Description
Alright, so you want Halloween treats that are absolutely adorable and way more fun than regular cupcakes? Meet Frankenstein Cupcakes — basically the cutest monsters you’ll ever eat. These green little guys are basically chocolate cupcakes frosted with bright green frosting, topped with a marshmallow head that gets decorated with candy eyes, licorice bolts, and all kinds of spooky personality. They’re the kind of treat that makes kids (and let’s be honest, adults) absolutely lose their minds. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, which means you can crank out a whole army of Frankenstein cupcakes without losing your sanity. Perfect for Halloween parties, school functions, or just because October is the best month for themed treats.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (or 12 homemade chocolate cupcakes)
- Ingredients for cake mix as directed on box
- 24 standard cupcake liners
For the Green Frosting:
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3–4 tbsp whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring (the amount varies based on brand and desired brightness)
- Pinch of salt
For the Frankenstein Heads:
- 24 large marshmallows
- 1 container (16 oz) chocolate frosting or melted chocolate
- 2 tbsp shortening or coconut oil (to thin chocolate if needed)
For the Monster Features:
- 48 candy eyes or chocolate chips with white icing
- 24 black licorice pieces (for bolts) or black frosting
- Green frosting (for eyebrows and mouth details)
- Black frosting or edible marker (for mouth)
- Crushed Oreos or chocolate cake crumbs (for hair, optional)
For Assembly:
- Small piping bags or zip-top bags
- Toothpicks for positioning
Instructions
Follow package directions for chocolate cake mix.
Divide batter among cupcake liners.
Bake according to package directions until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool completely — this is important for frosting!
Beat softened butter until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
Add milk and vanilla extract.
Beat until smooth and spreadable.
Add green gel food coloring gradually until you get that perfect Frankenstein green.
Start with 1/4 tsp and keep adding until the color is vibrant and spooky.
Using a piping bag or spatula, frost each cooled cupcake with green frosting.
Make it look generously covered — this is the Frankenstein face!
Leave a little peak in the center for where the marshmallow head will go.
If using chocolate frosting, spread a thin layer on top of each cupcake.
If melting chocolate, combine with shortening to thin it out so it’s pourable.
This creates a sticky base for the marshmallow to sit on.
Carefully place one large marshmallow on top of each frosted cupcake.
It should sit securely on the chocolate base.
Use a toothpick to gently position if needed.
Using chocolate frosting in a piping bag (or just a small knife), make two dots on each marshmallow.
Press candy eyes into the frosting or attach with a tiny bit of frosting.
Alternatively, use chocolate chips or candy eyeballs.
For the classic Frankenstein look, press black licorice pieces into each side of the marshmallow head (like bolts through the neck).
Use licorice strips, black frosting, or even black candies.
This is the signature Frankenstein feature!
Using green frosting, pipe eyebrows above each eye for extra personality.
Draw or pipe a mouth with black frosting — make it grumpy, silly, or whatever personality fits.
Add crushed Oreos or chocolate cake crumbs to the top for “hair” if desired.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving so everything sets up nicely.
These are best served cold — the marshmallow is fluffier that way.
Arrange on a spooky platter for maximum Halloween vibes.
Notes
Display on a Halloween-themed cupcake stand or tiered platter.
Surround with other Halloween candy for a spooky dessert table.
Perfect for trick-or-treating neighbors or classroom Halloween parties.
Great for photo ops — these cuties are Instagram-worthy!
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~185 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~29g
- Protein: ~2g