Creepy Crawly Cupcake Toppers – fun Halloween cupcake decoration

Alright, if you’re like me and totally love getting a little spooky in the kitchen around Halloween, these Creepy Crawly Cupcake Toppers are an absolute must-make! I still remember the first time I added gummy spiders and candy eyes to cupcakes—it was like my own little haunted bakery. The way those glossy critters glistened on fluffy, swirled frosting? Pure Halloween magic! What I really love is how easy these are to put together, even if you don’t consider yourself a decorating pro. Plus, they add this fun, slightly eerie vibe that instantly makes everyone smile (or scream!). So, put on your favorite Halloween playlist and let’s get those cupcakes looking delightfully creepy!

Quick Facts

• Yield: 12 cupcakes
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 38 minutes

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting & Toppers:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–3 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
• Black gel food coloring
• Gummy spiders, candy eyeballs, licorice strings, and/or plastic spiders (for decoration)

How I Make It

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Step 2:

In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Slowly pour the wet into the dry ingredients, folding until just combined. Don’t overmix—it keeps the cupcakes fluffy!

Step 3:

Divide the batter evenly among the liners (about ⅔ full) and bake for about 18 minutes. Use a toothpick to check; it should come out clean. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4:

While cupcakes cool, whip the frosting. Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and beat on low to incorporate. Stir in vanilla and add milk one tablespoon at a time until you get a spreadable texture.

Step 5:

Add a few drops of black gel food coloring to the frosting and gently swirl to create a spooky dark gray or black shade—perfect for Halloween vibes!

Step 6:

Pipe or spread the frosting on cooled cupcakes, then get creative with your gummy spiders, candy eyeballs, and licorice strings—arrange them so your cupcakes look like little creepy critters creeping out of the frosting!

Variations & Tips

• Use chocolate cupcakes for an even richer base that contrasts beautifully with black frosting.
• If you want brighter colors, swap black frosting for purple or green with matching candy toppers.
• Sticky frosting? Chill cupcakes before decorating for easier handling.
• Did your frosting get too runny? Add more powdered sugar 1 tbsp at a time until thickened.
• For younger kids, swap plastic spiders with edible candy to keep it safe.

How I Like to Serve It

These cupcakes are a spooky star at any Halloween party, school event, or just a cozy family movie night watching “Hocus Pocus.” I like to place them on a black platter with some spider web decorations around. Pair with a glass of cold milk (or a spooky punch) and watch jaws drop when everyone sees those creepy little critters crawling on their treat!

Notes

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Bring refrigerated cupcakes back to room temp before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Closing: These creepy crawly cupcake toppers are a fun, simple way to spook up your baking and guarantee smiles (and maybe a few screams) every time!