Bloody Eyeball Cupcakes Recipe

If you’re hunting for a fun and spooky treat to impress your friends at the next gathering, you’ve got to try this Bloody Eyeball Cupcakes Recipe. I absolutely love how these cupcakes look like eerie eyeballs popping right out, yet taste totally indulgent and delicious. Whether you’re baking for Halloween, a themed party, or just because you like a little dramatic flair in your sweets, this recipe will not disappoint—it’s fan-freaking-tastic and surprisingly easy to pull off!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Bloody Eyeball Cupcakes Recipe work together perfectly to create cupcakes that are moist, flavorful, and visually stunning. The red velvet cake mix gives you that iconic color, and adding instant cheesecake pudding mix gives the crumb a richer texture. The cherry pie filling is the secret “bloody” surprise inside, while the cream cheese frosting ties everything together with creamy sweetness.

• Red velvet cake mix: Choose a good quality mix for vibrant color and consistent results.
• Cheesecake instant pudding mix: I love this addition because it makes the cupcakes ultra moist and adds a tangy note.
• Cherry pie filling: Look for one with whole or large cherries for that juicy “eyeball blood” effect.
• Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in your frosting.
• Butter: Also softened, helps create a smooth, fluffy frosting texture.
• Vanilla extract: Just a touch to brighten the frosting flavor.
• Cream or milk: Adds creaminess and perfect consistency to the frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sift it before mixing if you want the silkiest frosting.
• Red sparkle food gel: Essential for drawing the “blood vessels” on the eyeballs.
• Eyeball gumballs: You can find them seasonally or online—these are what make the cupcakes so theatrically perfect!

Variations

I love that this Bloody Eyeball Cupcakes Recipe is super customizable. Depending on your mood (or pantry situation), you can tweak the filling, frosting, or decorations to make it your own. Don’t be shy to get creative here!

• Cherry substitute: I once swapped cherry pie filling for raspberry preserves to give a slightly tart and darker “blood” that my kids found even more fun.
• Frosting flavors: Adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the cream cheese frosting adds a lovely twist I experimented with on a whim.
• Dietary tweaks: Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based butter to make this recipe vegan-friendly without losing the creamy texture.
• Decor swaps: Instead of eyeball gumballs, try using decorated jelly candies or hand-painted fondant eyeballs for a more advanced touch.

How to Make Bloody Eyeball Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Batter with a Moisture Boost

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two muffin tins with about 16 cupcake liners. Then, use the red velvet cake mix and follow the instructions on the box—except here’s the trick: stir in the small box of cheesecake instant pudding mix right after the batter is smooth and blended. This addition makes your cupcakes so incredibly moist and adds a subtle cheesecake flavor that pairs beautifully with the cherry filling. Trust me, I discovered this method after struggling with dry cupcakes in the past.

Step 2: Bake and Core Out the Centers

Fill your lined muffin cups about three-quarters full with batter and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs. When they’re cooled completely, carefully core out their centers using a small paring knife—this is where the “bloody” filling will go. Be gentle and take your time here to avoid breaking the cupcake walls. I usually discard the removed centers, but you can crumble them later for cupcake crumbs or another dessert.

Step 3: Fill the Cupcakes with Cherry “Blood”

Using a small spoon, fill each cupcake cavity with cherry pie filling. My favorite part is making sure to get two or more cherries in each hole—that’s what gives it that juicy, “blood vessel” look when you bite in. These cherries add amazing texture and a sweet-tart surprise that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of cream or milk for about 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating after each addition until the frosting is fluffy but still pipeable. The consistency should be thick enough to hold shape but soft enough to pipe without cracking. This creamy frosting perfectly balances the tart cherry flavor and hides the “hole” you cored out earlier.

Step 5: Pipe Frosting and Add the Bloody Details

Fill a piping bag fitted with a large open circle tip with your cream cheese frosting. Pipe tall, generous swirls on top of each cupcake so that the cherry filling is completely covered. The height and swirl shape mimic a bulbous eyeball perfectly. Then, grab your red sparkle food gel and draw squiggly lines radiating out from the center frosting peak along the sides of the cupcake—think creepy blood vessels. To finish, place an eyeball gumball (or eyeball candy) right on top. The whole effect is delightfully spooky but also utterly delicious.

How to Serve Bloody Eyeball Cupcakes Recipe

Garnishes

I always keep it simple and spooky by topping with eyeball gumballs—the fake blood drawn with red sparkle gel is usually enough to pull off the theme! But if I’m feeling fancy for a party, I add edible glitter or a little red sanding sugar to give the cupcakes an extra eerie shimmer.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes are quite rich, so I like pairing them with something light like fresh fruit skewers or a crisp green salad freshened up with a citrus dressing. For Halloween, baby carrots or “blood-red” beet chips also make thematic, crunchy companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For our annual Halloween party, I like arranging the cupcakes on a platter filled with dry ice beneath (using a separate tray), creating a creepy mist that wafts over the tabletop. Another time, I set them in small “eyeball nests” made from shredded coconut dyed red to look like tangled veins—guests loved the extra detail!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing any leftover Bloody Eyeball Cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. They stay great for 3-4 days, though I’ll admit my family usually eats them up long before then!

Freezing

If you want to freeze them, I suggest freezing the cupcakes without frosting first. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and then frost and decorate fresh. This keeps everything tasting fresh and vibrant.

Reheating

Since these are cupcakes, reheating isn’t necessary. If you do want to warm them slightly, take care not to melt the frosting—just allow to come to room temperature or warm gently for 10 seconds in the microwave.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something so delightfully eerie but utterly irresistible about this Bloody Eyeball Cupcakes Recipe. From the moment I first baked them, I knew they’d be a hit with family and friends—not just for the spooky look, but because the flavor combo is genuinely delicious. If you love a little kitchen fun and want to wow your guests with a creative, tasty treat, do yourself a favor and make these. You’ll enjoy every creepy bite and smile as everyone marvels at your mad baking skills!

Print