What can you use for the stem and leaf?

For a realistic yet edible look, try pretzel sticks or chocolate-covered lollipop sticks as stems. For leaves, use green fondant , green candy melts , or cut gummy spearmint leaves into shape. These simple touches complete the iconic poison apple design.

Can these cupcakes be made ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can bake the cupcakes , prep the caramel filling , and even mix the red glaze 1–2 days in advance. Store components separately, then assemble before serving. Finished Poison Apple Cupcakes keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Any tips for getting vibrant colors?

Yes — always use gel food coloring for bold, rich color without thinning your frosting or glaze. For that deep, eerie red, mix in a tiny bit of black or burgundy gel. Let colors sit for 10–15 minutes after mixing to allow them to deepen.

Poison Apple Cupcakes – The Best Spooky Halloween Treat

Poison Apple Cupcakes

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Spooky, shiny, and filled with caramel, these Poison Apple Cupcakes are a Halloween showstopper inspired by classic fairy tales.

Author: Helen
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Halloween Treats

Ingredients

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1¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1½ tsp baking powder
1½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk or whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ cup hot coffee or boiling water
Caramel sauce or soft caramels
Red gel food coloring
Green candy melts or green fondant
Lollipop sticks or pretzel sticks
Corn syrup or piping gel (optional for gloss)
Buttercream or glaze

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Instructions

Preheat the oven and prep your pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract.
Combine wet and dry: Combine wet and dry ingredients, then stir in hot coffee or water until smooth. Batter will be thin.
Fill and bake: Fill cupcake liners ⅔ full and bake 18–20 minutes. Cool completely.
Core the cupcakes: Core center of each cupcake and fill with caramel sauce or melted caramel candy.
Seal the centers: Replace cupcake tops over caramel filling.
Glaze with red: Lightly frost tops, then dip or paint with a red glaze colored with red gel food coloring and corn syrup or melted white chocolate.
Decorate with stems and leaves: Add green fondant or candy melt leaves and insert pretzel or lollipop sticks as stems.
Let set and serve: Let set and serve with spooky flair!

Notes

Use gel food coloring for vibrant color. Make components 1–2 days ahead for easy party prep. Customize with raspberry jam or spice for a Halloween twist.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cupcake
Calories: 310
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Find it online: https://www.easytastykitchen.com/poison-apple-cupcakes/