Name: Augapfel Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box vanilla cupcake mix (or homemade vanilla cupcake batter); 12 teaspoons strawberry or raspberry jam; White frosting (buttercream or fondant-style); 12 round candies (M&M’s or Smarties) for the iris; Black gel icing for the pupil; Red food coloring for veins

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Augapfel Cupcakes, or “eyeball cupcakes,” are spooky and sweet Halloween treats that look like realistic eyeballs. With a soft vanilla base, a bloody jam center, and a creepy eyeball design, they’re perfect for haunting dessert tables during spooky season.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love these cupcakes because they’re both delicious and entertaining to decorate. The contrast between the soft vanilla cake, the gooey jam filling, and the eerie eyeball topping makes every bite both fun and flavorful. They’re a hit at Halloween parties and super fun to make with kids or friends. Augapfel Cupcakes

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Vanilla cupcake mix (or homemade cupcake batter)
White frosting (buttercream or fondant-style)
Strawberry or raspberry jam (for the “bloody” center)
Round candies like M&M’s or Smarties (for the iris)
Black gel icing (for the pupil)
Red food coloring (to draw veins)

Directions

I bake the cupcakes according to the package or homemade recipe, then let them cool completely.
I use a small knife or spoon to hollow out the center of each cupcake.
I fill each center with a small spoonful of red jam to resemble the inside of an eyeball.
I frost the tops of the cupcakes smoothly with white frosting.
I press one round candy in the center of each to act as the iris.
I dot the candy with a tiny amount of black gel icing to form the pupil.
Using a toothpick dipped in red food coloring, I draw squiggly lines radiating from the candy to look like veins.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 cupcakes. Preparation time is 15 minutes, baking takes around 20 minutes, and decorating takes another 15–20 minutes.

Variations

I swap the jam for fruit coulis or even red-colored peanut butter for a twist.
For a more dramatic effect, I drizzle some melted red jelly down the sides.
I use different colored candies for green, blue, or hazel “eyes.”
Mini versions make perfect bite-sized party snacks.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days. If I want to keep them longer, I refrigerate them and let them come back to room temperature before serving. No reheating is needed. Augapfel Cupcakes

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, I like to bake the cupcakes the day before and decorate them the day of serving for the freshest result.

What kind of jam works best for the bloody center?

I use strawberry or raspberry jam because of their deep red color and slightly chunky texture for the best effect.

Can I freeze them?

I freeze the undecorated cupcakes. Once thawed, I fill and decorate them fresh.

What if I don’t have round candies for the iris?

I make a circle of colored frosting in the center of the cupcake instead, then dot it with black gel for the pupil.

How do I keep the frosting from melting?

I make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before frosting, and I store them in a cool place.

Conclusion

Augapfel Cupcakes are creepy, clever, and incredibly tasty. I love how the realistic eyeball look always gets a reaction, and how easy they are to make for Halloween parties. Whether I’m serving kids or adults, these cupcakes are a spooky success every time.