I used to make my kids’ Halloween costumes when they were younger….fairy, witch, Thomas the Tank Engine, Ash from Pokemon, etc. Even though they don’t fit anymore, I still keep them in a box ! Maybe I am collecting too much “junk”, but they really brought back a lot of fond memories…..This year my daughter wants to be a grim reaper again, but scarier than the last two years. Yes, you read it right, it’s my daughter, not my son, and for the third time ! This was her on Halloween night two years ago ! She was only 8 ! Most 8-year-old girls would probably want to be a princess or a fairy, well….. not my girl ! 

Me? I am just going to make monster cupcakes ! These chocolate cupcakes with vanilla butter cream taste really yummy and are not scary at all ! They actually look quite adorable ! Happy Halloween ! 

Makes about 18-20 cupcakes 

For the chocolate cupcakes

• 150 g all-purpose flour 
• 150 g cake and pastry flour 
• 50 g unsweetened cocoa powder 
• 6 g baking powder 
• 3 g baking soda 
• 3 g salt 
• 200 g granulated sugar 
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten 
• 180 mL buttermilk 
• 60 mL vegetable oil 
• 5 mL pure vanilla extract 
• 180 mL boiling water 

For the butter cream frosting 

• 240 g unsalted butter 
• 480 g icing sugar, sifted 
• 5 mL pure vanilla extract 
• 30 -60 mL milk 
• Gel food colouring 

You will also need candy melts, licorice sticks, candy eyeballs, etc for decoration

1. To make the cupcakes, preheat oven to 350ºF
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together flours, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt 
3. Mix in sugar
4. In another bowl, mix together eggs, buttermilk, oil and vanilla 
5. Pour wet ingredients (except boiling water) into dry ingredients, mix until just blended 
6. Gradually stir in boiling water, 3-4 tablespoons at a time, until just combined, batter will be runny 
7. Pour into slightly greased cupcake cups and bake in tins for about 16-18 minutes 
8. Cool completely before frosting 
9. To make the frosting, use an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, start creaming butter 
10. Gradually add in icing sugar, beat until fluffy
11. Add vanilla, then milk, a little at a time, to desired consistency 
12. Separate into batches, add gel food colourings
13. Decorate cupcakes as desired 

Keep in refrigerator if not consume right away