If you’re a fan of fun, vibrant baking projects, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Slimer Ghostbusters Cupcakes Recipe. These cupcakes aren’t just adorable—they’re bursting with tangy lime flavor and topped with the wiggly, gooey green frosting that brings Slimer to life. When I first tried making these, I was hooked by how the bright lime curd filling surprises you with a hit of freshness inside each bite. Stick around because I’m sharing all my favorite tips to get your Slimer cupcakes perfect every single time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright, Tangy Flavor: The lime curd filling gives a zesty surprise that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
- Fun and Eye-Catching: Decorating with fondant Slimer faces makes these cupcakes a total showstopper for parties.
- Moist and Tender Cupcakes: The blend of sour cream, milk, and lime juice in the batter keeps them soft and fluffy.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can bake and freeze the cupcakes or prepare the frosting in advance for stress-free celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in these Slimer Ghostbusters Cupcakes Recipe really comes from the balance of fresh lime, creamy butter, and lightly sweetened frosting. I always recommend using fresh lime juice and zest—it makes a huge difference for that bright, authentic lime taste.
- Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter blends easily into the batter and frosting for smooth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Helps sweeten without overpowering the lime’s tang.
- Egg whites: Using just the whites keeps the cupcakes light and airy.
- Full-fat sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang to keep cupcakes tender.
- Whole milk: Balances richness and loosens the batter for perfect rise.
- Lime juice and zest: Fresh is best; these give the cupcakes their signature bright and zesty flair.
- Vanilla extract or bean paste: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Green gel food coloring: For that iconic Slimer glow—you’ll want electric green!
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base and structure of the cupcakes.
- Baking powder: Gives a gentle lift.
- Fine salt: Enhances all the sweet and tangy notes.
- Eggs, sugar, and butter for lime curd: The filling that brings the “slime” to life inside the cupcakes.
- Fondant (red, black, yellow, white): To craft Slimer’s cheeky eyes and mischievous smile.
Variations
I love mixing things up sometimes, and you’ll find this Slimer Ghostbusters Cupcakes Recipe quite forgiving to play with. Whether you want to amp up the lime or switch out elements to suit your needs, there’s lots of room to make it your own.
- Mini cupcakes: I’ve made mini versions for a Halloween party, baking them just 8-10 minutes—they’re perfect bite-sized treats and just as adorable.
- Dairy-free adaptation: Swap sour cream for coconut yogurt and butter for a plant-based spread; just be mindful your cupcakes won’t be quite as rich but still delicious.
- Extra tang: If you’re a lime fan like me, add an extra teaspoon of lime zest into the batter and frosting to really dial up the zing.
- Color variations: Play with shades of green or use neon gel colors to match your party theme or get creative with different Ghostbusters characters.
How to Make Slimer Ghostbusters Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Lush Lime Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a cupcake pan—this step saves you from scrambling later! Cream your room-temp butter and sugar together until it’s pale and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. This lightens the batter and helps your cupcakes rise beautifully. Then add the egg whites gradually, mixing carefully and scraping the bowl to keep things smooth.
Next, blend in your sour cream, milk, lime juice, vanilla, and lime zest, followed by a few drops of green gel food coloring until you get that perfect slime-like hue—the gel is key because it gives that vibrant electric green without watering down the batter.
Finally, whisk together your dry ingredients separately before folding them in with a gentle touch. Over-mixing is the enemy here—it can make cupcakes tough, so mix just until combined!
Step 2: Bake and Cool Your Cupcakes
Fill each cupcake liner about ¾ full—this helps them puff up nicely without spilling over. Bake for about 15-17 minutes, but start checking at 15; you want a toothpick to come out with a few moist crumbs for the perfect soft crumb.
Once out of the oven, let them rest in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents sogginess and helps them cool evenly. Trust me, waiting the few extra minutes is worth it—you don’t want warm cupcakes when you fill and frost them.
Step 3: Make the Zesty Lime Curd Filling
While cupcakes bake and cool, it’s time to make the lime curd that makes this recipe sing. Whisk eggs, sugar, salt, lime juice, and zest in a saucepan until smooth, then cook over medium-low heat stirring constantly—it thickens gradually, so patience is key.
Once thickened, stir in butter and green gel coloring. The butter adds luscious richness, and the color brings that iconic Slimer slime look. Pour it into a bowl to cool fully before using. This curd filling is what makes each bite a little interactive surprise. I keep a spoon handy just for “quality checks”!
Step 4: Whip Up the Lime Buttercream Frosting
While your curd chills, beat your butter until it’s pale and fluffy. This aeration is critical for silky frosting. Add lime juice, zest, vanilla, salt, and green coloring at low speed. Then, slowly mix in powdered sugar one cup at a time. Take your time here because rushing can make it messy.
If the frosting feels stiff, don’t hesitate to thin it with more lime juice one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too soft, a pinch more powdered sugar will rescue it. I love the tang balancing the sweetness in this frosting—it keeps your palate lively!
Step 5: Assemble with Fun Slimer Faces
Use a small knife or a 1-inch circle cutter to carve out the center of each cooled cupcake—don’t toss those cut-outs; you can nibble while finishing the decorating! Spoon in a generous dollop of lime curd, then pipe a big, fluffy swirl of buttercream on top with a large round tip.
Pop your cupcakes in the fridge (10 minutes) or freezer (5 minutes) to firm the frosting—it makes decorating easier.
While they chill, get creative with the fondant to craft Slimer’s goofy eyes and mischievous grin—the little faces truly bring these cupcakes to life and your guests will go crazy for them!
Pro Tips for Making Slimer Ghostbusters Cupcakes Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: It really helps everything blend smoothly and traps air for lighter cupcakes.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Trust me, I used to stir too much and ended up with dense cupcakes. Mix just enough to combine!
- Chill Frosting Before Decorating: Putting your cupcakes in the fridge helps set the frosting and prevents it from sliding when you apply fondant details.
- Be Patient with the Lime Curd: Stir constantly to avoid lumps and scorching; slow heat is the secret to silky smooth curd.
How to Serve Slimer Ghostbusters Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
I stick with the fondant eyes and mouth for Slimer’s classic look, but if you’re feeling extra playful, you can add tiny candy eyes or edible glitter for some spooky sparkle. I’ve even used green sprinkles around the base for a fun textured slime effect that kids love.
Side Dishes
Personally, I serve these cupcakes with simple vanilla milkshakes or a chilled lime soda to complement the citrus flavor. For parties, some light popcorn or salty nuts balance out the sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
I’ve arranged these cupcakes on a platter with little “ghost” picks and green slime gooey drips made from extra lime curd. You could also stack mini Slimer cupcakes in a tiered stand for a Halloween party—it’s always a conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or pop them in the fridge for up to a week. Just bring to room temp before frosting if you’re storing longer—it helps avoid condensation on the frosting or fondant.
Freezing
I’ve frozen batches of baked cupcakes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in freezer bags—frosting holds up best when made fresh, but you can freeze the buttercream separately too and thaw. The cupcakes freeze well for up to three months; just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
If you’re reheating frozen unfrosted cupcakes, I warm them gently in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. When thawed, frost immediately and decorate fresh so Slimer still looks his silliest best!
FAQs
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Can I make these Slimer Ghostbusters Cupcakes Recipe without fondant?
Absolutely! The cupcakes and frosting taste amazing on their own. If you want to decorate without fondant, try piping faces with colored buttercream or using edible markers on fondant sheets for an easier option.
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What’s the best way to prevent the lime curd from curdling?
Stir constantly over low to medium-low heat and avoid raising the temperature too quickly. Adding the butter off the heat also helps to smooth the curd out perfectly.
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Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lime juice is best for flavor brightness, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled works—just avoid any with added preservatives or sweeteners for the best results.
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How long do the cupcakes last after frosting?
Once frosted, they’re best eaten within 1-2 days if kept in an airtight container at room temperature. You can refrigerate up to 3 days but bring to room temp before serving for best texture.
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Can I make mini Slimer Ghostbusters Cupcakes Recipe?
Definitely! This recipe works great for minis. Just fill your mini cupcake liners ¾ full and bake for 8-10 minutes. The decorating is just as fun, but easier to make a lot for parties.
Final Thoughts
I adore this Slimer Ghostbusters Cupcakes Recipe because it combines nostalgia with fresh, zesty flavors that surprise you with every bite. The fun of creating Slimer’s face using fondant makes baking feel like an adventure, and I love how it brings smiles to friends and family. Whether for Halloween, a birthday, or just a fun weekend project, these cupcakes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll be dreaming up new variations to keep the spirit alive. Go on—give them a try and watch Slimer slime his way into your heart and onto your dessert table!
Print
Slimer Ghostbusters Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Slimer Ghostbusters Cupcakes are vibrant lime-flavored treats featuring moist lime cupcakes filled with tangy lime curd and topped with a zesty lime buttercream frosting. Decorated with colorful fondant to resemble the iconic Slimer character, these cupcakes are perfect for Halloween or Ghostbusters fans looking for a fun, flavorful dessert.
Ingredients
Lime Slimer Cupcakes
- 6 Tbsp (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature (85g)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
- 1/3 cup carton egg whites or 3 large egg whites, room temperature (90g)
- 1/3 cup full-fat sour cream, room temperature (80g)
- 1/3 cup whole milk, room temperature (80g)
- 1/4 cup lime juice (60g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4g)
- 2 tsp lime zest (4g)
- green gel food coloring (a squirt)
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (165g)
- 2 tsp baking powder (8g)
- 1/4 tsp fine salt (2g)
Lime Curd
- 3 large eggs, room temperature (168g)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
- 1/4 tsp fine salt (2g)
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (120g)
- 1 Tbsp lime zest (6g)
- 6 Tbsp (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature (85g)
- electric green gel food coloring (a squirt)
Lime Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226g)
- 2 Tbsp lime juice (12g)
- 1 tsp lime zest (2g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4g)
- 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g)
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (452g)
- electric green gel food coloring (a generous squirt)
Cupcake Decorations
- 1/4 cup red fondant
- 1/4 cup black fondant
- 1 Tbsp yellow fondant
- 1 Tbsp white fondant
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners to get ready for baking the lime cupcakes.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream 6 Tbsp of butter with 3/4 cup sugar on medium speed until the mixture lightens in color, approximately 1-2 minutes, creating a fluffy base for the cupcakes.
- Add Egg Whites: Mix in 3 egg whites on medium speed, ensuring to scrape down the bowl sides to incorporate all ingredients evenly for a smooth batter.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Next, add sour cream, whole milk, lime juice, vanilla extract, lime zest, and a squirt of green gel food coloring; mix on medium speed until just combined, providing the cupcakes their lime flavor and green tint.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the batter.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two batches on low speed, folding until just combined without over-mixing to keep cupcakes tender.
- Bake Cupcakes: Fill liners about 3/4 full and bake for 15-17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs, then cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Lime Curd Filling: While cupcakes bake and cool, whisk eggs, sugar, salt, lime juice, and zest in a saucepan. Heat on medium low, stirring constantly for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in butter and electric green gel food coloring until smooth, then cool in a separate bowl.
- Prepare Lime Buttercream Frosting: Beat 1 cup butter on medium-high speed for 2 minutes until light. Add lime juice, lime zest, vanilla, salt, and green gel coloring; mix on low. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, blending until smooth and desired consistency is reached. Adjust thickness by adding lime juice or powdered sugar as needed.
- Assemble Cupcakes: Use a small knife or 1-inch cutter to hollow out the center of each cooled cupcake. Fill each cavity with lime curd, then pipe a large swirl of lime buttercream on top using a large round tip. Chill the cupcakes for 10 minutes in the fridge or 5 minutes in the freezer.
- Decorate: While chilling, shape red, black, yellow, and white fondant into Slimer’s eyes and mouth. Remove cupcakes from the fridge and place the fondant decorations on top to complete the Slimer face.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these fun lime cupcakes fresh, ideally frosting them just before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- This recipe can be made into approximately 40 mini cupcakes, baking for 8-10 minutes; adjust cooling and filling accordingly.
- Unfrosted cupcakes store well for 1 day at room temperature, up to a week in the fridge, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Buttercream frosting can be stored in an airtight container refrigerated for up to a month or frozen for up to 3 months; stir well after thawing.
- Frosted cupcakes can be left covered at room temperature overnight but are best frosted right before serving to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
