Zombie Brain Cupcakes

Why Make This Recipe

Zombie Brain Cupcakes are a fun and spooky treat perfect for Halloween or any party that needs a creepy touch. These cupcakes not only look cool but also taste delicious with a rich chocolate flavor. They are easy to make and will surely impress your guests, making them the highlight of your dessert table.

How to Make Zombie Brain Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (150 g)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (40 g)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk or whole milk (120 ml)
• 1/4 cup neutral oil
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup boiling water
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted (455 g)
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature (3 sticks)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 to 3 drops neon green liquid food coloring, or more as needed
• Red decorating gel for drizzling

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the buttermilk, oil, beaten egg, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Whisk until smooth.
4. Stir in the boiling water until everything is fully combined.
5. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full, using about 1/4 cup of batter for each.
6. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely, which takes about 1 hour.
7. In a stand mixer or a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat together the powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt until the mixture is bright white and very smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes.
8. Add green food coloring until you get a bold "zombie" green color.
9. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
10. Pipe a small mound of frosting in the center of each cupcake.
11. Pipe two straight vertical lines down the middle, then pipe squiggly lines on both sides to make it look like a brain.
12. Drizzle red decorating gel into the creases for a bloody effect.
13. Refrigerate until you are ready to serve.

How to Serve Zombie Brain Cupcakes

Zombie Brain Cupcakes are best served chilled. Place them on a spooky platter and watch as your guests are both amazed and a little freaked out. These cupcakes make for great conversation starters and are perfect for Halloween gatherings, horror movie nights, or themed parties.

How to Store Zombie Brain Cupcakes

If you have any leftovers, store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to keep them cool, especially if you live in a warm climate. Before serving, you can bring them to room temperature for the best taste.

Tips to Make Zombie Brain Cupcakes

• Make sure your butter is at room temperature for a smoother frosting.
• Adjust the amount of green food coloring based on how bright you want the "zombie" effect.
• Use gel food coloring for more vibrant color.
• Feel free to add gummy worms or edible eyeballs for an extra creepy effect!

Variation

You can change the color of the frosting to fit any theme. For example, use purple for a vampire party or orange for a classic pumpkin look. You can also switch to a vanilla cupcake base and keep the green frosting for a fun twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of milk?
Yes, you can use any milk you have on hand, such as almond milk or oat milk.

2. How can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

3. Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk and add a little vinegar or lemon juice to sour it for a similar effect.

4. Can I freeze the cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cupcakes without frosting. Wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.

5. How can I make the frosting easier to pipe?
If your frosting is too thick, you can add a little milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.