Ghost Cupcakes

Directions

1. Set your oven to 350°F and place paper liners in a muffin tin.
2. Cut the bittersweet chocolate bar into small chunks, put them in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat on 50% power for 2 minutes. Stir, then continue heating in short bursts until smooth. Let it cool.
3. Whisk together the flour, natural cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl; set aside.
4. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and cooled melted chocolate for 30 seconds.
5. Pour in half the buttermilk and beat for 20 seconds. Add half the dry mixture and beat. Then add the rest of the buttermilk and the hot water, mixing just until incorporated, followed by the remaining dry ingredients. Beat on low until combined.
6. Fill each liner halfway with batter. Bake at 350°F for 17–19 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely before frosting.
7. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter on high speed for 3 minutes.
8. Sift the cocoa powder and 3 cups of powdered sugar into the butter. This prevents lumps and makes the frosting airy. Beat on low until thick and combined.
9. Add the heavy cream, vanilla, and salt, and mix until incorporated.
10. Gradually add the remaining 1–2 cups of powdered sugar, mixing on low. If the frosting becomes too thick, beat in an extra tablespoon of heavy cream.
11. Attach a piping tip (like Wilton 1M) to a piping bag, fill with frosting, and pipe a swirl on each cupcake.
12. Set a large marshmallow upright on top of the frosting on each cupcake.
13. Spoon the canned white frosting into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 15–30 seconds until it becomes thin and pourable.
14. Drizzle the melted icing over each marshmallow, allowing it to cascade down and fully coat the marshmallow.
15. Let the icing set for a few minutes, then press candy eyeballs onto the marshmallow to create the ghost's eyes.
16. Use black writing icing to draw a mouth on each ghost.