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Adults Only Halloween Cupcakes
Adult Cupcakes
So good they shouldn't be legal...
Once upon a time a long, long time ago Halloween or Samhain was a pagan religious festival where the departed dead were welcomed home, the future was divined and rituals were done to bring luck and prosperity for the future. The Celtic New Year belonged largely to adults though children would have helped.
Flash forward several hundred years and the tables have turned. Halloween is now secular and largely geared towards children. And while it is wonderful that children get so many good things while the ancestors join us once more, what about the adults in your life? Don't they deserve a decadent treat all to themselves?
These cupcakes will be just the thing for any adult gathering and they are truly adults only thanks to an infusion of strong coffee and the starring roles of toppings only mature foodies will love. Although you don't have to try to include every topping when you get over fifty mini cupcakes from a box of cupcake mix....
Toppings Used
Shredded Coconut
Sliced Almonds
Sea Salt
Crumbled Lay's Classic Potato Chips
Crumbled Honey Roasted Peanuts
Hershey's S'mores Crumble Topping
Instant Coffee Granules
Marishino Cherries
Hershey's Cocoa Powder
Sprinkles
Purple and Black Sugar crystals
Peanut Butter and Frosting
Curls of Hershey's Milk Chocolate
Hershey's Milk Chocolate Square
Powdered Sugar
Nutella
Confetti Topping
Black and Orange Nonpariels
Bacon
Betty Crocker's Hershey's S'mores Premium Frosting
Adults Only Halloween Cupcakes
You'll need:
One and one fourth cups coffee
Three eggs
One half cup vegetable oil
Betty Crocker Super Moist Cake Mix: Triple Chocolate Fudge
STEP ONE
Preheat oven to 325. Boil water and measure out two heaping soup spoons of instant coffee into measuring cup to make one and one fourth cups of coffee. Stir, put in fridge to cool. Put cupcake liners in mini cupcake pan.
STEP TWO
Combine eggs, oil, coffee and cupcake mix in blender according to package directions. By the soup spoonful, ladle into cupcake liners, aiming for about two thirds full.
STEP THREE
Bake for eighteen minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
STEP FOUR
Allow to cool, frost and add desired toppings before frosting sets. Tip: Frosting not setting due to heat and humidity? Pop your cupcakes in the fridge.
Try Some Fun Toppings
The nice part about mini cupcakes is that they look awesome with the cupcake toppings like colored sugar, nonpareils, sprinkles and colored sugars.
Betty Crocker Super Moist Cake Mix: Triple Chocolate Fudge
One box easily produces over fifty mini cupcakes that are rich, moist and delicious thanks to the wee chocolate morsels I found in the mix. Add coffee instead of water to make your eyes roll back in your head.
Try a Topping Station
Guest can be well, in a word, fussy. A topping station is a snap to set out. Just keep in mind to not frost until guests are ready to top. Here some tempting treats surround a cup of the wonderful crumble Hershey's is including with their new S'mores frosting.
Are those truffles?
A tepting mix of toppings compliment the Hershey's S'mores icing. There are Hershey's S'mores crumbles, shredded coconut, even sliced almonds.
Hershy's S'mores Premium Frosting
Two words: pure decadence. You will have guests thinking you went to an expert chocolatier for your mini cupcakes and with using Hershey's frosting you did. I honestly suggest two tub per set of cupcakes as I like to be generous with frosting.
Try different toppings
Herskey's milk chocolate can be curled onto cupcakes with a potato peeler. Or crumble honey roasted peanuts or potato chips for a unique topping experience.
Cocoa Powder to the Rescue
A dusting of Hershey's cocoa powder adds an enchanting bitterness that plays well on adult palates.
Hershey's Cocoa Powder
Still the best, this powder has endless possibilities in the kitchen. Dust onto desserts, use in baking and more.
Coffee Granules Add Drama
As if there wasn't enough caffeine in this dessert, adding instant coffee granules adds another dimension to this dreamy dessert.
Trick or Treat all grown up
From left to right: Frosting mixed with peanut butter, a Hershey's milk chocolate square, sea salt.
Bustelo Supreme
This heavenly Mexican coffee is the secret to giving these mini cupcakes a kick. Consider serving some with your tempting treats.
You CAN do luxe
If I can do it anyone can. Chocolate shavings, Hershey's cocoa powder, crushed honey roasted almonds, coffee granules and other toppings make this adults only plate a tempting treat for the eyes as well as a delight to the palate.
Got fussy eaters?
Some adults I polled hate frosting. Grumps. But to make those fussy folks happy from left to right: Nutella, powdered sugar, Nutella and powdered sugar. Pop these into the fridge until set. Nutella will set up to a fudge-like consistency that melts in the mouth and the powdered sugar ones taste like chocolate doughnut bites.
Nutella
Do yourself a favor and get the big jar. It works on toast, in protein shakes, on desserts and more.
Behold the power of bacon
Cook bacon, drain, cool., top cupcakes. Instant awesome.
Naked Cupcakes
Ever wonder what over fifty mini cupcakes look like? Now you know.
Step by step photo guide
Click thumbnail to view full-size
Want to make fancier garnishes?
Will you try the recipe?
Liked the cupcakes?
- Author
Thank you so very much, Jerzimom. The support is very much appreciated! :)
Yum yum! Pinned and sharing on Cupcake Club on FB.
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@smine27: I do too, smine27! It lets guests interact more and have fun which is always a good thing. Thanks for visiting. :)
oh yes! love the toppings bar idea.
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@Sylvestermouse: So do I, Sylvestermouse! These would be heavenly right now with some coffee. Thanks for visiting, hugs! :)
Oh, my! These cupcakes look and sound absolutely divine! I do love coffee and chocolate!
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@ghoststorylover: You'll adore them, ghoststorylover. I had them and couldn't believe I made them they are that good, you know? Thanks so much for the visit, hugs! :)
I love the sound of coffee cupcakes, I bet they're really good! Got to try it someday!
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@sierradawn lm: My absolute pleasure, sierradawn! I'm so happy you were able to enjoy them and they were such a big hit. Thanks so much for taking the time to visit again and leave feedback. Thanks, hugs and have a most Happy Halloween. :)
These were the cupcakes that I could not pass up! I baked these and they turned out so sinfully delicious! Death by Chocolate! What a way to go! I did the topping bar idea. It went over big time. Everyone loved these cupcakes. The bacon topping was a huge winner! I will be baking these again for Halloween. Thank you, Nightcat!
I suddenly feel rather hungry. Great cupcake ideas!
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@anonymous: Awww, thanks, awelldressedbullet! Better lick your fingers before you stick to your keyboard, lol! Thanks for the visit, hugs! :)
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@Elaine Chen: They are delish, elainechen. Thanks for the visit, hugs! :)
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@Margaret Schindel: Aww, thank you so very much, MSchindel! Thanks for the visit, hugs! :)
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@Mickie Gee: Please do, Mickie_G. And thanks so much for the visit, hugs! :)
Yes, I like these cupcake suggestions for adults! Must try them out on my book club!
These look fabulous, Susan! I love the idea of using Nutella as a frosting alternative and of having a toppings bar. And tailoring the flavors to adult tastes is brilliant. Thanks for sharing!
I love the coffee and chocolate ones :-)
Oh my, my fingers are all gooey now LOL
Absolutely delicious lens!
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@mySuccess8: Thanks so very much, mySuccess8. Thanks for visiting, hugs! :)
New ideas for cupcakes, great lens!
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@captainj88: I so agree, leahjsongs! Thanks for visiting, hugs! :)
These look amazing. Coffee and Chocolate--perfect pair. Can't go wrong there!
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@nickylv: That is wonderful news, nickylv! I know you'll enjoy them. Thanks for the visit, hugs! :)
Great stuff! The strong dose of coffee is right up my alley. I think there is another ingredient that could be added that would REALLY make them adults only! ;o)
We will be serving these. Thanks
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@24hourdentist: So can I come to think of it, 24hourdentist. Tipsy cupcakes! Thanks for the visit, hugs! :)
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@hoodave1: As do I, hoodave1. Thanks for visiting, hugs! :)
There goes my diet. I love chocholate.
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@Julia Morais: Thank you, juliavm, and thanks for the visit, hugs! :)
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@UKBusinesses: I do as well, UKBusinesses. Making them at home you get more creative control and I love that. Thanks for the visit, hugs! :)
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@halfpintohoney lm: Aww, thank you so very much, halfpintohoney, and thanks for the visit, hugs! :)
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@lewisgirl: Thanks so much, Lewisgirl! I've baked for enouh parties and the like to know that everyone likes something different and a topping station can be a fun icebreaker for guests. Thanks for the visit, hugs! :)
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@English-lion: You will love them, English-lion! Thanks for the visit, Hugs! :)
Bacon ?!?! ..... got to try :-D
Well done! Loved the idea of a toppings station!
What beautiful cupcakes. Great do it urself guide!
These look incredible! I will definitely be trying these, I adore cupcakes
Yummy chocolate cupcakes. Love these ideas.
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@VspaBotanicals: I loved them, VspaBotanicals. I'm seriously thinking of whipping up another batch. Thanks for the visit, hugs! :)
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@notsuperstitious1: Thanks you so much, notsuperstitious13. Hugs! :)
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@BrownEyedGirl69: Indulge yourself, BrownEyedGirl69. You deserve it, hugs! :
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@nonya222: I agree, terilass. Thanks for the visit, hugs! :)
Oh boy, am I hungry :) Excellent cupcakes!!!
They all look good.
Your lens has go me craving cupcakes.
Yummy! Can't go wrong with chocolate.
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@rhubarba: Thanks, minor9! :)
Not the prettiest ones, but who cares. I love chocolate and these look delicious!
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@LluviaDeArte: It smelled heavenly, LluviaDeArte! You're welcome anytime the chocolate bacon cupcakes come out. Thanks for visiting, hugs! :)
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@Judith Nazarewicz: Thank you for visiting, junaz11, hugs! :)
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@SamanthaHaupt: They are, SamanthaHaupt. Thanks for the visit, hugs! :)
These look delicious!!
Heavenly chocolate! Thanks so much for sharing!:-)
What a wonderful smell your house must have had when you were making these. May I come over for halloween? Or specifically when the chocolate bacon cupcakes are served? Wow. Genius, deilcious, super well done lens. Thank you.
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@Erin Mellor: That sounds wonderful, ErinMellor. Hope you enjoy it, hugs! :)
Excellent. I'd simply never thought of pimping a box mix, the idea of using coffee instead of water is genius - genius! I may not bother with Halloween, but I'm going to play with chocolate cake next time we have a grown up evening.
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@iijuan12: Thanks so much, iijuan12! Hugs! :)
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@anonymous: Thank you, tomwilliam99! Hugs! :)
its all nice and great as visit,nice efforts
What a fun lens! You've made me very hungry for chocolate cupcakes.
Oh my gosh, why did I have to find this lens when it's still only Friday... roll on tomorrow - CHEAT DAY = LOTS of cupcakes!
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@getmoreinfo: Aww, thanks, getmoreinfo! Hugs! :)
Chocolate heaven.
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@esmonaco: Thank you, esmonaco! Glad you liked them. Hugs! :)
WOW.... I am a chocolate lover Thanks for sharing this.
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@anonymous: Thank you so much, peipeimon! Thanks for visiting, hugs! :)
I love chocolate. They look delicious.
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@nicks44: Well the monitor would be calorie free, but not quite as tasty, nicks44, lol! Thanks for the visit, hugs! :)
Oh dear I loved them! I swear I could have eaten the monitor :))
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@smine27: Sounds awesome, smine27! Enjoy the party and thanks for the visit, hugs! :)
i Love this lens! Great idea for an adult party that's coming this weekend!
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@Max Globe: They are awesome, Max_Globe! They need to be chilled first to melt in the mouth, but I'm guessing freshly made would be awesome too even if it would be a bit messy. Thanks for visiting, hugs! :)
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@Michelllle: You'll adore them, Michellle. They melt in your mouth, so good! Thanks for the visit, hugs! :)
Nutella cupcakes? Brilliant.
I would love to taste with Nutella!
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@PlumberJorge: Thanks so much, PlumberJorge. I think if you reach through your screen you can nab one. Thanks for the visit, hugs! :)
Delicious lens! I loved the cupcakes. It makes me wanna get off my chair and get one. :)
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@anonymous: I would give you some if I could, eilval! Hugs! :)
So scrumptious ! Wouldn't mind having some of these cupcakes .
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@justinespeaks13: So do I, justinespeaks13. Thanks so much for the visit and comment, hugs! :)
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@writerkath: Aww, thank you so much, KathyT. It honestly took me forever to figure out what to bake. Thanks for visiting, hugs! :)
Awesome job on this lens! Gorgeous cupcakes, and gorgeous photos! Nice work!
looks yummy! I love everything chocolate.
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@Usemybee: Thank you very much, Usemybee. Visiting my lens makes me want to whip up another batch. Thanks for the visit, hugs! :)
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@Diaper Bag Blog: Awww, thanks, stajo82. They are very addictive. Thanks for the visit, hugs! :)
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@mina009: Thanks you so much, mina009! Thanks for visiting! Hugs! :)
Gorgeous cupcakes!
Wow... Your chocolate cupcakes look so yummy!!! I gotta go for some chocolate now! :)
It looks good, even if today is not Halloween.
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