The Perfect Halloween Treats: A Spooky Skull Cake Recipe

Looking for the best Halloween treats to make this year? Get ready to bake some spooky fun with our Bitter Buttermilk Skulls, the ideal Halloween desserts to impress your guests. This unique recipe, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, is a fun baking activity to do with kids and a fantastic centerpiece for any Halloween party. With a moist, rich buttermilk cake and a vibrant lime icing, these skull cakes are not only a visual masterpiece but also incredibly delicious. We use a skull bundt pan from Nordic Ware, but you can use any muffin tin or baking pan and decorate the finished product to your liking.

Bitter Buttermilk Skulls Cake

This recipe for spooky Halloween desserts yields 12 servings and is perfect for a festive baking activity.

Ingredients for the Cake

Makes 12 Skulls

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon El Guapo™ Chicory Pecan Bitters
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup buttermilk

How to Make These Halloween Treats

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Add the El Guapo™ Chicory Pecan Bitters and beat to combine, scraping the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking soda. Add this dry mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beating on low speed. Continue beating until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth.
5. To create the skulls, pour the batter into a greased and floured mini bundt pan. If you're using muffin tins, you can pour the batter there instead and decorate the tops with skulls or other spooky themes. Be sure to fill each section only 2/3 full to allow the cake to expand while baking.
6. Bake at 325°F for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully removing them to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.

Pro Tip: No buttermilk on hand? No problem! You can easily make your own DIY buttermilk by combining 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice with enough milk to measure 1 cup. Stir well and let it stand for 5 minutes. Voila!

Lime Icing for Spooky Halloween Treats

This recipe makes enough icing to decorate 12 skull cakes and brings the perfect spooky touch to these Halloween treats.

Ingredients for the Icing

Makes enough to decorate 12 Skulls

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 6 tablespoons whole milk
• 3 tablespoons El Guapo™ Lime Cordial
• 1/2 teaspoon El Guapo™ Chicory Pecan Bitters
• Gel food coloring
• Zest of 1 lime

Decorating Your Halloween Desserts

1. In a non-reactive bowl, combine the powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk, El Guapo™ Lime Cordial, and El Guapo™ Chicory Pecan Bitters. Whisk or stir the mixture until it's well combined and no lumps remain. The icing will be quite thick at this point.
2. Gradually add the remaining milk and lime cordial, alternating between them, until the icing thins out and reaches an "outline" consistency. To test the consistency, lift your whisk or spoon from the bowl; the ribbons of icing that fall back into the bowl should hold their shape for about 3-4 seconds before disappearing. Add more liquid to thin the icing or more powdered sugar to thicken it if needed.
3. Once you have your base icing, separate it into smaller portions using 1/2 cup mason jars. Use these jars to create different colors with gel food coloring. Add the lime zest to the icing remaining in the main bowl. This will be your base layer of white icing. You might find it helpful to add a little more milk and cordial to this portion to make it slightly thinner for easier application.
4. Add your chosen gel food colors to each of the 1/2 cup mason jars and mix until each color is fully combined.
5. You can decorate your skulls freehand with a paintbrush or toothpick. Alternatively, pour the different colored icings into piping bags (or ziplock bags) with the desired tip. Use the bags to outline your designs with rigid lines, then thin out the remaining icing in each mason jar to fill in the areas within your lines. Enhance your skull designs with sprinkles or other edible decorations.

To Decorate

Place the outline and fill icings in separate piping bags or ziplock bags. Cut the tip off of each bag. Outline each cake with the outline icing, then use the fill icing to fill in the design. A toothpick can be helpful to spread the icing and fill in any empty spots. Place the decorated cakes in a single layer in an airtight container and allow the icing to fully harden for about 24 hours before serving.

Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What kind of baking pan can I use?

While a Nordic Ware skull bundt pan is great for a spooky look, you can use any muffin tin or baking pan. Simply decorate the finished cakes with skull or other spooky designs.

Can I make this recipe without the El Guapo™ products?

The El Guapo™ Chicory Pecan Bitters and El Guapo™ Lime Cordial provide a unique flavor profile that makes this recipe special. While you can substitute with other bitters or cordials, the final taste will be different.

How far in advance can I make these Halloween treats?

You can prepare the icing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The finished cakes are best served within 2-3 days of baking. It's recommended to decorate the cakes the day before serving to allow the icing to fully harden.

What if I don't have buttermilk?

Our "Pro Tip" has you covered! You can easily make a substitute by combining 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with enough milk to measure 1 cup. Let it stand for 5 minutes before using.

How do I know when the cakes are done baking?

The best way to check is to insert a toothpick into the center of a cake. If it comes out clean, the cakes are ready to be taken out of the oven.