These Gluten-Free Ghost Cupcakes are a fun and festive treat, perfect for Halloween! Made with rich, grain-free chocolate cupcakes and topped with creamy sweet cream cheese icing, they’re a spooky yet healthier dessert. Plus, they’re grain-free and naturally sweetened with maple syrup.
Ingredients for Ghost Cupcakes
Dark Chocolate Chips: I prefer dark chocolate for its rich flavor, but feel free to substitute with milk or white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste.
Coconut Milk: Use unsweetened full-fat coconut milk from a can for the creamiest texture.
Eggs: Best at room temperature. To quickly bring eggs to room temperature, place them in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for 5-10 minutes.
Maple Syrup: Be sure to use 100% pure maple syrup for natural sweetness and flavor.
Vanilla Extract: I recommend using pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Coconut Oil: I typically use pure vanilla extract for a subtle coconut taste. If you prefer no coconut flavor, opt for refined coconut oil , or replace it with grass-fed butter if you have a coconut allergy.
Cacao Powder: Use high-quality cacao for rich, chocolatey flavor.
Coconut Flour: A grain-free alternative that keeps the cupcakes light and moist.
Cream Cheese & Grass-Fed Butter: These add a creamy richness to the frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Ghost Cupcakes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with 6 liners.
Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes
In a bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Stir in the dry ingrients. Divide the batter into the liners and bake for 23 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Frosting
Blend the frosting ingredients until smooth.
Step 4: Decorate the Ghost Cupcakes
Swirl the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes to create a ghost shape. Add two chocolate chips for eyes and one for the mouth.
FAQ
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cupcakes in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Frost them just before serving.
Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?
To make the frosting dairy-free, swap out the cream cheese and butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream-based frosting.
What if my frosting is too runny?
If your frosting turns out too soft, place it in the fridge to firm up before piping. You can also add a bit more cream cheese to thicken it.
How do I store leftover cupcakes?
Store leftover cupcakes in the fridge for up to 3 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Tips To For the Best Ghost Cupcakes
- Use full-fat coconut milk: For the coconut cream, make sure to use full-fat coconut milk and scoop only the thick portion from the top of the can.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely: Make sure your cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting. This prevents the cream cheese icing from melting.
- Chill your icing: If your cream cheese frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before piping.
More Fall Dessert Recipes to Try
Gluten-Free Ghost Cupcakes
Ingredients
Paleo Chocolate Cupcakes
- 2 tbsp coconut cream the thick part at the top of a can of coconut milk
- 1/3 cup coconut oil melted
- 3 eggs room temperature
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cacao powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/3 cup coconut flour
Sweet Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 3 tbsp grass-fed butter
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 18 dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 and line a cupcake tin with 6 cupcake liners.
- Mix together the coconut cream, coconut oil, eggs, 1/3 cup maple syrup, and vanilla. Then mix in the cocoa powder, baking powder, and coconut flour.
- Divide batter evenly between the 6 cups. Bake for 23 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cupcakes bake, blend together the cream cheese, butter, and 3 tbsp maple syrup.
- Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, swirl the cream cheese icing on top of the cupcakes as in the video. Add 2 chocolate chips with the points out for the eyes and 1 with the point in for the mouth. Enjoy!
Did you try these Ghost Cupcakes? Tag me on Instagram at @healthyholme with your creations!
