Cakes & CupcakesNo. 3554 · The 2026 edition
Zombie Brain Halloween Cupcakes
Get ready for a spooky treat: zombie brain cupcakes with strawberry 'blood' that are as fun to make as they are to eat!
Our own summary of the original — the full post and photos live at foxeslovelemons.com.
These gruesome zombie brain cupcakes start with a strawberry cake base and are topped with a homemade strawberry buttercream. The frosting is piped into brain-like squiggles and drizzled with strawberry syrup 'blood' for a chilling effect. They can be stored in the fridge and the syrup added just before serving for maximum impact.
Ingredients
Directions
- Bake 24 cupcakes using the strawberry cake mix according to the package directions, then let them cool completely before frosting.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until fluffy. Add the strawberry jam and continue mixing on medium until well combined.
- With the mixer on medium-low, gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing until all is incorporated.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt, then mix on medium speed until the buttercream is smooth and fully combined.
- Use an offset spatula to spread a thin layer of the buttercream onto each cupcake. It doesn't need to be perfect; this base will be covered later.
- Fill a piping bag fitted with a small round tip with the remaining buttercream.
- Pipe a curved line (like an L shape) down the center of each cupcake. Then pipe swirls and squiggles extending from that curve's end until half the cupcake is covered. Repeat on the other side to create the brain look.
- Place the cupcakes on a rimmed serving tray and lightly drizzle with the strawberry syrup.
- Store the frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Drizzle with the strawberry syrup just before serving.
