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Zombie Brain Cupcakes

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These Zombie Brain Cupcakes are a fun and spooky dessert, perfect for Halloween parties or playful gatherings, featuring a moist chocolate base and vibrant green frosting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/4 cups (150 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (40 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk or whole milk
  • 1/4 cup neutral oil
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup boiling water
  • 4 cups (455 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 to 3 drops (or more) neon green liquid food coloring
  • Red decorating gel (for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Add buttermilk, oil, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
  5. Pour in boiling water and mix thoroughly until fully combined.
  6. Fill each liner with about 1/4 cup (60 ml) of batter, coming about two-thirds up the sides.
  7. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let cupcakes cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.
  9. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting is bright white and very smooth.
  10. Add a few drops of neon green food coloring and mix until evenly incorporated.
  11. Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
  12. Pipe a small mound on top of each cupcake. To create a brain-like effect, pipe 2 straight vertical lines down the middle, followed by squiggly lines on either side.
  13. Drizzle a small amount of red gel onto each cupcake.
  14. Refrigerate the cupcakes if not serving immediately.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze without frosting for up to 3 months.

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