix 16 ounces
Water
Vegetable Oil
Large Eggs

Frosting:

Unsalted Butter softened
Powdered Sugar
Milk
Clear Vanilla Extract
Orange Gel Food Coloring

For the Decorations:

Black Decorator Gel
Small Green Gumdrops

How to Make Jack-O-Lantern Cupcakes:

For the Cupcakes:

Step 1 – Heat Oven – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit Then line 2 cupcake pans with liners.
Step 2 – Mix Cake Ingredients – In a large bowl, stir together the cake mix, water, vegetable oil and eggs.
Step 3 – Fill Cupcake Liners – Pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them approximately ¾ full.
Step 4 – Bake Cupcakes – Bake for 18-21 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the cupcakes comes out clean.

Step 5 – Cool Cupcakes – Cool completely on wire racks.

Homemade Frosting:

Step 1 – Cream – Cream together the butter and powdered sugar until combined and smooth.
Step 2 – Add in Milk – Add in the milk and vanilla extract. Then mix for 1-2 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 3 – Add Food Coloring – Add in the orange food coloring until the frosting is a vibrant orange color.

Step 4 – Add Frosting – Top each of the cupcakes with the orange frosting.

How To Decorate:

Step 1 – Make Face – Make a Jack-O-Lantern face on each of the cupcakes with the black decorator gel.

Step 2 – Top with Green Candy – Place a green gumdrop candy on top of each cupcake for the stem.

Frosting the cupcakes and making the jack-o-lantern face

Step 3 – Serve and Enjoy – Then the cupcakes are ready to serve and enjoy.

Cupcake Jack O Lantern Recipe Tips:

Orange Food Coloring – We recommend using Wilton gel food coloring for a vibrant orange color. Continue to add a small amount of food coloring until it is the desired shade of orange. Gel food coloring is preferred over liquid food coloring.
Filling Cupcake Liners – Only fill the cupcake liners about ¾ full to prevent overfilling. If filled to full the cupcake batter could cause the cupcake to fall to the sides.
Room Temperature Cupcakes – Make sure the cupcakes have completely cooled before decorating. The icing will start to run and get messy if decorated too soon.
Mixing Frosting Ingredients – You want there to be air pockets in the frosting. Overmixing will get rid of these and the frosting will not be as light and fluffy.

Jack-O-Lantern Cupcakes close up on a cake stand

Variation Ideas:

Cake Mix – Feel free to use different types of cake mix.
Making Face – We used a decorating gel to create the face. But you can also use a piping bag with a pastry tip.
Green Frosting – Instead of using candy, you can use green frosting.