Halloween Ghosts Meringue Cinnamon Cupcakes

Finally Halloween is here, so let me start by saying HAPPY HALLOWEEN! If you're not a big Halloween fan, you don't feel like going out in the cold begging for sweets, you're stuck for ideas on what to make for a Halloween party or what to give to trick or treaters... then you can still be slightly festive and bake these adorable cupackes, just to join in the occasion! Yes.... I am aware that they look slightly like the poo emoji but they're are definitely ghost... if you look at them in the right way...

 

On to the recipe: 

For the cupcakes (makes 24):

220g butter

220g caster sugar

4 eggs 

220g self raising flour

1tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp mixed spice 

- Preheat oven 180C/350F/Gas 4

1. Whisk together the butter and caster sugar until smooth and creamy

2. Add the vanilla extract and mix

3. Gradually whisk in the eggs until combined

4. Sift in the self raising flour gradually and fold into the mixture

5. Add the spices to the mixture and stir until combined

6. Place into cupcake cases 3/4 full and into the oven for approximatly 10 minutes, until golden brown.

7. Take out and cool 

On to the meringue:

3 free range eggs (egg whites needed)

150g caster sugar 

Icing sugar

Black food colouring and water

- Preheat oven to 140C/275F/Gas 1

1. Preferably using an electric whisk, whisk the 3 egg whites until soft peeks form

2. Gradually whisk in all the sugar, 1tbsp at a time - until firm peeks form

3. Pipe or spoon 4cm high swirls onto a lined grease proof paper tray

4. Place into the oven for an hour 

5. Turn off the oven and leave them in there until they cool 

6. Place the water and icing sugar until they form a hard and not too runny icing (Gradually add the water) 

7. Pipe the bottom of the meringue with icing and place it on top of the cupcake

8. Place the rest of the icing into a piping bag and cut a thin tip on the bag

9. Gently put two dots as eyes on the meringue around 1/2cm large 

There you have it, delicous Halloween cupcakes. Even if you don't want to celebrate it this year, you can still indulge in these sweet delights! Enjoy xx