Bitter Buttermilk Skulls with Lime Icing: The Spookiest Halloween Treats

If you want a Halloween treat that steals the whole table, these Bitter Buttermilk Skulls do the trick. They are tender, rich and a little mysterious thanks to Chicory Pecan Bitters. The lime icing brings bright, tart contrast. Bake them in a skull pan or a muffin tin. Either way, they look delightfully wicked.

Bitter Buttermilk Skulls Cake Recipe

Makes twelve cakes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter softened
  
• 2.5 cups sugar
  
• 4 eggs at room temperature
  
• 1 Tbsp El Guapo™ Chicory Pecan Bitters
• 3 cups all purpose flour
  
• 0.25 tsp baking soda
  
• 1 cup buttermilk

1 cup buttermilk

1. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   
2. Add the eggs one at a time and mix well.
   
3. Add Chicory Pecan Bitters and scrape the bowl.
   
4. Whisk the flour and baking soda in a separate bowl.
   
5. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, until smooth.
   
6. Pour into a greased and floured mini skull bundt pan or muffin tin. Fill each cavity two thirds full.
   
7. Bake at 325°F for thirty five to forty minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
   
8. Cool in the pan for fifteen minutes. Move to a rack and cool completely.

Pro Tip: No buttermilk. Add one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to milk and let it sit for five minutes.

Lime Icing For Halloween Treats

Makes enough for twelve cakes.

Ingredients

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 6 Tbsp whole milk
  
• 3 Tbsp El Guapo™ Lime Cordial
• 0.5 tsp El Guapo™ Chicory Pecan Bitters
• Gel food coloring
• Zest of one lime

Instructions

1. Combine powdered sugar, three tablespoons of milk, Lime Cordial and Chicory Pecan Bitters until smooth.
   
2. Add the remaining milk and cordial slowly until the icing reaches outline consistency.
   
3. Divide the icing into small jars. Tint each with gel food coloring.
   
4. Stir lime zest into the base white icing. Thin it slightly for easy coating.
   
5. Use piping bags, zip top bags or a paintbrush to decorate the cooled cakes.
   
6. Let the icing harden for a full day before serving.

Decoration Tips

• Outline first for clean edges.
• Fill the design with thinned icing.
  
• Use a toothpick to nudge icing into small spaces.
  
• Add sprinkles or edible glitter if you feel festive.

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 pan works?

A skull bundt pan looks fantastic. A muffin tin works too. Decorate the tops however you like.

Can I make these without El Guapo products?

Yes, but the flavor will not be the same. Chicory Pecan Bitters and Lime Cordial add real depth.

How far ahead can I bake them?

Bake within two to three days of serving. Decorate the day before so the icing sets.

What if I do not have buttermilk?

Use the quick vinegar or lemon juice method noted above.

How do I know when they are done

If a toothpick comes out clean, they are ready.