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Looking to add a touch of spine-tingling sweetness to your Halloween bash? Enter the Murdered Cupcakes—gluten-free treats that are as eerie as they are delicious. 

Whether you’re catering to the gluten-free crowd or just looking to creep out your snack table, these cupcakes are a killer addition. Ready to whip up some frightfully fun confections?

Dust off your apron and let’s get baking—your Halloween party isn’t complete without these hauntingly tasty treats!

What are Murdered Cupcakes?

Murdered Cupcakes are a spooky and fun Halloween treat designed to look like they’ve met a deliciously gruesome end. They’re perfect for Halloween parties, offering a unique twist on traditional cupcakes while catering to those who need or prefer gluten-free options.

The combination of spooky aesthetics and tasty flavors makes them a hit among both kids and adults looking to add some frightful fun to their festivities!

When planning to serve Murdered Cupcakes at your next Halloween bash, consider pairing them with an Orange Creamsicle Punch—a dark, fruity concoction complete with floating candy eyeballs to perfectly complement the cupcakes’ sweet eeriness. 

For a savory contrast, offer a Cheese and Cracker Platter; select an assortment of cheeses and gluten-free crackers, arranging them in a spooky pattern or with themed decorations to enhance the festive atmosphere. 

Finally, a warm Sweet Potato Soup served in small cups will balance the sweetness of the cupcakes while adding a comforting, seasonal touch to your menu. These pairings will ensure your Halloween spread is both delightfully spooky and thoroughly satisfying!

Murdered Cupcakes Ingredients

¼ cup Butter or Margarine, room temperature – Adds richness to your cupcakes and helps to create a beautifully tender crumb.

¾ cup granulated Sugar – Sweetens your cupcakes and provides structure.

1 egg – Acts as a binding agent, holding all your ingredients together.

1-1/4 cups gluten-free Flour mix (I used Bob’s Red Mill) – Substituting regular flour for a gluten-free blend makes your cupcakes accessible to those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.

1-1/2 tsp. Baking Powder – This leavening agent will give your cupcakes a light, fluffy texture.

¼ tsp. Salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors in your cupcakes.

1 tsp. white Vinegar – Reacts with the baking powder to help your cupcakes rise. Plus, you won’t taste the vinegar in the final product!

½ cup Milk – Adds moisture, helping to make your cupcakes soft and delicious.

1 tsp. strawberry flavoring – Infuses your cupcakes with a sweet, fruity flavor that’s perfect for summer.

5-10 drops red food coloring (for effect) – Turns your cupcakes a fun, vibrant red. Perfect for a dramatic presentation!

Some candy glass and cream cheese icing – This is where the “murder” comes in. The candy glass shards give a surprising crunch, and the cream cheese icing adds a sweet, tangy finish to your murdered cupcakes.

How to Make Murdered Cupcakes

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to dive into making these unique and tantalizing cupcakes. 

1. First, you’ll need to make your candy glass and set it aside.
2. Preheat your oven to 350⁰ and line your muffin tins with paper baking cups. 
3. Cream the butter or margarine, gradually adding sugar into the mix. 
4. Add an egg and beat the mixture well, then set it aside.
5. Take your dry ingredients – the gluten-free flour mix, baking powder, and salt – and stir them together. 
6. Add a third of this dry ingredient mixture to your butter and sugar concoction. Mix it until it’s well incorporated.
7. Now, combine your milk, vinegar, food coloring, and strawberry flavoring in a separate bowl. 
8. Add a third of this milky mixture to your dough, mixing it thoroughly.
9. The next step involves alternating between adding a third of your dry ingredients and a third of your milk and flavoring to the dough, ensuring you mix well after each addition. 
10. Once your batter is smooth and consistent, fill each cupcake cup about halfway or two-thirds full.
11. Bake this batch for approximately 12-14 minutes. After they’re baked, set the cupcakes aside to cool. While they’re cooling, use this time to prepare your frosting.
12. Once cooled, frost the cupcakes, making sure to leave about a half cup of frosting to the side. 
13. Take this reserved frosting, place it in a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave it for 30 seconds. 
14. After it’s heated, add 3-5 drops of red food dye and stir until it’s smooth.
15. With a butter knife, drip this red frosting onto the frosted cupcakes to create a blood-splatter effect. For the frosting to set, stick the cupcakes in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes.
16. After they’ve sufficiently chilled, remove the cupcakes, and insert the candy glass into the top of each cupcake. About three glass slices will fit nicely on each cupcake without overwhelming it.
17. For the final touch, grab your edible blood and drip it over the decorated cupcakes. 
18. Now your gory and delicious cupcakes are ready to serve! Enjoy your terrifyingly tempting treat!

Tips for Making This Recipe

1. Utilize Room Temperature Ingredients: This recipe calls for room-temperature Butter or Margarine. When ingredients are at room temperature they mix easily and evenly, creating a smoother, lighter cake.
2. Mixing Method: Be sure to alternate between adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the creamed butter and sugar. This method of mixing keeps the batter emulsified and results in a smoother texture.
3. Don’t Over Mix: Avoid over-mixing the batter as this can result in a tough or dense cupcake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
4. Cupcake Size: Fill your cupcake liners ½ to ⅔ full. Overfilling the liners can cause the cupcakes to overflow and create a mess in your oven.
5. Baking Time: Bake for approximately 12-14 minutes. All ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cupcakes and if necessary, do the toothpick test to ensure they are fully cooked.
6. Cooling Down: Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting. This will prevent the frosting from melting.
7. Frosting Tip: Microwave the set-aside frosting before adding the food coloring. This will make the frosting easier to work with and create a smoother splatter effect.
8. Add The Glass Candy Last: Insert the candy glass into the top of each cupcake after the icing has set. If you add the glass candy too soon, it may melt or affect the overall presentation.
9. Chill Before Serving: Stick in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to allow the frosting to set and enhance the flavors before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these cupcakes “murdered”?

The “murdered” effect comes from using a red frosting or melted dark chocolate to mimic blood splatters on the cupcakes. This gives them a spooky, Halloween-appropriate appearance while adding a delicious flavor twist.

Can I make these cupcakes in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day or two ahead of your event. Just be sure to add the “bloody” decorations shortly before serving to keep them looking fresh and spooky.

Can I use a dairy-free substitute in the recipe?

Yes, you can replace dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk or coconut oil, ensuring the recipe remains both gluten-free and dairy-free for those with additional dietary needs.

How do I ensure my gluten-free cupcakes are moist?

To keep gluten-free cupcakes moist, try adding an extra egg or using applesauce or yogurt. These ingredients help retain moisture and create a tender crumb.

Conclusion

And there you have it! The perfect, deliciously surprising treat for your next gathering. If you love this recipe as much as we do, we’d love to see your version of it. So go ahead, grab your camera, and show off your baking prowess. 

Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your thoughts in the comments section below. After all, the joy of food is best when shared. Keep baking and enjoy each sweet, surprising bite!

Thank you for sharing!