Introduction
These Vampire Bite Cupcakes are the ultimate spooky treat for Halloween. Made with rich triple chocolate cupcakes, filled with homemade strawberry jam “blood,” and topped with fluffy vanilla buttercream, they’re as dramatic as they are delicious. The final touch comes from two fang-like puncture marks filled with jam that drip down the frosting, creating the perfect vampire bite effect. Gluten-free and easily dairy-free, these cupcakes are both eerie and indulgent, making them a guaranteed hit at any Halloween party or October movie night.
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History or Background
Cupcakes have long been a go-to party dessert thanks to their portability and endless flavor options. Themed cupcakes, especially for holidays, became popular in the early 2000s when home bakers began experimenting with creative decorating techniques. Vampire Bite Cupcakes are part of this trend, inspired by Halloween’s love of all things spooky. With their fang marks and dripping “blood,” they give a playful nod to vampire lore, while still delivering the classic joy of chocolate cake and buttercream. It’s a recipe that blends timeless flavors with festive, frightful fun.
Why You’ll Love Vampire Bite Cupcakes
Vampire Bite Cupcakes aren’t just delicious—they’re an experience. First, they’re spooky and fun, making them a perfect centerpiece for Halloween parties. Second, they’re rich and indulgent, with triple chocolate cake, strawberry jam filling, and creamy buttercream. Third, they’re diet-friendly, gluten-free and easily adaptable to dairy-free options. Finally, they’re make-ahead friendly, so you can prepare components in advance and assemble the day of. These cupcakes bring both flavor and festive flair, sure to thrill kids, adults, and every vampire fan in between.

Ingredients for Vampire Bite Cupcakes
To make these spooky Vampire Bite Cupcakes, you’ll need:
For the Dark Chocolate Cupcakes:
- ¼ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup unsalted butter (or dairy-free alternative)
- ½ cup milk (dairy-free if preferred)
- 1 tbsp instant coffee (finely ground)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (mix of Dutch-processed and black cocoa)
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
For the Strawberry Jam “Blood”:
- 2 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- Dash of red gel food coloring
For the Vanilla Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or dairy-free alternative)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2½ cups icing sugar
- 2 tsp milk (dairy-free if preferred)
- Pinch of salt
These components combine into rich chocolate cupcakes with a gory jam surprise and “vampire bite” frosting that’s as festive as it is delicious.
How to Make Vampire Bite Cupcakes
Making Vampire Bite Cupcakes takes a few steps, but the spooky payoff is worth it:
- Bake the cupcakes – Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt chocolate chips, butter, and milk together, then whisk in instant coffee, vanilla, egg, and sugar. Mix in flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until smooth. Scoop batter into cupcake liners and bake 15–19 minutes. Cool completely.
- Prepare the jam “blood” – Cook strawberries with a splash of water until soft. Simmer with cornstarch until thickened, then add food coloring for a deep red hue. Chill for at least 2 hours.
- Make the buttercream – Beat butter until fluffy, then gradually add icing sugar. Mix in vanilla, milk, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the cupcakes – Core the centers of cupcakes and fill with strawberry jam. Pipe buttercream swirls on top. Use a straw to poke two holes into each cupcake, then pipe jam into the holes and let it drip down like vampire bites.
The result: rich chocolate cupcakes with a creepy, bloody surprise inside—perfectly spooky and perfectly sweet.
Pro Tips for Vampire Bite Cupcakes
- Cool completely before decorating – Warm cupcakes will melt the buttercream, so patience is key.
- Chill the jam – A thicker consistency makes it easier to pipe into the cupcakes and create realistic “blood drips.”
- Use a straw for bite marks – It’s the easiest way to get clean puncture holes in the frosting for that authentic vampire look.
Serving Ideas for Vampire Bite Cupcakes
Vampire Bite Cupcakes are perfect for Halloween parties, horror movie nights, or spooky-themed birthdays. Serve them on a black platter or cupcake stand decorated with spiderwebs, plastic bats, or faux cobwebs for an eerie effect. Pair them with other Halloween treats like mummy hot dogs or pumpkin patch dirt cups for a fully themed spread. For extra fun, serve with red fruit punch or a “blood” mocktail to tie the vampire theme together.
Storage Advice for Vampire Bite Cupcakes
Store Vampire Bite Cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. If making ahead, keep the jam, cupcakes, and buttercream separate, then assemble on the day of serving. Cupcakes can also be frozen (without frosting or jam filling) for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight before decorating.

FAQs about Vampire Bite Cupcakes
Do two bite cupcakes need to be refrigerated?
Yes, if filled with jam or topped with buttercream, they should be refrigerated to stay fresh.
Why are two bite cupcakes so good?
Their small size makes them perfectly portioned, moist, and packed with flavor in every bite.
How to do rainbow cupcakes?
Divide batter into bowls, add food coloring, then layer colors in cupcake liners before baking.
How big are two bite cupcakes?
Two-bite cupcakes are typically around 1½–2 inches in diameter, smaller than standard cupcakes.
Find out more: Fabulous Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball Recipe
Conclusion
Vampire Bite Cupcakes are the ultimate spooky-sweet treat—rich chocolate cake, “bloody” jam filling, and eerie bite-mark buttercream. Perfect for Halloween parties or horror-themed nights, they’re as dramatic as they are delicious. Make a batch to thrill your guests and sink your teeth into these hauntingly good cupcakes!
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Astounding Vampire Bite Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 11 cupcakes
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Vampire Bite Cupcakes are spooky Halloween desserts made with rich chocolate cake, strawberry jam “blood” filling, and vanilla buttercream topped with vampire bite marks. Perfectly festive, gluten-free, and easily dairy-free, they’re a hit at any Halloween party.
Ingredients
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¼ cup chocolate chips
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½ cup unsalted butter (or dairy-free alternative)
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½ cup milk (dairy-free if preferred)
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1 tbsp instant coffee
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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1 large egg
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1 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
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1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum
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½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch + black cocoa blend)
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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2 cups strawberries
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2 tsp cornstarch
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Dash red gel food coloring
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or dairy-free)
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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2½ cups icing sugar
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2 tsp milk (dairy-free if preferred)
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Pinch of salt
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with liners.
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Melt chocolate, butter, and milk together, then whisk in coffee, vanilla, egg, and sugar.
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Mix in flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until smooth. Fill liners halfway and bake 15–19 minutes. Cool completely.
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Make jam: cook strawberries until soft, simmer with cornstarch until thick, add food coloring, and chill.
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Make buttercream: beat butter until fluffy, add icing sugar gradually, then mix in vanilla, milk, and salt.
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Core cupcakes, fill with jam, and pipe buttercream swirls.
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Use a straw to poke two “fang” holes in frosting and pipe jam to drip like vampire bites.
Notes
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Cool cupcakes fully before decorating.
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Chill jam before piping for best “blood” effect.
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Cupcakes can be frozen without filling or frosting for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baked
- Cuisine: American