Augapfel Cupcakes

These Halloween Augapfel Cupcakes (Eyeball Cupcakes) are my favorite spooky treat to serve at Halloween parties. They’re rich, moist, and delicious underneath all the creepy fun. With a bright “eyeball” design made from candy and frosting, they’re playful and eerie in the best way. Kids and adults both love them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how festive and easy these cupcakes are to decorate. The base is a classic chocolate or vanilla cupcake, and I get to be as creative (or creepy) as I want with the topping. They’re perfect for Halloween parties, school events, or just a night of spooky baking fun. Plus, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cupcakes:

• All-purpose flour

• Cocoa powder (if making chocolate version)

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• Milk

• Vegetable oil or melted butter

• Vanilla extract

• Boiling water or hot coffee (for chocolate depth)

For the frosting and decoration:

• Butter, softened

• Powdered sugar

• Vanilla extract

• Milk or cream (for texture)

• Food coloring (red, green, or blue)

• Candy eyeballs or white chocolate discs

• Gel icing or edible markers for detailing

• Red piping gel or strawberry jam (for blood effect)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.

2. I mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another, then combine everything into a smooth batter.

3. I fill each cupcake liner about ⅔ full and bake for 18–22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

4. I let them cool completely before decorating.

5. I whip the butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until fluffy to make the frosting.

6. I frost each cupcake with a smooth dome of white frosting.

7. I place a candy eyeball or white chocolate disc in the center of each cupcake.

8. Using gel icing or food coloring, I draw on veins, iris colors, and add red piping gel for a creepy blood effect.

9. I chill slightly if needed, just until the decorations set.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 cupcakes and takes about 1 hour total (20 minutes prep, 20 minutes baking, and time for cooling/decorating).

Variations

• I switch the cupcake base to vanilla, red velvet, or even pumpkin spice depending on the vibe I want.

• I use edible candy eyes or make my own with fondant and food-safe markers.

• For more texture, I fill the inside with red jam or ganache for a “bloody” surprise.

• I get the kids involved to help decorate—they love adding the creepy details.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, I let them come to room temperature before serving. These cupcakes don’t need reheating but taste great chilled too.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, I bake the cupcakes a day ahead and decorate them the next day. I keep them covered to stay fresh.

What’s the best way to make the eyeball design?

I like using a round candy or white chocolate disc for the eyeball base, then add gel icing or colored frosting for the iris and veins.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Absolutely. I’ve used ready-made white frosting in a pinch, then added food coloring and piping gel for the creepy effects.

How do I get the “bloody” look?

I drizzle red piping gel or warmed strawberry jam around the eyeball and let it drip slightly—it gives the perfect gore effect.

Are these cupcakes kid-friendly?

Yes, but I skip any overly scary details for younger kids. The candy eyeballs are always a hit, and I let them decorate their own.

Conclusion

These Halloween Augapfel Cupcakes are spooky, silly, and seriously delicious. I love making them every October—they’re fun to decorate, easy to customize, and perfect for sharing. Whether I’m throwing a party or just baking for fun, these creepy treats always steal the show.

Print