Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Ghost Cupcake Cake?
It is a festive pull-apart dessert made from 12 yellow cupcakes arranged in the shape of a ghost and covered in cream cheese frosting.
What type of cake mix is required?
The recipe uses one 18-ounce box of yellow cake mix.
How many cupcakes does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 12 medium cupcakes.
Why is vanilla pudding mix added to the batter?
Dry instant vanilla pudding mix is added to the cake batter to make the cupcakes extra moist and flavorful.
What are the ingredients for the cream cheese frosting?
The frosting consists of 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of softened butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and one 16-ounce package of sifted powdered sugar.
How do I create the ghost's eyes?
The eyes are created by placing 2 whole Oreo cookies on top of the frosted cupcakes.
How do I make the ghost's mouth?
Outline the mouth with black decorating gel and then fill the center with 3 finely crushed Oreo cookies.
How should I arrange the cupcakes?
Arrange the 12 cooled cupcakes on a large platter or tray in a ghost-like pattern before applying the frosting.
Can I make a larger version of this cake?
Yes, you can easily double the amount of cupcakes and ingredients to create a larger ghostly centerpiece.
How should leftovers be stored?
Because the frosting contains cream cheese and butter, any leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 333 calories.
How much sugar is in each cupcake?
There are 33 grams of sugar per serving.
Is there protein in this dessert?
Yes, each serving provides 2.5 grams of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains 15 grams of fat.
Do I need to make the pudding before adding it to the batter?
No, you should add the dry instant vanilla pudding mix directly into the cake batter.
What size package of powdered sugar is needed?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce package, which is approximately 4 to 4.5 cups of sifted sugar.
How do I prepare the frosting?
Beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until creamy, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar until smooth.
Is this recipe suitable for Halloween parties?
Yes, its spooky appearance and easy-to-distribute cupcake format make it a perfect Halloween party centerpiece.
Can I use a different type of cookie for decoration?
While the recipe specifies Oreo cookies, any similar round chocolate sandwich cookie will work.
What is the total carbohydrate count?
There are 50 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does the recipe require eggs and oil?
Yes, you will need 3 eggs and 1/3 cup of oil, or whatever amount is specified on your specific cake mix box.
How should the cupcakes be cooled?
Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them sit on a wire rack until they are completely cool before frosting.
What tools are recommended for the frosting?
An electric mixer set to medium speed is recommended to ensure the frosting is creamy and well-combined.
What color is the decorating gel?
The recipe calls for black decorating gel to define the ghost's features.
Is this a difficult recipe?
No, it is designed to be a simple and fun project that uses a boxed mix and easy decorating steps.
How many Oreo cookies are used for the mouth?
Three Oreo cookies are crushed and sprinkled inside the gel-outlined mouth area.
Can I use store-bought frosting instead?
You can, but the homemade cream cheese frosting provides a specific creamy texture and flavor recommended for this cake.
What is the purpose of the water in the recipe?
1 1/3 cups of water are used to hydrate the cake mix and pudding mix to form the batter.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients listed for this recipe.
Why must the cupcakes be arranged before frosting?
Arranging them first allows you to frost over the gaps, creating a single, seamless ghost shape that guests can still pull apart.