Ghost Cupcakes (Keto, Gluten Free)

close up shot of a super cute ghost cupcake

5 from 1 vote

Ghost Cupcakes (Keto, Gluten Free)

These spooky cute Halloween Ghost Cupcakes are the perfect healthier for you and festive treat for the season! A spiced cake with brown butter cream cheese frosting and topped with sugar free chocolate ghosts.

Prep Time20

Cook Time30

Total Time50

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: cupcakes/servings

Calories: 233kcal

Author: Briana

Ingredients

For the spiced cupcakes:

8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled (1 stick)
192 grams brown sugar replacement (1 cup)
252 grams unsweetened applesauce (1 cup)
30 milliliters apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons)
15 milliliters vanilla extract (1 tablespoon)
4 whole eggs, room temperature
224 grams almond flour (1 cup)
28 grams coconut flour (¼ cup)
½ teaspoon xanthan gum
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1.5 tablespoons ground cinnamon
½ tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon allspice
½ teaspoon cloves
¼ teaspoon cardamom

For the frosting:

16 tablespoons salted butter (2 sticks)
16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
216 grams powdered erythritol (1.5 cups)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the chocolate ghosts:

113 grams sugar free white chocolate chips
25 grams sugar free dark chocolate chips

Instructions

Make the cupcakes:

Start by browning the salted butter for the frosting, as it will take awhile for the butter to reach room temperature again after being so hot.
Add butter to a light colored sauce pan & whisk constantly while it melts over medium heat. Whisk constantly. It will begin to bubble. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
Once it has browned slightly and smells nutty, remove from heat and add to a heat safe dish to cool.
Cream together melted and cooled unsalted butter with Swerve Brown, starting at low speed and increasing to a medium speed, and cream together for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, with the mixer at medium speed until the eggs are fully incorporated.
Set the mixer speed to low, then sift in the dry ingredients gradually, followed by the applesauce, apple cider vinegar and vanilla. Increase the speed, and beat for 1-2 minutes, scraping the bowl to make sure everything is incorporated.
Transfer batter to a lined muffin tin. Fill the liners a little over half full, and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Set aside to cool fully before frosting.

Make the frosting:

Mix the cooled brown butter and cream cheese with a mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until well combined.
On a low speed, slowly sift in your Swerve confectioners and vanilla extract.
Increase the speed to medium, and mix completely, until frosting is well combined. Scrape the sides to ensure everything is incorporated.

Make the ghosts:

Gently melt the white and dark chocolate chips. We like to use the microwave to melt in 30 second intervals at 50% power, stirring in between, for a total of 1 minute. After one minute, heat in 10 second increments, stirring in between to melt.
Use an angled spatula to spread white chocolate on parchment in the shape of a ghost.
Use a round tip piping bag or a plastic bag to make eyes and mouths for each of the ghosts, then freeze the tray until the ghosts are solidified, about 10-15 minutes.

Assemble:

Now, frost your cupcakes, then top with a ghost to make it look like they’re floating!
Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Allow to sit at room temperature for about an hour before eating for best texture if you make them ahead of time.

Video

Notes

If you prefer, you can use any cupcake recipe you like for the base!
Make sure that all items that are normally room temperature come to room temperature before beginning.
For the browned butter, make sure you allow it to cool fully. This will take some time. You don’t want it to be too cold either, so if you put it in the fridge to speed up the process, make sure you let it sit out so it gets soft again.
Adjust warming spices to your personal preference.

Nutrition