Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Red Velvet Vampire Cupcakes are the perfect fusion of elegance and playfulness, making them a standout dessert for Halloween parties or any themed celebration. These cupcakes are moist, fluffy, and rich with the classic cocoa-vanilla flavor of red velvet. The highlight lies in their “bloody bite” filling, which adds a dramatic and fun surprise when you take the first bite. Topped with a creamy frosting, they strike the right balance between sweetness and spookiness. Not only are they visually striking, but they are also incredibly delicious, ensuring they disappear quickly from any dessert table. With their vibrant red hue, velvety texture, and hauntingly delightful presentation, these cupcakes are a creative way to bring a touch of festive flair to your baking.
Print
Red Velvet Vampire Cupcakes: A Spooky Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spooky and fun red velvet vampire cupcakes filled with ‘bloody’ cherry filling, topped with cream cheese frosting, and decorated with vampire bite marks for the perfect Halloween treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1/2 cup cherry pie filling (for ‘blood’ center)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Red gel or syrup (for bite marks)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Stir in buttermilk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar until combined.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until batter is smooth.
- Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake and fill with cherry pie filling.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.
- Pipe cream cheese frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
- Use a toothpick to make two small ‘fang’ punctures in the frosting and drip red gel or syrup to resemble blood.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for a spooky effect.
Notes
- Chill cupcakes before serving for cleaner vampire ‘bite’ presentation.
- You can substitute strawberry jam for cherry filling if preferred.
- Decorate with Halloween sprinkles or edible fangs for extra flair.
- For extra moistness, brush cupcakes with simple syrup before filling.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-Purpose Flour – The base of the cupcakes, providing structure and a soft crumb.
Cocoa Powder – Adds a subtle chocolate flavor that balances the sweetness and enhances the signature red velvet taste.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cupcakes while helping retain moisture for a tender bite.
Baking Soda – A leavening agent that ensures the cupcakes rise properly and remain fluffy.
Buttermilk – Keeps the crumb moist while adding a slight tang that complements the cocoa.
Vegetable Oil – Provides richness and guarantees a soft, tender texture.
Eggs – Add structure and help bind the ingredients together while contributing to the cupcakes’ moistness.
Red Food Coloring – Gives the cupcakes their signature bold, vibrant red hue.
Vinegar – Reacts with the baking soda to create extra lift and ensures the cake is light and airy.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor and balances the tanginess of buttermilk and vinegar.
Cream Cheese – Used in the frosting for a tangy, creamy finish that pairs perfectly with red velvet.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a smooth, pipeable consistency.
Butter – Adds richness to the frosting and helps achieve a silky texture.
Raspberry or Strawberry Jam – Used for the “bloody bite” filling, creating a fun and spooky surprise inside.
Directions
Preheat your oven and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and baking soda. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth. Gradually mix wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before adding filling and frosting.
For the filling, use a piping bag or small spoon to insert raspberry or strawberry jam into the center of each cupcake, creating the “vampire bite.” Prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Frost the cupcakes generously.
To finish, drizzle extra jam on top or create two small puncture marks with a skewer to resemble vampire bites, letting the jam drip for dramatic effect.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 cupcakes. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, baking requires 18–20 minutes, and cooling plus decorating takes an additional 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, allow them to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving. Avoid reheating, as cream cheese frosting softens too much under heat.
Variations and Customizations
Different Fillings – Try cherry preserves or chocolate ganache for a unique twist.
Whipped Cream Topping – Replace cream cheese frosting with whipped cream for a lighter finish.
Mini Cupcakes – Bake smaller versions for bite-sized party treats.
Vegan Option – Use dairy-free cream cheese, vegan butter, and a flax egg substitute.
Gluten-Free Cupcakes – Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Black Velvet Cupcakes – Swap red food coloring for black for an even darker, spookier effect.
Marshmallow Filling – Inject marshmallow cream for a sweeter, gooier center.
Candy Garnish – Add vampire fang candies or red sprinkles for decoration.
Alcohol-Infused Jam – Spike the filling with Chambord or raspberry liqueur for an adult twist.
Halloween Toppers – Decorate with themed picks or edible bats for extra festive flair.
FAQs
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake them a day before and add filling and frosting right before serving.
What food coloring works best?
Gel food coloring provides a more vibrant red without thinning the batter.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, though homemade cream cheese frosting offers the best flavor.
How do I fill the cupcakes neatly?
Use a piping bag with a round tip or cut a small hole in the center before adding jam.
Conclusion
Red Velvet Vampire Cupcakes are a playful yet indulgent treat that blends the rich flavor of classic red velvet with a spooky surprise filling. Their striking appearance makes them perfect for Halloween or themed gatherings, while their moist texture and tangy cream cheese frosting keep them irresistibly delicious. With plenty of customization options, these cupcakes can easily be adapted to fit your party theme or dietary preferences. Whether you bake them for children’s parties or adult celebrations, they are sure to impress and delight every guest.