Ingredients:

  • 250g all-purpose flour
  • 75g black cocoa powder
  • 300g granulated sugar
  • 7g baking powder
  • 4g baking soda
  • 3g salt
  • 100g large eggs
  • 240ml whole milk
  • 115g vegetable oil
  • 10ml vanilla extract
  • 240ml boiling water
  • 225g full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 115g unsalted butter, softened
  • 360g powdered sugar
  • 5ml vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp black gel food coloring
  • 24 large pretzel sticks
  • 48 candy eyeballs

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk your dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
  2. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, beating until smooth. Stir in the boiling water by hand.
  3. Pour into lined tins and bake for 20-22 minutes.
  4. Beat the softened butter and cream cheese until pale and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla.
  5. Stir in the black gel coloring.
  6. Pipe a generous swirl of frosting on each cupcake. Press pretzel halves into the sides for legs.
  7. Finish by pressing two candy eyeballs into the front of the frosting.