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Vampire Bite Cupcakes Cherry

Section: Indulgent Desserts for Sweet Endings

Sink your teeth into decadent chocolate cupcakes filled with sweet cherry preserves, creating a delightful surprise in every bite. Once cooled, each cupcake is frosted generously with smooth white icing, providing the perfect backdrop for a dramatic drizzle of red gel, echoing classic vampire-inspired visuals. Perfect for gatherings or themed parties, these treats combine fun, spooky aesthetics with delicious flavors. Chocolate, cherry, and vanilla create a memorable dessert that balances playful presentation with rich taste. Easy to prepare using cake mix and a few simple supplies, they offer impressive results with minimal effort.

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A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Published By Maria
Updated as of Thu, 25 Sep 2025 14:03:01 GMT
A cupcake with red frosting and a vampire bite decoration. Bookmark
A cupcake with red frosting and a vampire bite decoration. | foodbymary.com

Vampire Bite Cupcakes are my favorite way to add a playful, spooky touch to any Halloween party or horror movie night. These cupcakes look like something straight from a vampire’s bakery counter with their bold chocolate flavor, hidden jam center, and dramatic “blood” finish. Every bite has a surprise inside which is sure to delight your guests or kids.

I whipped up a batch for my niece’s birthday last year and everyone went back for seconds. These have become a family tradition for our October movie marathons.

Ingredients

  • Chocolate cake mix: Makes baking quick and reliable Look for a moist-style mix for best results
  • Eggs oil and water as called for on your cake mix box: Be sure your eggs are fresh for the richest flavor
  • Cherry preserves: Adds that “bloody bite” inside I like to use a chunky preserve for a dramatic effect
  • White frosting: Brings that striking contrast and makes the red “bites” pop Choose a thick creamy style for easy spreading
  • Red gel icing: Delivers the finishing vampire bite look Always check the label for bright natural coloring if that matters to you

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix and Prep the Cupcakes:
Prepare the cake mix as directed on the package using eggs oil and water Stir thoroughly so there are no lumps and fill twelve cupcake liners evenly in your muffin tin
Bake and Cool:
Bake your cupcakes following the box instructions usually around twenty minutes Insert a toothpick in the center to check for doneness then cool the cupcakes completely on a rack to prevent melting your filling
Fill with “Blood”:
Once cooled use a small paring knife to carefully cut a little plug from the center of each cupcake set it aside Spoon about a teaspoon of cherry preserves into each cavity and replace the top
Frost Like Snow:
Spread a generous layer of white frosting over each filled cupcake using an offset spatula to get a smooth even look
Decorate with a Vampire Bite:
Squeeze two close dots or lines of red gel icing into each cupcake reaching from the top down the side for a realistic “bite” Allow to set before serving so the design stays crisp
A cupcake with red frosting and white frosting. Bookmark
A cupcake with red frosting and white frosting. | foodbymary.com

My favorite part is watching kids discover the cherry filling which is always a hit with guests Young ones love the dramatic reveal and grownups always want to know how you made them look so real

Storage Tips

Keep cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for two days or refrigerate for longer freshness The cherry filling keeps everything moist but after three days the texture of the cake may change slightly from the preserves

Ingredient Substitutions

For the filling use strawberry or raspberry jam if cherry is not available Gluten free chocolate cake mix also works just as well For the white frosting try a simple homemade buttercream if you prefer over store bought jars

Serving Suggestions

Arrange cupcakes on a black platter with scattered edible eyes or gummy bats for a full-on Halloween display Pair with hot chocolate or spiced cider for a cozy treat Kids love to decorate their own cupcakes too so this can double as a party activity

Cupcakes with red frosting and white icing, decorated to look like vampire bites. Bookmark
Cupcakes with red frosting and white icing, decorated to look like vampire bites. | foodbymary.com

Cultural Context

Vampire themed treats have become a classic part of Halloween baking inspired by stories like Dracula and movies like Twilight Cupcake decorating has gone mainstream because it is easy to personalize recipes and make your sweets a conversation starter

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do you get the red 'bite' effect?

Use red gel icing to drip over the white-frosted cupcakes, creating a convincing 'vampire bite' look.

→ Can you use homemade cake batter instead of mix?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite homemade chocolate cupcake batter for even richer flavor.

→ What can I use instead of cherry preserves?

Raspberry or strawberry preserves work well, offering a similar dramatic color and sweet, tart taste.

→ How should the cupcakes be stored after decorating?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can these cupcakes be made ahead?

Yes, you can bake and fill the cupcakes a day in advance; frost and decorate shortly before serving for best appearance.

Vampire Bite Cupcakes Cherry

Chocolate cupcakes hide cherry filling, topped with white and red icing for a dramatic, spooky finish.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
22 minutes
Complete Time
37 minutes
Published By: Maria

Recipe Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Total Portions: 12 Serves How Many (12 cupcakes)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly

Required Ingredients

→ Cupcakes

01 1 box (approximately 425 g) chocolate cake mix
02 Ingredients as required for chocolate cake mix preparation (typically eggs, oil, and water per package instructions)

→ Filling and Decoration

03 120 ml cherry preserves
04 240 ml white frosting
05 Red gel icing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Combine chocolate cake mix with required ingredients, following manufacturer's instructions. Mix until a smooth batter forms.

Step 02

Divide batter evenly among 12 lined cupcake molds. Bake according to package directions, typically 18–22 minutes at 175°C. Allow to cool completely before proceeding.

Step 03

Using a small knife or corer, remove a section from the center of each cooled cupcake. Fill the cavity with 10 ml cherry preserves per cupcake.

Step 04

Spread or pipe white frosting evenly over each filled cupcake, covering the top completely.

Step 05

Apply two small drops of red gel icing on each cupcake and gently drag a toothpick to create a drip effect resembling bite marks.

Handy Cooking Tips

  1. Ensure cupcakes are fully cooled before filling and frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  2. For a more dramatic effect, refrigerate the cupcakes briefly before applying the red gel icing.

Necessary Kitchen Tools

  • Oven
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cupcake tin with liners
  • Small knife or cupcake corer
  • Piping bag or spatula

Allergy Details

Always check ingredient packaging for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional when in doubt.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and may contain milk and soy depending on cake mix and frosting.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These nutrition details are for guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 240
  • Fat: 7.5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 39 grams
  • Proteins: 2.2 grams