Creepy Cream Filled Devil’s Food Cupcakes
Every now and then, as I’m rushing through the New York City subways, a song titled “Wear Sunscreen” shuffles onto my iPod. It’s based on an essay titled “Advice, like youth, probably just wasted on the young,” which was written by Mary Schmich and published in the Chicago Tribune as a column in 1997. Hollywood producer Baz Luhrmann turned it into a music single in 1999, and I like to listen to it as a reminder of what really matters. There is one stanza in particular that hits home every time:
- Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday. (Click here to listen to the entire song)
I worry all the time. About all the work I have to do, about money, about not getting enough sleep. Sometimes I even worry that I worry to much – seriously! It’s a bad habit that I’ve been working on, yet I never realized how true Mary’s words were until I logged into my bank account this past Friday and learned that someone had stolen my debit/credit card number, then emptied my checking account by purchasing some $1,500 worth of merchandise at Macy*s West. Ah, so this is the kind of thing Mary was talking about – the kind of worry-worthy event that blindsides you, in this case, at 8:47PM on some idle Friday.
We immediately called the bank, and while my husband was listening to the manager say that, sorry, there was nothing they could do until we sent a handwritten letter to the debit card department (yes, really), I logged into Twitter. “Holy —,” I wrote, “Someone stole my credit card and emptied our accounts.” The next morning my husband laughed about this: “I can’t believe you began twittering while I was on the phone.” But to me it made perfect sense. Even though I haven’t met most of you face-to-face, in many ways you are more of a support network than anyone I know in “real” life. That my feelings of friendship were not one-sided became evident when folks began responding to my tweets. They offered condolences, they offered shoulders to cry on, some even offered to send us money to get by. I was deeply touched, and though we didn’t need to accept money from anyone online both my husband and I were amazed that so many people were willing to lend a hand. As I wrote to one generous woman who offered to mail $300 to us: although we have family to help us get by, you’ve just proven how much Twitter can create a virtual family too. So thank you to everyone who was there for me, when all I wanted to do was curl up in a little ball and cry.
Life goes on and we’re still dealing with the bank, which won’t launch an investigation until they receive our letter, and then informs us it could take 45 days for us to (maybe) get our money back. We were especially careful when planning our menu for the week and were able to cut a nice chunk of change out of our normal grocery bill – something we may want to continue doing in the future. It’s a distressing situation to be sure, but it did put everything in perspective. If I had the past to live over I’d have fewer imaginary troubles and, as Benjamin Franklin advised, I wouldn’t worry about what may never happen. I’d keep in the sunlight. I plan to do that from now on.
Looking through my pantry for items that could be incorporated into our meals this week, I noticed I had an incredible amount of chocolate and marshmallows. Then an idea hit me, and I decided to use some of my supplies to make a batch of cream-filled devil’s food cupcakes. It was all in the name of cheering us up, you understand, and though it’s hard to think of a topper it turns out there is one: decorating said cupcakes with some of the Halloween candy we have stockpiled for Friday. As you can see above and below, I had a good time.
I used Melissa Murphy’s recipe for Devil’s Food Cake (from The Sweet Melissa Baking Book) as the foundation for the cupcakes – this is my favorite chocolate cake recipe, hands down, with a deep flavor that gains depth from the addition of strong brewed coffee. While the cupcakes were baking I whipped up a batch of billowy cream made with marshmallow fluff and confectioners sugar, then put it into a large ziploc bag fitted with a pastry tip for piping. When the cupcakes came out of the oven, I inserted the tip of the pastry bag into the top of each cupcake, then filled them with cream. Voila! They were like Hostess cupcakes, but homemade and hence yummier. (I think yummier is a word? Spell check says yes.)
After I filled the cupcakes I turned my attention to the frosting, which is chocolate buttercream in this case. Finally, I used sliced gummy worms, black licorice, marshmallows, halved Whoppers, green licorice and gummy eyes and lips to decorate the cupcakes. The gummy worms had a hard time sticking to the frosting, so I used some of the leftover cream-filling as a bit of edible glue, and I snipped away at a gummy “toe” in my body parts candy bag (same one with the eyes & teeth) to make the nose for another cupcake face. It was super fun and made me wish I had kids to share the experience with. 
Before I go a few updates:
- Check out my new Halloween blinkie, on the sidebar. It links to an entire page of blinkies that you are welcome to use on your site. I hope you like them.
- The About page has been significantly updated with new photos, text and additional answers in the FAQ section.
- New books have been added to the giveaway page for November! December books will be up soon too.
Finally, don’t forget about the monthly book giveaway! October’s giveaway features two books: Some Like It Hot: 50 Drinks to Warm Your Spirits by Holly Burrows, and Great Grilled Cheese: 50 Innovative Recipes for Stove Top, Grill, and Sandwich Maker by Laura Werlin.
Creepy Cream Filled Devil’s Food Cupcakes
Step 1: Make the cupcakes.
The cupcakes featured here use Melissa Murphy’s recipe for Devil’s Food Cake from The Sweet Melissa Baking Book. Melissa has generously given me permission to share the recipe with you. Other Melissa Murphy recipes on this site include Hazelnut Raspberry Cake, Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies and Fallen Chocolate Soufflé Cake. You can also read an interview with Melissa here.
Devil’s Food Cake
- Ingredients: Makes 24 regular sized cupcakes, or 12 jumbo cupcakes
- 6 ounces best-quality unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped (I used 4 oz unsweetened and 2 oz bittersweet, because that’s what I had in my pantry)
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 2/3 cups sugar
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup best-quality unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/3 cups hot strong brewed coffee
* method adapted for cupcakes
Cut parchment paper into rounds that fit the bottoms of your cupcake molds. Spray each mold with Pam, then firmly press the parchment paper round onto the bottom of the mold, making sure there is no room for batter to run underneath. Lightly flour the molds and tap out any excess flour.
In the top of a double boiler set over simmering, not boiling, water, melt the chocolate, stirring occasionally. (I used a large pot of simmering water and a large metal bowl to make my “double boiler.” Fill the pot about 1/4 full, bring to a simmer, then place your metal bowl into the pot – there should be a fair amount of space between the water and the bottom of your bowl and the bowl should form a seal with the pot.) When the chocolate is completely melted, whisk in the vegetable oil until smooth. Remove from the heat, but keep warm over the hot water.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, and mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream and eggs until smooth.
Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, and mix until combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the hot coffee in a stream, and mix until combined. (Again, scrape down the sides of the bowl.) The batter will be loose.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake molds. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove to a wire rack to cool in the cupcake tin for 25 minutes before turning out the cupcakes onto the rack.
Step 2: Make the cream filling
Cream Filling
From Food & Wine Magazine
- Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 3/4 cup Marshmallow Fluff
- 1 1/2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon heavy cream
While the cupcakes are baking, make the filling as follows:
In a medium bowl, beat the butter with the confectioners’ sugar, Marshmallow Fluff and 1 1/2 tablespoons of the heavy cream at medium speed until fluffy. Transfer all but 1/2 cup of the filling to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/4-inch plain round tip. Beat the remaining 1 teaspoon of cream into the remaining 1/2 cup of filling and reserve.
Insert the tip of the pastry bag about 1/2 inch deep into the bottom of each cupcake; squeeze lightly to fill with cream. You can pipe more cream into each cupcake than I did in the photo above. Don’t worry about the hole on the top as the frosting will cover it.
Step 3: Make the chocolate buttercream frosting
Chocolate Buttercream Frosting (My Recipe)
- Ingredients: Makes enough frosting for 12 regular sized cupcakes or 6 jumbo. Double this recipe if making more than 12 cupcakes.
- 1 stick (8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups confectioners sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons best-quality unsweetened cocoa powder
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk the butter until light and fluffy. Add 1 cup of the confectioners sugar and 1 tablespoon of the cream. Whisk until combined. Add cocoa powder and remaining sugar and cream. Whisk until the ingredients are combined and you have a light, fluffy frosting. Use immediately.
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65 Responses to “Creepy Cream Filled Devil’s Food Cupcakes”
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Love the guy with gum and teeth hahaha and with gummy worm eyebrows. Happy Halloween!
Lorie’s last blog post -> Two Days
I’m sorry about the identity theft
It’s sad that people would go to the extent of stealing just to get material things. Not that there’s any good reason to steal. Hope you work it out with you bank.
Okkkk..that officially sucks. But since you are trying to move on, I’ll keep the sunshine in too and focus on your cute cute cupcakes! They are absolutely adorable.
I wonder about this too now days- people who I have never met in my life are on my mind..and all this with food blogs! It’s nice to reach out to people- it’s amazing how much you get back. Good luck with the bank Ari- take care.
Bharti’s last blog post -> Khatti Arbi, Methi Paneer Malai and Tandoori Roti
Well, it’s been a horrible weekend for you, so I hope those cupcakes made you smile half as much as they made me smile. And I hope the bank gets off its duff and moves quickly to help you.
Lydia (The Perfect Pantry)’s last blog post -> Water (Recipe: bailout bean soup)
Even when bad things happen, its nice when some good results right?
The first good result was that you made me smile just by sharing your wonderful Halloween cupcake photos. I would love to attend a Halloween party at your place, I imagine it would be full of surprises. The cupcakes are super creative and sound delicious..
I hope the bank does the right thing and returns your money asap. It’s good customer service.
I like your philosophy to look at the bright side of life and not let the small things bother as much. Besides, it’s always more fun to enjoy your favorite drink when the glass/cup is half full instead of half empty.
I should make cupcakes for Halloween. These are beautiful.
Hélène’s last blog post -> No-Knead Bread / Pain sans pétrissage
I’m so sorry to hear about the bank issue this weekend. That really stinks and I’m sending good thoughts your way that you’ll get your money back quickly.
Your cupcakes are wondeful though…good job!
Ugh! What a horrible experience! I hope it’s resolved quickly and correctly. My partner had something similar happen — card number stolen at by a restaurant worker; he got his money and the evil folks got caught. Fingers crossed you end up with similar results!
sprite’s last blog post -> my d.c.: the circle
I liked the song, Everybody’s Free to Wear Sunscreen.
I’m sorry to hear about the identity theft, but glad to hear about all the support you received. These cupcakes look like a fantastic and yummy way to lift your spirits.
beastmomma’s last blog post -> VeganMoFo #13: Silence-Heart-Nest
I hope everything works out with the bank, that’s really terrible. As they say, everything passes, right? This weekend was insanely heavy for me with schoolwork, and I just checked your blog as a study break, and found 2 things – 1) inspiration, from that song which I have never heard before, and 2) I actually laughed out loud when I saw the cupcakes. I feel so much better now! Haha
. So thank you for that, greatly appreciated. I hope this week goes better for you, and from one worry-wort to another, we can only do our best!
Oh my goodness that is just awful! I hope you can at least regain your credit. Big hug from Osaka!
kat’s last blog post -> tokyo
When I started reading the post I immediately recalled Monty Python’s song “I’m so worried”. (http://www.lyricsdownload.com/monty-python-im-so-worried-lyrics.html)
I am the same way, I worry. Once I told my husband: “you know, I’m happy now – I don’t worry about anything” and he said, “well, now I’M worried”. I don’t know if it’s a jewish thing or a girl thing. I suspect the latter. However, I would never thought of an identity theft. Hope it will all work out soon.
I really like your posts and recipes, you do make your readers feel like your friends.
So sorry to hear about the debit card number theft! You have a great and healthy attitude about it though…good for you! I also like that song/musical narrative by Baz Luhrman!
The cupcakes look fabulous with the decorations!
joey’s last blog post -> Semi-Dried Tomato and Parmesan Bread in 5
What fun cupcakes!
peabody’s last blog post -> The Miseducation of Peabody…
I agree that I have such a sense of community online. It shows that even though there are some real creeps out there (money stealing creeps) there are some real decent people, too.
The cupcakes look goolishly delicious!
nik’s last blog post -> Good Grief
I’m sorry to hear about your troubles…
Those cupcakes look soooo cute! Really pretty and tempting!
Cheers and have a great week,
Rosa
Rosa’s last blog post -> WEEKEND CAT BLOGGING #177
So sorry to hear about your account problems! That’s so scary and can make you feel so hopeless. My husband and I actually had all of our personal information stolen a few weeks ago – social security numbers, passports, birth certificates, etc. Hopefully you have good luck with the bank and have iron stomachs to deal with their slow process! At least you have goofy cupcakes to make you smile!
Culinarywannabe’s last blog post -> Sausage & Peppers Penne
I knew about this from Twitter already but it’s still shocking! It’s so easy to be sort of cavalier about what I buy online because I’m so comfortable with the internet but really, I should be more cautious and careful! *knock wood*
In any case, the cupcakes looks awesome and yes, a great project to do with kids! Maybe I’ll have Bella, my niece, over this week to make some cupcakes. (At 3.5 months, my Ali is a bit too young to appreciate such a delicious treat).
Nancy’s last blog post -> Sleepy at the Orchard: At Masker Orchards with Alice, where she…
5 words…
Hostess has nothing on these!
These looks absolutely delish!\\
-DTW
http://www.everydaycookin.blogspot.com
If they weren’t chocolate, I won’t touch them! They’re pretty scary!
But Oh-SOOOO-Yummy. Delicious idea!
Specs’s last blog post -> Look what the stork bought!
sorry to hear about your card, Ari. I hope everything gets fixed asap.
Your attitude is really inspiring. You’ve managed to redeem this awful experience for good, and that’s a truly rare and admirable quality in this day and age of entitlement and self-pity. It says a lot about your character, Ari . . . and makes me glad to “know” you (virtually!). You have my best wishes and prayers for a speedy resolution to your financial crisis, and my sincerest admiration for those amazingly awesome cupcakes!!!
Sandy S’s last blog post -> Crispy Oven-Dried Tomatoes and Garlic
Oh my, I am TERRIBLY sorry about the identity theft – hang in there!!!!
On a brighter note, those are such adorable cupcakes
These cakes are adorable!
I’m so sorry to hear about your credit card being stolen. It happened to me and the bank did make good on their promise to cover charges that were clearly not mine. Good luck to you!!!
Zoë François’s last blog post -> Apple & Cajeta (Rich Mexican Caramel) Crisp
so sorry to hear about your debit – what a bummer. i know this sounds cras but when bad things like that happen (not life threatening things) i look forward to the day when I will be over it. it keeps my mind off being upset. by the way, Halloween is Friday, not Thursday. Oh, those cupcakes sound so good, might just have to fit it in for my busy week. many thanks.
SO sorry to hear about that thief. What a horrible situation. We’ve had similar problems w/ credit cards.
This cupcakes are adorable. I think they’d go over well w/ my son’s 2nd grade class
doris madsen » That doesn’t sound crass, who wouldn’t look forward to unpleasant things being over? And thank you for correcting my date re: Halloween. I know it’s Friday so I’m not sure why I wrote Thursday! I fixed the typo.
soooo cute!
Aaawww, man! I’me very sorry to hear about your stolen debit/credit card number. I hope it all works out.
Great cupcakes, they came out super cute!
~ingrid
I’m so sorry to hear about the debit card, but these cupcakes would cheer me right up!
I’m sorry that this happened to you, hope it gets cleared up soon. Your cupcakes are adorable and look delicious. Very creative with the candy, love the faces.
Reeni’s last blog post -> My Unabashed Plea
What a nightmare! My sis had that happen recently, too. Drag. Love your cuppers…I posted some skeleton cookies a few days ago…I love Halloween!
Shellyfish’s last blog post -> Vegan MoFo Day 26 – Halloween Treats, BBQ Treats, Blondie Treats! (No tricks, kids).
I love your Halloween cupcakes made during your crisis! I hope everything turns out ok, and soon. I love that essay “Wear Sunscreen”. Thanks for reminding me of it.
Shari’s last blog post -> Pumpkin Crème Brûlée: Inside, Outside, Upside Down
so sorry to hear about your financial issus, and at a time like this, sheesh! i definitely understand standing in front of the pantry scratching your head and wondering what the deuce you’re going to make. i’m living on an intern’s budget trying to save for grad school next fall and i’m proud to say that i have yet to resort to raman noodles and spam. i enjoy reading your blog though, your recipes are amazing!
Love your blog! Baking and books are two of my favorite things too. I’m going to make these cupcakes for a Halloween party later this week and let the kids decorate them. I hope thy turn out as cute as yours.
Oh, Ari — so sorry to hear about the stolen debit card. I know I’m one of the last people in the universe not to have one. Now I’ll have your story to share when my daughter and nieces/nephews try to bring into this century.
Love the cupcakes. Stay in the sunshine!
Janice’s last blog post -> Halloween Decorations
I’m so sorry! What a scary experience. I hope they get it worked out soon and that your cupcakes are cheering you up in the meantime.
These are very adorable!
Here are some more Halloween cupcake decorating ideas: Spooky Delights, Black Cat Cupcakes, Bloody Delights, and Creepy Delights!
Getting your bank account broken into … ugh, you feel so violated. It’s almost as bad as a real break-in. Hang in there!
Ari, that’s horrible! I had something very similar happen, though not as much – you are left feeling violated, huh? And of course the banks are nof no real help. The cakes, howver, are just the sort of cheer me up needed! Halloween is not yet a big thing here (though it is growing, thanks mostly to TV I think), and I really wish we had access to all your spooktacular lollies (candy)! BTW, made the sweet potato muffins – bloody brilliant!
I love the gummy eyeballs. And the recipe for those cupcakes looks perfect. Happy halloween!
Oh, what a nightmare to find your bank account emptied! I’m so sorry. Sounds like you are handling it relatively well, now the initial shock is over. And the Halloween cupcakes are an awesome way to chase away the blues. Love ‘em!
These guys looks amazing, so good, too good to eat
I love the frosting 
BTW: Should we start keeping our money under the mattress or elsewhere… like in the old days?? I can’t believe how unhelpful the bank is!!?
i’m so sorry that happened to you–what a nightmare! even though your cupcakes are creepy, they’re nowhere near as scary as a situation like that. hang in there–eat a cupcake. (they’re awesome, by the way.)
grace’s last blog post -> i did it my way
Sorry about all the trouble–Identity theft is really BAD–I know–
these cupcakes brought a chuckle to me–thanks–they are lovely–cute and look totally delish–
hope you feel better
The cupcakes look fun and so moist. My sad confesion is that I can’t stand the frosting. I just have issues with buttercream. I might try a stright hard chocolate or maybe some ganache.
Haha that is so awesome!
jessy’s last blog post -> Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti
I saw your post and didn’t get to Twitter back at you that day, but I was sending all sorts of good thoughts, and I’ve been watching for a post here to see how things are going. I’m glad y’all are doing ok.
And these cupcakes are ADORABLE! Love ‘em.
Those cupcakes look DELISH! I love marshmallow fluff, I’ll confess, so I’m putting these on my To Do list. And such creative, cute decorations!
Hope you get all squared away with the bank quickly. How scary and saddening.
Those cupcakes are adorable!
I’m sorry about your credit card theft… I hope you get the money back soon!
P.S. I’m a worrier, like you…I worry about EVERYTHING! People tell me to stop worrying, but I can’t help it.
Oh no! I am so sorry about the bank account. That is one of my worst nightmares. And don’t worry, you are in the same boat as many of with the worrying all the time thing. It gets even worse when you’re a mom!
These cupcakes are so cute. I have to make a batch tomorrow, but I don’t think I have the patience to decorate over 30 of them!
Take care!
Yipes. Those are some scary cuppies!!
May I please have one with the green licorice hair?
Haha! Those are a kind of hillarious form of frightening, I must say. Very creative.
Judith’s last blog post -> BBM Package Received!
i’m so sorry about your debit card and that the bank won’t do anything. i mean someone committed a crime and your stuck with the bill, literally. i worry all the time too but i think those cupcakes would help me forget for a few minutes.
krysta’s last blog post -> Pardon The Interuption
I am sorry to hear of your financial upsets but your cupcakes are charming. Thank you for sharing.
Llamabean’s last blog post -> some days we need more than mac and cheese
wow, they would scare me more if they didn’t look so absolutely delicous! I wish I could eat one right now! I need a chocolate fix. x
AWESOME cupcakes! My son would love to make these and love even more to eat them. Great faces!
Holy poop! I somehow missed your banking woes, until I got the (thankfully happy) update on your new post. I think you should post what bank it is/was, and totally switch. I have never heard of a bank needing that in writing before, and I’ve had friends had stuff stolen. How did they steal it, do you know?
In reference to the cupcakes – I am not a huge cake person, but cupcakes are my thing (I like frosting!) and yours look GREAT! I am now putting this on my List Of Things Ari Makes That I Want To Make.
Also, I don’t know if you have a vacuum sealer (we do but it’s TERRIBLY underutilized) – but in regards to your frosting/creamy insides, I’ve had the tip that instead of a ziploc bag, use the vacuum sealer to seal it into the bag – cut the corner/fit it into your tip, and when it’s done, you can vacuum seal the bag back shut, and save it for later!
Maz » Your comments always make me smile! I had never heard that vacuum sealer tip. Huh! Good to know.
As for the bank… I’m actually afraid to write about it online. I worry that they would sue me – I mean, who knows what they would do given that they didn’t even care someone stole my debit card number & emptied our account? To this day no one has followed up with us about our fraud report or even the letter I send to the head of their debit card department letting them know how poorly we were being treated. HOWEVER, if anyone wants to email me privately I’m happy to share which bank it is. And don’t worry, we are SO switching!
p.s. I have no idea how they got my number. I still have my debit card (though it’s canceled now).
Oh my goodness, these are too cute! Creepy cute, but cute. Maybe the kiddos and I will do something like this once they bring home their haul of halloween candy tonight.
I love these. Nothing like some all out creativity with gummy worms to make your troubles disappear (or at least take a back seat)
Good for macy’s!
I will have to make these cupcakes. I am still on my search for the perfect chocolate cake (cupcake) – these look delicious.
(tried you sweet potato muffins, and exchanged the sage with rosemary and the regular flour with whole wheat flower, and they came out fluffy and wonderful. They were devoured by all members of my family in about 5 minutes flat.)
Merry’s last blog post -> The Perfect Muffins
Merry » I’m so glad you enjoyed my sweet potato muffin recipe! And if you’re looking for the perfect chocolate cupcake give this recipe a go – Melissa’s devil’s food makes some seriously delicious cupcakes. Trust me.
Ari! You won’t believe how excited I am about this recipe…I never knew Marshmallow Fluff didn’t have gelatin in it!! I just went to their website (which I thought would be cute for you since you always include wonderful food facts about your ingredients) and couldn’t believe it! When I saw Marshmallow I was like “hmm…how did she get to use marshmallow since they usually have the pork fat in it…” and found out well there you go…there is NONE! That’s so wonderfullll, now I get to try a bunch of marshmallow recipes that we had missed out on for years…
(My mom would always try to get the Kosher-mallows, but sometimes the brand was just horrible tasting, or they were so highly priced, between 6 kids we didn’t get to enjoy them that often, or in quantities to bake great things) Thanks sooooo much!