Name: Graveyard Cupcakes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 66 min
Ingredients: 2 cups sugar; 2 cups flour; 1 cups cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 eggs; 1 cup milk; ½ cup oil; 1 tablespoon vanilla; 1 cup coffee; 1 package (5 oz) chocolate pudding mix; 2 cups cold milk; 1 package (7 oz) Cool Whip (thawed); 1 package Oreos (crushed into crumbs for “dirt”); 1 package gummy worms; 2 packages (7 oz) Milano cookies; ½ cup melted chocolate

Indulge in the spooktacular delight of our Graveyard Cupcake Recipe! Sink your teeth into a decadent chocolate cupcake generously frosted with velvety chocolate pudding. These treats, topped with crushed Oreo “dirt,” wriggly gummy worms, and a cookie tombstone with “RIP” written on it, are perfect for Halloween or any eerie gathering.

Halloween is the perfect time to indulge in all things spooky and delicious. And what’s more fitting for the occasion than a decadent Graveyard Cupcake?

This recipe is easy to make, with simple ingredients that can be found in most kitchens. So why not gather your friends and family for an eerie gathering and treat them to these delightful treats?

The whole family is going to love this awesome Halloween dessert idea!

Your Go-To Halloween Dessert: Easy Graveyard Cupcakes

Ingredients

With just a little time and creativity, these graveyard cupcakes will become your go-to Halloween dessert. So gather your ingredients and prepare for a spooktacular treat everyone will love!

For the cupcakes you will need:

Sugar
Flour
Cocoa powder
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Eggs
Milk
Oil
Vanilla extract
Coffee

For the chocolate pudding layer you will need:

Chocolate pudding mix
Cold milk
Cool Whip

For the decoration you will need:

Oreos, crushed into crumbs for “dirt”
Gummy worms
Milano cookies
Melted chocolate

Tools

Kitchen Stand Mixer
Glass/Metal Bowls
Food Scale
Spatula
Piping Bags
Piping Tips
Cupcake Liners

How to make the Graveyard Cupcakes

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below

Step One: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line your muffin tins with cupcake liners. Set aside.

Step Two: In a stand mixer, combine the dry ingredients—sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—whisking to ensure they are evenly combined.

Step Three: Add the eggs, milk, oil, vanilla extract, and coffee to the mixture. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds and then switch to medium speed for an additional 2 minutes until the batter is smooth.

Step Four: Pour approximately ¼ cup of batter into each liner, filling them about ⅔ full.

Step Five: Bake in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before assembling.

Step Six: While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the rest of the components.

Step Seven: In a large bowl, mix together the chocolate pudding mix and 2 cups of cold milk. Allow it to set in the fridge for about 5 minutes before folding in the Cool Whip. Keep covered in the fridge until ready to use.

Step Eight: Crush the Oreos into fine crumbs using a food processor or a Ziploc bag and a rolling pin. Set aside.

Step Nine: Melt the chocolate chips in a small bowl until smooth and transfer to a piping bag or a ziploc with a small hole cut in the tip. On each Milano cookie, write “RIP” or any other spooky saying you’d like using the melted chocolate. Let them cool and set until firm.

Step Ten: To assemble the graveyard cupcakes, set out clear 9-oz disposable cups and remove the cupcake liners from each cupcake. Transfer the cupcakes to the bottom of the clear cup, crumbling them if desired.

Step Eleven: Scoop a heaping spoonful of pudding and cool-whip mixture onto each cupcake.

Step Twelve: Place the “tombstone” Milano cookies into the cup, pressing through the pudding layer to keep them upright.

Step Thirteen: Add a couple of gummy worms to the chocolate pudding mix.

Step Fourteen: Sprinkle a spoonful or two of crushed Oreos over the cupcakes to create the “dirt.”

Step Fifteen: Serve with a fork or spoon, and enjoy your graveyard cupcakes!

Storage

These cupcakes can be stored fully assembled in the fridge for up to 2 days. So feel free to make them for your Halloween party or gathering ahead of time.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Utilize these tips and tricks for the BEST Halloween cupcakes!

Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before assembling. This will prevent the frosting from melting and keep your decorations intact.
For a more intense chocolate flavor, use strong coffee instead of milk.
Crush the Oreos into fine crumbs for a better “dirt” effect.
Get creative with your decorations. Use different types of cookies, candies, or edible toppers to create unique tombstones and spooky scenes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cupcakes in advance? Yes! You can make the cupcakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. For the best results, assemble them on the day of serving.

Can I use other types of frosting instead of pudding? Absolutely! You can use any frosting you like, such as buttercream or cream cheese. However, the pudding adds a rich, creamy texture that perfectly complements chocolate cupcakes.

Can I use a different type of cookie for the tombstones? Yes, any cookie is sturdy enough to stand upright in the cupcakes. Some suggestions include shortbread cookies or graham crackers. Just make sure to write on them with melted chocolate and let them cool before inserting them into the cupcake.

What can I use instead of gummy worms? You can use other candies or edible decorations, such as chocolate chips, candy corn, or Halloween-themed sprinkles.

Why We Love This Recipe

Easy to make: With just 30 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for those who don’t have much time but still want to impress their guests.
Fun to decorate: Let your creativity run wild when decorating these cupcakes. You can even get the whole family to make different graveyard scenes on each cupcake.
Perfect for Halloween: Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a festive treat, these cupcakes are the perfect addition to any Halloween celebration.