Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Make the Cupcakes
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth.
- Add buttermilk and vanilla, then gradually mix in dry ingredients.
- Stir in hot water or coffee until the batter is glossy and thin (this creates a moist texture).
- Pour batter into cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before filling or frosting.
Step 2: Prepare the Bloody Filling
- In a small bowl, mix raspberry jam with red food coloring until it resembles thick blood.
- Set aside.
- 💡 Pro Tip: For extra realism, use raspberry coulis for a slightly runnier, oozier look.
Step 3: Make the Vanilla Frosting
- Beat softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cream until fluffy and smooth.
- Adjust consistency — add more cream for softer frosting or more sugar for stiffer peaks.
Step 4: Fill the Cupcakes
- Once cupcakes are cooled, use a small knife or corer to remove a small circle from the center of each.
- Spoon or pipe in a teaspoon of the “bloody” raspberry mixture.
- Replace the top of each cupcake to seal the filling inside.
Step 5: Frost & Decorate
- Pipe or spread the frosting on each cupcake.
- Use a toothpick or piping gel to create two small “vampire bite” marks on top.
- Drip a little raspberry “blood” from the bite marks down the frosting for a dramatic effect.
- Optional: add candy fangs or a dusting of red glitter for extra spookiness.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Room Temperature: Safe for 24 hours if cool. Freeze (unfrosted): Freeze cupcakes up to 2 months, then thaw and decorate fresh.🥄 Variations
Vanilla Base: Use vanilla cupcakes with raspberry filling for a “paler” vampire vibe. Red Velvet Twist: Swap chocolate cupcakes for red velvet and fill with cherry jam. Black Cocoa Cupcakes: For a gothic black look, use dark cocoa powder. Boozy Blood Filling: Add a splash of Chambord or red wine to the jam for an adult version. White Chocolate Frosting: Replace vanilla frosting with creamy white chocolate buttercream. Spiced Vampire Cupcakes: Add cinnamon and espresso for a deeper, richer flavor. Dripping Caramel Blood: Use red-tinted caramel sauce instead of jam for unique sweetness. Mini Bites: Make mini cupcakes for bite-sized “vampire nibbles.” Pumpkin Vampire Fusion: Use pumpkin cupcakes with cranberry filling for fall flavor. Bloody Heart Surprise: Fill with cherry pie filling for extra gore and deliciousness.❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use store-bought cupcakes?Absolutely — just hollow and fill them yourself for an easy shortcut. Can I skip the filling?
Yes, but the “bloody bite” filling makes the theme complete. Can I use jam without coloring?
You can, though a few drops of food coloring make the effect pop. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Can I use whipped cream instead of frosting?
You can, but it won’t hold up as long — best for same-day serving. How do I make them extra moist?
Add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter. Can I prepare them ahead?
Bake and fill the cupcakes a day before, then frost and decorate before serving. What flavor jam works best?
Raspberry, cherry, or strawberry — all mimic “blood” and taste great with chocolate. Can I use canned frosting?
Yes — add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance store-bought frosting. Can I add edible “glass shards” or decor?
Definitely — sugar shards or candy glass look amazing for added Halloween drama!
