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Nothing gets the Halloween spirit going like a batch of Mummy Cupcakes with playful candy eyes and soft chocolate centers. These cupcakes are as much fun to decorate as they are to eat the perfect project for kids and adults to enjoy together at a fall gathering or party.
I first made these for my son’s classroom party a few years ago and every child wanted to take one home. Now they are our go-to October treat.
Ingredients
- Chocolate cake mix: brings a rich chocolatey base and saves on time You can use your favorite brand or flavor
- Eggs, oil, water: follow the box instructions for moist and tender cupcakes Make sure eggs are fresh
- White frosting: creates the mummy bandages Aim for a thick and smooth frosting for best effect
- Candy eyes: add a playful and spooky finish Pick larger sized ones for extra cartoon charm
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Bake the Cupcakes:
- Prepare the chocolate cake mix as directed on the box Use fresh eggs and avoid overmixing Divide batter evenly into muffin cups and bake until a toothpick comes out clean Let cupcakes cool on a wire rack until they are at room temperature
- Apply the Crumb Coat:
- Spread a thin layer of white frosting over the top of each cupcake This seals in crumbs and gives the piped bandages something to stick to Allow to set for five minutes
- Add the Candy Eyes:
- Gently press two candy eyes onto each cupcake Place them close together about one third of the way down from the top for a true mummy look
- Pipe the Mummy Bandages:
- Fill a piping bag with white frosting and use a flat or basket weave tip Pipe lines back and forth at various angles across the cupcake leaving small gaps for the eyes to peek out Create some overlap and unevenness for a more realistic effect
- Let Set and Serve:
- Allow the frosting to set for ten minutes before serving so the bandages hold their shape Serve on a festive tray or cupcake stand
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I always save extra candy eyes in my baking drawer after making these One year my niece sneaked them onto every dessert we served at dinner
Storage Tips
Store finished Mummy Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for one to two days If you need to keep them longer refrigerate them but let them come to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture
Ingredient Substitutions
No white frosting in the house You can use vanilla buttercream or even marshmallow fluff for a fun twist If you cannot find candy eyes dot small circles of white frosting and mini chocolate chips for homemade eyes
Serving Suggestions
Arrange these cupcakes on a Halloween-themed tray or display them in a cupcake tower Pair them with other spooky treats like ghost cookies or monster brownies for a playful dessert table
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Cultural Context
Decorated cupcakes like these have become a Halloween tradition in many households thanks to their combination of creativity and simple ingredients Kids love to help in both the decorating and the eating
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I create the bandage effect?
Use a flat piping tip to layer white frosting in overlapping lines across each cupcake, mimicking mummy wraps.
- → Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake and cool cupcakes in advance, then add frosting and eyes just before serving for best texture.
- → What type of eyes should I use?
Candy eyes are popular for a playful look, but chocolate chips or mini M&Ms also work well.
- → Can I use homemade cake mix?
Absolutely! Any chocolate cupcake base—store-bought or homemade—pairs well with the mummy design.
- → How do I keep the frosting neat?
Allow cupcakes to cool completely before piping, and use a steady hand for clean, crisscrossed lines.