Halloween Cupcakes

Despite myself, tonight I jumped on the Halloween bandwagon as it's the one night of the year I can't help but enjoy. 
     To all you supposed cynics, who think it's simply an American gimmick, I find it impossible to believe that you don't have a secret soft spot for: the garish costumes, the carefully carved pumpkins, the valid excuse to watch scary films, the adorable, tiny trick or treaters and, it's latest new addition: cupcakes?

     For this batch of cakes, I decided to stay away from predictable stereotypes and instead just used: skull and crossbone cupcake cases, red velvet sponge, black/white two tone icing and black cat/orange pumpkin sprinkles. 

     Ok...so they're more than slightly stereotypical, but every single predictable aspect satisfies the undeniably massive child deep within the depths of my soul, so they're staying. 

     As per usual, the sprinkles I used were from "The Happy Cupcake Company" (http://www.thehappycupcakecompany.co.uk) - cue the 'Hallelujah Chorus'. 

     They're Halloweeny, glittery and just wonderful - everyone should have some in their baking cupboard, as a basic rule of thumb.

So, here's my recipe...

(For the Sponge) 

60g butter

150g caster sugar

1 egg

20g cocoa powder

40ml red food colouring (or more for a super spooky red...)

1 tsp vanilla extract

120ml semi skimmed milk

150g plain flour

1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

1 1/2 tsp white vinegar

(For the Frosting)

600g icing sugar

100g butter

250g cream cheese (such as Philadelphia) 

(40ml black food colouring - if you choose to do two tone icing, if not leave this out.)

• Otherwise, mix all your sponge ingredients together and cook at 170ºC (Gas Mark 3) for 20-25 minutes depending on how large your cupcake cases are!
• Once cooked, remove and leave to cool, then frost!
• You can glitz up or spook down these little cakes as much as you like - whatever you do, they will look really colourful and fun! 

I wish you all happy baking and, of course, a very happy Halloween.

Enjoy, K x