
Table of Contents
I almost got eliminated from my own Halloween party. The pressure was real. My usual spooky treats were getting side-eyed harder than a Front Man stare.
Then it hit me: the ultimate mashup of viral terror and delicious dessert. This year, I’m winning Halloween with these Squid Game Halloween cupcakes. They’re the kind of creepy, creative, and stupidly tasty dessert that makes you the undisputed VIP of any spooky soiree.
Forget boring orange frosting. We’re playing a different game now.
Honestly, it’s the combination of sheer drama and yum-factor. The moment you bring out a tray of these, the room goes quiet.
Are they art? Are they a threat? They tap directly into that weirdly nostalgic, universally understood tension from the show.
The best part is the flavor surprise. Underneath that stark white and pink icing is a moist, rich red velvet cake. It’s a plot twist for your taste buds, and I’m here for it.
Ingredients
Gathering your squad for this bake-off is half the fun.
You’ll need mostly standard baking staples, but a few key players will make or break your Squid Game Halloween cupcakes aesthetic. Don’t skip the gel food coloring; it’s the secret weapon for that vibrant, blood-red cake and stark white frosting.
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (plus required eggs & oil)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Red and black gel food coloring
- White ready-to-use fondant (the quirky MVP)
- 12 cupcake liners (black or white)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Bake the red velvet cupcakes. Follow the box directions, but add an extra shot of red gel food coloring to make the crouton truly, dramatically crimson. Let them cool completely. A warm cupcake will melt your frosting into a tragic puddle.
- Whip up the vanilla buttercream. Beat the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then the cream and vanilla. Take half of this frosting and dye it a stark, brilliant white. The other half gets a few drops of black coloring for the “guard” masks.
- Create the iconic shapes. Roll out your white fondant on a surface dusted with powdered sugar. Use a small knife or shape cutters to form the circle, triangle, and square symbols. This is the part where your Squid Game Halloween cupcakes truly come to life.
- Frost and assemble your masterpieces. Pipe a thick swirl of white buttercream onto each cupcake. Gently press your fondant shapes into the frosting. Use a small brush and a tiny bit of black frosting or gel to add the fine details. Step back and admire your terrifyingly tasty creation.
Storage Instructions

These cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but life happens. For short-term storage, place them in an airtight container. They will stay perfectly fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. For longer storage, you can freeze them unfrosted for up to 2 months. I often bake a batch of the cakes ahead of time and do the decorating the day of the party to save my sanity.
Why You’ll Love This Squid Game Halloween Cupcakes
- Major Crowd-Pleaser: They are instant conversation starters and guaranteed to dominate your guests’ social media feeds.
- Surprisingly Simple: Using a box mix as a base makes the process fast, letting you focus on the fun, creative decorating part.
- Perfectly Themed: They hit the sweet spot between spooky and sweet, making them ideal for both Halloween and fans of the show.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using liquid food coloring. It waters down your frosting and creates a sad, pastel mess. Gel coloring is non-negotiable for vibrancy.
- Frosting warm cupcakes. This is a recipe for a sugary landslide. Patience is a virtue, especially in this deadly game.
- Overworking the fondant. If you knead it too much, it becomes tough and hard to shape. Handle it gently for smooth symbols.
Alternatives and Variations
Want to switch up the game?
For a delicious chocolate cupcake base, simply swap the red velvet mix for a devil’s food chocolate. To make these vegan, use your favorite plant-based cake mix, vegan butter, and oat milk. You can also skip the fondant and pipe the shapes directly with tinted frosting, though the clean look won’t be as sharp.
Get creative with the flavors!
FAQs
Can I freeze the Squid Game Halloween cupcakes?
Absolutely! Freeze them without the frosting and fondant decorations for best results. Thaw at room temperature before decorating and serving.
What’s the best substitute for fondant?
If you’re not a fondant fan, use stiff white modeling chocolate.
It tastes much better and is similarly easy to mold into the perfect shapes for your cupcakes.
How long do these Halloween cupcakes stay fresh?
Once assembled, they are perfect for about 2 days at room temperature or 3 days in the fridge. The fondant might start to sweat if it’s humid.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
For baking, yes! For the show’s themes, maybe not.
The decorating is a super fun activity, but the show itself is for a mature audience. IMO, it’s a great way to make a spooky treat without the gore.
Can I prep the Squid Game cupcakes ahead of time?
100%. Bake the cupcakes up to two days in advance and store them tightly wrapped.
Make the frosting and keep it in the fridge, then bring it to room temp and re-whip before decorating.
Final Thoughts
These Squid Game Halloween cupcakes are my ultimate win for the season. They combine easy baking with a seriously cool result that gets everyone talking. Don’t just make a dessert; make an experience.
Now go create your own batch of these iconic treats and prepare to be the hero of your Halloween party. Tag me in your photos—I need to see your edible works of art!
Kai is a 25-year-old digital artist and baker from Toronto, Canada. Inspired by anime, gaming, and online culture, he transform pixel art and internet trends into edible creations. hes viral cupcake version of the Pokémon world map gained over 3 million views on TikTok.