Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ghostly cupcake cones are a delightful way to bring a touch of spooky fun to your Halloween celebrations. These treats combine the joy of cupcakes with the novelty of serving them in ice cream cones, creating a handheld dessert that is both playful and delicious. Light and fluffy cupcakes are baked directly inside the cones, then topped with swirls of white frosting to resemble little ghosts. Candy eyes complete the look, giving them a charmingly eerie personality. They are not only eye-catching but also practical—no need for cupcake liners or plates, making them ideal for parties and gatherings. Children adore their whimsical appearance, while adults appreciate the creativity and festive flair. Easy to customize with flavors and decorations, ghostly cupcake cones are a versatile recipe that brings smiles (and perhaps a few giggles) to the Halloween dessert table.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Every ingredient in these cupcake cones plays a key role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, structure, and spooky charm.
Ice cream cones act as the edible holders for the cupcakes. They eliminate the need for wrappers while adding a crisp, sweet crunch.
All-purpose flour provides the structure for the cupcakes, ensuring they rise beautifully while baking inside the cones.
Sugar sweetens the batter and contributes to a tender crumb.
Baking powder helps the cupcakes rise light and fluffy, giving them a soft texture.
Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Butter adds richness and moisture, ensuring the cupcakes are soft and flavorful.
Eggs help bind the batter together and contribute to a light, airy texture.
Milk keeps the batter moist while adding a subtle creaminess to the cupcakes.
Vanilla extract brings warmth and sweetness, complementing the cupcake’s simple flavor profile.
White frosting is the star of the ghostly look, piped in tall swirls to form the ghost shape.
Candy eyes add the finishing touch, turning simple swirls of frosting into playful little ghosts.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a muffin tin by placing a flat-bottomed ice cream cone in each cup to keep them stable during baking.
In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until a smooth batter forms.
Fill each ice cream cone about two-thirds full with the batter to allow space for rising. Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
Once cooled, pipe generous swirls of white frosting on top of each cupcake cone to create a ghostly figure. Press two candy eyes into the frosting to bring your ghosts to life.
Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to delight your guests.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 ghostly cupcake cones. Preparation takes around 20 minutes, baking requires 20 minutes, and decorating adds an additional 15 minutes. In total, you can expect them to be ready in under an hour.
Storage/reheating
Store decorated cupcake cones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days, though the cones may soften slightly. Freezing is not recommended, as cones lose their crispness when thawed.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate base
Use chocolate cake batter for darker, richer cupcake cones.
Flavor twist
Add peppermint, almond, or pumpkin spice extract to the batter or frosting for a seasonal touch.
Gluten-free option
Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the cupcakes suitable for everyone.
Colorful ghosts
Tint the frosting with food coloring for playful ghost variations like orange, purple, or green.
Different decorations
Swap candy eyes for chocolate chips, mini M&Ms, or edible glitter for a creative spin.
Double-decker cones
Pipe extra frosting to create taller, more dramatic ghost figures.
Surprise filling
Add a dollop of jam, Nutella, or peanut butter inside the cones before topping with frosting.
Mini versions
Use smaller cones for bite-sized ghostly treats, perfect for party platters.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cake mix for this recipe?
Yes, cake mix works well and makes preparation even quicker.
How do I keep the cones from tipping in the oven?
Place cones in a muffin tin to hold them upright while baking.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, bake and frost them up to a day in advance, but store carefully to prevent smudging.
Can I use waffle cones instead of flat-bottomed cones?
Flat-bottomed cones are recommended for stability, but waffle cones can work if stabilized in foil.
How do I transport ghostly cupcake cones?
Place them back in the muffin tin or use a cupcake carrier with tall inserts.
Can I use whipped cream instead of frosting?
Whipped cream won’t hold the ghost shape as well, so frosting is best.
Can I add food coloring to the frosting?
Yes, tint the frosting for colorful ghost variations.
Do I need to line the cones before filling?
No, the batter bakes directly inside without sticking.
How long should the frosting set?
Allow 10–15 minutes for the frosting to firm slightly before serving.
Are ghostly cupcake cones kid-friendly?
Absolutely, they are fun to make and even more fun to eat for children.
Conclusion
Ghostly cupcake cones are a playful and festive dessert that brings Halloween spirit to your table in the sweetest way. Combining light cupcakes, crunchy cones, and whimsical frosting ghosts, they are as fun to create as they are to serve. Whether made for a party, school event, or family gathering, these treats deliver both charm and flavor. With endless variations and simple preparation, ghostly cupcake cones are sure to become a seasonal favorite that delights kids and adults alike.