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Spooky Gooey Cupcakes

These playful cupcakes are filled with colorful jam surprises inside, topped with vibrant buttercream frosting and decorated with spooky accents. The baking involves simple mixing, hollowing out centers, and filling with jam, resulting in a fun, chaotic treat with a gooey center and eye-catching exterior. Perfect for Halloween or any festive occasion that calls for a little mischief and delight.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup berry jam bright and tart
  • 1 cup unsalted butter for frosting, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice for frosting brightness
  • Food coloring neon green or purple for frosting tint
  • Candy eyes decorative candies for decoration
  • Gummy worms gummy candies for decoration
  • Edible shimmer dust for shimmer effect optional

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Silicone spatula
  • Mini spoon
  • Cupcake tray
  • Oven
  • Knife
  • Piping bags

Method
 

  1. Mix dry ingredients, including sifted flour and sugar, in a large bowl until combined.
  2. Add softened butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk to the dry mixture. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the batter is smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. The batter should be light and slightly thick.
  3. Divide the batter evenly among cupcake liners in a tray, filling each about two-thirds full. Place in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cupcakes will be domed and fragrant.
  4. While the cupcakes bake, prepare the frosting by beating softened butter with powdered sugar, adding lemon juice and food coloring. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and vibrant in color. Set aside.
  5. Once baked, remove cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tray for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before decorating.
  6. Use a small knife to carefully cut a tiny cone-shaped hole in the center of each cupcake, about 1 inch deep. Be gentle to avoid cracking the sides.
  7. Fill each hollowed-out center with a spoonful of berry jam, then gently cover with the small piece of cupcake or additional batter if needed to seal the filling.
  8. Frost the cooled cupcakes with vibrant buttercream, piping swirls on top for a playful, chaotic look. Use a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip for best results.
  9. Decorate the cupcakes with candy eyes, gummy worms, and, if desired, a touch of shimmer dust for an eerie glow. Arrange the decorations to look spooky and fun.
  10. Let the decorated cupcakes sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to set the frosting. Then, they’re ready to serve and delight your guests with their surprise-filled centers.

Notes

For best results, chill the cupcakes briefly after decorating to help set the frosting. Feel free to experiment with different colors and decorations to customize your spooky treats.