I’m so excited to share this Halloween Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe with you because it’s hands down one of the most fun and delicious ways to celebrate the spooky season. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a Halloween party, or just treating yourself to something uniquely festive, these cupcakes are a total crowd-pleaser. I absolutely love how the rich chocolate cupcake pairs with the Oreo-studded buttercream and those adorable Oreo bats on top—they’re as tasty as they are cute. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so your Halloween baking is a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Visually Stunning Treats: The Oreo bats on top are a showstopper that make these cupcakes perfect for Halloween parties or festive gatherings.
- Rich, Moist Cupcakes: The chocolate base is tender and packed with flavor, enhanced by the Oreo crumbs in the batter for extra texture.
- Delicious Oreo Buttercream: Creamy, sweet, and filled with crushed Oreos, this frosting takes the cupcakes to a whole new level of yum.
- Fun and Kid-Friendly: I love how easy and interactive this recipe is—you’ll enjoy assembling the bats with your little helpers!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Halloween Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe come together to create a perfectly balanced chocolate cupcake with Oreo-infused buttercream and delightful Oreo bat toppers. Choosing quality cocoa powder and fresh Oreos really makes a difference, so be sure to pick up your favorites at the store!
- Butter (unsalted): Room temperature softened butter ensures smooth batter and creamy frosting.
- Caster sugar (or superfine sugar): For a fine crumb texture and sweetness in cupcakes.
- Eggs (medium): Helps give structure and moisture to your cupcakes.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the batter.
- Self-raising flour: This already includes baking powder, so your cupcakes rise beautifully.
- Cocoa powder (intense or regular): For that deep chocolate flavor—you can’t skip this.
- Baking powder: A little extra lift to boost the cupcake’s fluffiness.
- Fine sea salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors perfectly.
- Oreos: Used both crushed in the batter and whole for decoration—your Halloween stars!
- Icing sugar (powdered sugar): For the smooth and sweet buttercream.
- Milk chocolate: To “glue” your Oreo bats together with melted chocolate wings.
- Sugar eyes: To give those Oreo bats their adorable spooky faces.
- Marshmallow fluff (optional): For an extra gooey and festive touch in the center of the frosting.
Variations
I like to keep the main structure of this Halloween Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe pretty classic, but don’t hesitate to personalize it! Playing around with flavors or decorations can add your special touch and make these cupcakes even more exciting for your crowd.
- Gluten-Free Version: I’ve swapped self-raising flour for a gluten-free baking mix, and it still works wonderfully with a bit of extra care to folding in the ingredients.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: One year, I added a swirl of peanut butter into the cupcake batter—my family went crazy for that extra richness and surprise.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use your favorite vegan butter and egg replacer; you’ll want to watch the bake time closely as it can vary a bit.
- Marshmallow-Flavored Buttercream: Adding marshmallow fluff inside the frosting ring is such a sweet and festive trick that everyone asks me to do again!
How to Make Halloween Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Batter with Oreo Crumbs
First things first, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a deep muffin tray with cupcake cases. I usually like to crush 5 Oreos either in a food processor or in a sealed bag with a rolling pin until they’re fine crumbs—that’s the secret to those delightful Oreo bits inside your cupcake. Then, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar with a stand mixer paddle attachment until it’s light and fluffy. It’s worth taking your time here because this stage builds a tender crumb. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each one—a thick, frothy batter means you’re doing it right! Mix in the vanilla, then sift the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt into the bowl. Gently fold everything together so your batter stays airy. Finally, fold in those crushed Oreos for little pops of crunch in every bite.
Step 2: Baking the Cupcakes
I love placing a whole Oreo cookie at the bottom of each cupcake case, which turns each cupcake into a double-Oreo extravaganza. Use an ice cream scoop to divide the batter evenly among the cases—about one scoop per cupcake works perfectly for consistent sizes. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Watching the cupcakes rise and smelling that cocoa filling the kitchen is one of my favorite moments. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before moving on to the frosting.
Step 3: Making the Oreo Buttercream
While the cupcakes cool, it’s time for the buttercream! Crush 5 more Oreos finely and set aside. Then whip your softened butter on low for a few minutes, gradually increasing speed—this creates a pale and creamy base. Slowly add powdered sugar a couple tablespoons at a time, beating gently until everything is combined and the buttercream is light and fluffy. I always fold in the Oreo crumbs last to keep that speckled black and white look that makes this frosting look extra tempting.
Step 4: Crafting the Oreo Bats
This is the fun part! Melt a small amount of milk chocolate gently in the microwave using 30-second bursts or over a simmering water bath—patience here pays off. For each bat, twist apart an Oreo cookie and spread a little melted chocolate on one half. For the wings, twist apart another Oreo, then carefully cut those cookie halves in half (two wings per bat). Place these wings on top of the chocolate-coated cookie half, add a little more chocolate to “glue” them, and sandwich with the other half of the original cookie. I gently press them together but am very careful not to crack the cookies. Lastly, stick on sugar eyes using melted chocolate as glue. Let them set completely before lifting—this step brings your cupcakes to life!
Step 5: Decorating Your Halloween Oreo Bat Cupcakes
Fill a piping bag with your Oreo buttercream fitted with an open star tip. I like to pipe a ring of buttercream around the edge of each cupcake, leaving a space in the center where I sometimes add a little marshmallow fluff for an extra festive look and surprise texture. Place an Oreo cookie right in that center, then top with your adorable Oreo bat. The contrast of the smooth frosting and crunchy bats just makes this dessert so irresistible—it’s really a work of art that’s tasty, too!
Pro Tips for Making Halloween Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe
- Evenly Distributed Oreos: Crushing Oreos finely before folding them into the batter prevents large chunks that can weigh down cupcakes.
- Gentle Folding Technique: I always fold the dry ingredients in gently to keep the batter light and the cupcakes fluffy.
- Melting Chocolate Carefully: Using low heat and stirring frequently avoids burnt chocolate, which is crucial for assembling the Oreo bats.
- Storing Decorations Separately: Making Oreo bats ahead and storing in an airtight container keeps them crisp and prevents sogginess from the buttercream moisture.
How to Serve Halloween Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
I like keeping the garnishes simple since the Oreo bats themselves are the centerpiece. Sugar eyes are a must—they add that playful spooky vibe! Sometimes, I sprinkle a tiny pinch of edible glitter or black sanding sugar on the buttercream for a little extra Halloween sparkle.
Side Dishes
These cupcakes are perfect on their own, but I often serve them alongside a steaming cup of hot cocoa or a spooky-themed punch. For a party, pairing with classic popcorn or caramel apples complements the chocolatey richness of the cupcakes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try displaying the cupcakes on a tiered cake stand decorated with faux spider webs and mini pumpkins for dramatic effect. I’ve even placed little plastic bats flying around the display for a playful touch. For a Halloween party, individual cupcake boxes with a spooky sticker are a super cute way to send guests home happy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
My best advice is to store these cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The Oreo bats might soften slightly because of the moisture in the buttercream, so if you want to keep them crisp, store the bats separately and add them just before serving.
Freezing
I’ve successfully frozen these cupcakes without the frosting and decorations for up to one month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Buttercream and Oreo bats freeze well too if stored separately in airtight containers, just be sure to thaw completely at room temperature before reassembling.
Reheating
Because these are best enjoyed at room temperature, I usually let frozen cupcakes thaw fully on the counter for a few hours. Avoid microwaving since it can melt the buttercream and soften the Oreo bats too much. If you’re in a rush, a brief 10-second warm-up helps but watch carefully!
FAQs
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How many cupcakes does the Halloween Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe make?
This recipe yields between 12 to 16 cupcakes, depending on how much batter you scoop per cupcake. Using an ice cream scoop helps keep the sizes consistent.
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Can I make a smaller batch of this recipe?
Definitely! You can easily halve the recipe for about 6-9 cupcakes, perfect if you’re baking just for family or want to try it out first.
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How should I store the cupcakes to keep them fresh?
Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for best freshness. If refrigerated, they’ll keep up to five days but might dry out. Consider storing Oreo bats separately to keep them crisp.
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Can I freeze the cupcakes and toppings?
You can freeze cupcakes without frosting for up to one month and thaw at room temperature before decorating. Buttercream and Oreo bats freeze well separately for up to three months—just thaw before assembling.
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Can I make the Oreo bats ahead of time?
Yes! Making the Oreo bats in advance is a smart idea. Once the chocolate has set, keep them in an airtight container until you’re ready to decorate, ensuring they stay fresh and intact.
Final Thoughts
This Halloween Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe is one that brings me so much joy every time I make it. There’s just something magical about the way a classic Oreo gets transformed into these spooky little bat wings that delights everyone from kids to adults. I hope you’ll give it a try—you’ll find the process fun, the results impressive, and the taste absolutely irresistible. Baking is all about sharing moments and memories, and these cupcakes are a sweet way to create both. Happy baking, and let those Oreo bats fly!
PrintHalloween Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Halloween Oreo Bat Cupcakes are a spooky and delicious treat perfect for Halloween parties. Featuring rich chocolate cupcakes studded with crushed Oreos, topped with creamy Oreo buttercream, and decorated with adorable Oreo bats made from Oreos, milk chocolate, and sugar eyes, these cupcakes are sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
- 200 g Unsalted Butter
- 200 g Caster Sugar (Superfine Sugar)
- 4 Medium Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 200 g Self-raising Flour
- 40 g Intense Cocoa Powder (or Regular Cocoa Powder)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- ¼ tsp Fine Sea Salt
- 17 Oreos
For the Oreo Buttercream
- 5 Oreos
- 200 g Unsalted Butter
- 400 g Icing Sugar (Powdered Sugar)
For Decoration
- 18 Oreos
- 10 g Milk Chocolate
- Sugar Eyes
- Marshmallow Fluff (Optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a deep muffin tray with cupcake cases to get ready for baking.
- Crush Oreos for Batter: Use a food processor to crush 5 Oreo cookies into fine crumbs, or place them in a Ziploc bag and crush with a rolling pin. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat 200 g of unsalted butter and 200 g caster sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Alternatively, this can be done manually with a hand whisk.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the 4 eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, whisking well between each addition until the batter is thick and frothy. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Sift and Fold Dry Ingredients: Sift together 200 g self-raising flour, 40 g cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp sea salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until smooth.
- Add Crushed Oreos to Batter: Fold in the crushed Oreos into the cupcake batter until well combined.
- Assemble Cupcakes: Place one whole Oreo cookie at the bottom of each cupcake case. Using an ice cream scoop, evenly divide the batter among the cases, approximately one scoop per case.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Oreo Buttercream: Crush 5 Oreos into fine crumbs as before. In a large bowl or stand mixer with balloon attachment, whip 200 g unsalted butter on low speed for 2-3 minutes, then increase to medium/high speed for 4-5 minutes until pale and creamy.
- Add Icing Sugar: Gradually add 400 g icing sugar 2-3 tablespoons at a time, beating gently to combine until the buttercream is light, airy, and smooth.
- Incorporate Oreo Crumbs: Fold Oreo crumbs into the buttercream evenly.
- Melt Chocolate for Bats: Break 10 g milk chocolate into small pieces and gently melt it in the microwave in 30-second intervals or over simmering water, stirring until smooth.
- Construct Oreo Bats: Carefully twist an Oreo cookie in half. Spread a small amount of melted chocolate onto one half. Take another Oreo, twist it in half and cut each half in half again to make wings. Place two wings onto the chocolate on the other half cookie, add more chocolate on the wings, then place the other half of the Oreo over the wings to form the bat shape. Press gently to seal without breaking the Oreos.
- Add Sugar Eyes: Add more melted chocolate to the center of the bat cookie and place sugar eyes on top. Allow the chocolate to set completely.
- Decorate Cupcakes: Fill a piping bag fitted with a Wilton 6B Open Star nozzle with Oreo buttercream. Pipe a ring around the edge of each cupcake, leaving the center hollow. Optionally, add a teaspoon of marshmallow fluff into the center.
- Top with Oreos and Bats: Place an Oreo cookie in the center of each cupcake and top with an Oreo bat. Serve and enjoy your festive treats!
Notes
- The recipe yields between 12 to 16 cupcakes depending on batter quantity used per cupcake; an ice cream scoop ensures even sizing.
- You can scale the recipe down to make a smaller batch, which yields approximately 6-9 cupcakes.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature. Note that the Oreo bats may soften due to buttercream moisture.
- Leftover buttercream can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container.
- Freshly made cupcakes are best, but properly stored cupcakes last up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the fridge, though refrigeration may dry them out.
- Cupcakes can be frozen for up to 1 month without icing or decoration; freeze buttercream separately for up to 3 months.
- Make Oreo bats ahead of time and store them in an airtight container to allow chocolate to set fully before decorating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg