Name: Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 36 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box Chocolate Cake Mix; 3 Eggs; 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil; 1 cup Water; 1 cup Butter, softened; 3 cup Powdered Sugar; 1/2 cup Cocoa Powder; 24 Oreo Cookies, divided; 24 Oreo Mini Cookies; 24 Candy Eyes

Jump to Recipe·5 from 10 reviews

If you’re searching for a spooky yet absolutely delicious treat this season, you’re in for a real delight. This Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe is hands down one of my favorite Halloween bakes — not just for how cute they turn out, but because they’re downright tasty, rich with chocolate, and just the right amount of crunch. Whether you’re baking with kids, planning a party, or simply want a fun way to celebrate, these cupcakes deliver all the fun without much fuss. Stay with me, and I’ll walk you through how to nail these festive little critters in your own kitchen.

❤️

Why This Recipe Works

Simple Base: Using a box chocolate cake mix keeps things straightforward and foolproof without sacrificing flavor.
Homemade Frosting: The chocolate buttercream frosting adds creamy richness that pairs perfectly with the Oreo crunch.
Creative Decoration: Oreo halves and mini Oreos transform these cupcakes into adorable little bats easily and affordably.
Kid-Friendly Fun: These cupcakes are a hit with children and adults alike, making for a festive activity and tasty reward.

The image shows two chocolate cupcakes decorated to look like bats. Each cupcake has a thick layer of dark brown crumbly chocolate on top, making the surface rough. In the center of each cupcake is a whole round chocolate cookie topped with two white candy eyes with black pupils. Attached on each side of the cookie are two half chocolate cookies, angled to resemble bat wings. The cupcakes sit on a white marbled surface with small plastic black spiders around them, adding a spooky touch. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect balance of moist cake, smooth frosting, and crunchy decoration. Plus, shopping is easy since most of them are pantry staples or everyday baking items.

Chocolate Cake Mix: Choosing a quality box mix ensures a reliably moist and chocolaty cupcake base without elaborate prep.
Eggs: They bind and help the cake rise, giving structure and tenderness.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist; don’t swap for butter here, as oil keeps them lighter.
Water: Adds moisture without extra fat—just follow your box instructions for best results.
Butter (softened): The base of our creamy frosting; make sure it’s softened for smooth beating.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting; sift it first to avoid lumps.
Cocoa Powder: Adds that deep chocolate flavor to balance the sweetness of the sugar.
Oreo Cookies (whole and mini): Essential for the bat wings and faces—fresh Oreos work best for that crunch and look.
Candy Eyes: For that spooky (and adorable) bat personality—super easy and always fun!

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Over the years, I’ve played around with flavors and decorations to keep things fresh and fun — and I encourage you to do the same!

Variation: I once swapped the classic chocolate cake for a red velvet mix, which gave the bats a spooky crimson body — a total hit at a Halloween party.
Dietary Change: If you want to go dairy-free, using vegan butter or margarine and a dairy-free cake mix works well. Just watch the frosting texture as you beat it.
Seasonal Twist: For a Christmas twist, swap Oreo eyes for mini red candies and wings with peppermint bark halves to make festive “bat” cupcakes.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Bake the Cupcakes

Start by preparing the cake mix according to the box instructions—combine the cake mix with eggs, vegetable oil, and water, then beat everything together until it’s smooth and evenly blended. I like to use an electric mixer for this step because it speeds things up and ensures no lumps. Line your cupcake pans with paper liners, fill each about 2/3 full with batter, and bake as directed—usually around 16 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Don’t skip the toothpick test; insert one into the center of a cupcake to check if it comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool completely before frosting — patience here pays off!

Step 2: Whip Up Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

While your cupcakes cool, it’s frosting time. Beat softened butter in a mixing bowl until fluffy and pale, about 3-5 minutes. Slowly add powdered sugar a little at a time, beating well between additions to avoid a sugar cloud explosion—trust me, I learned that the hard way. Then add cocoa powder gradually, beating until the texture is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust if you want it sweeter or richer. This homemade frosting beats store-bought any day — it’s smoother, fresher, and you control how chocolatey it gets.

Step 3: Assemble and Decorate Your Oreo Bat Cupcakes

Now for the fun part! Carefully cut 24 Oreo cookies in half; these will be your bat wings. Set them aside. Next, pulse the remaining full-sized Oreos in a food processor until finely crushed—this adds a yummy crumb coating to your frosting. Spread a good dollop of chocolate buttercream on each cupcake, then gently roll the frosting-topped cupcake in the crushed Oreos so it sticks all around. Stick two Oreo halves into the frosting on either side to create wings. Then press a mini Oreo right in front of where the wings meet, and finish by popping on two candy eyes. I always double-check to press the wings securely — they hold better than you’d expect!

💡

Pro Tips for Making Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe

Butter Temperature Matters: Make sure your butter is softened but not melting; it whips up fluffier frosting this way.
Crushed Oreos for Texture: Rolling cupcakes in Oreo crumbs provides extra chocolate flavor and adds a fun texture contrast to the smooth frosting.
Wing Placement Technique: Insert Oreo halves gently but firmly into the frosting at an angle to mimic bat wings—this makes the cupcake look more dynamic.
Cooling is Crucial: Don’t frost warm cupcakes, or the buttercream will melt and your decorations won’t hold.

How to Serve Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe

A chocolate cupcake with a textured dark brown crumb layer on top, resembling dirt, sits in a white cupcake liner. On top of the crumbs is a mini Oreo cookie forming the face, with two white candy eyes with black dots placed on it. Two Oreo cookie halves are stuck on each side of the mini Oreo to look like wings. The cupcake is on a white marbled surface with small black plastic spider decorations around it, adding a spooky theme. More similar cupcakes are slightly blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I keep it simple and charming with candy eyes because they bring each bat to life — they’re Halloween must-haves for me. Sometimes, I add a tiny frosting smile with a piping bag or sprinkle a little edible glitter on top for a subtle sparkle that catches the light beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes really steal the show, but I like pairing them with simple sides like a cold glass of milk or vanilla bean ice cream for an extra comforting bite. If you’re serving at a party, mini pumpkin pies or caramel apples complement the chocolate and festive vibe nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I arranged these Oreo Bat Cupcakes on a black platter lined with shredded paper “grass” and scattered plastic spiders around for a spooky centerpiece. Another time, I stacked them on a tiered stand with Halloween-themed cupcake wrappers — the visual pop was amazing and really impressed guests. They’re also great for lunchbox surprises or as party favors when individually wrapped with a cute tag.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After you’ve had your fill, store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, I recommend refrigerating them covered to keep the buttercream firm — but let them come to room temp before enjoying again for the best flavor.

Freezing

I’ve found it works best to freeze these cupcakes before decorating. Bake and cool, then wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and decorate fresh for that fabulous bat look!

Reheating

Since these are best served at room temperature, I recommend not microwaving the frosted cupcakes directly. Instead, let refrigerated or thawed cupcakes sit on your counter for 30-60 minutes before serving. This keeps the frosting fluffy and the Oreos crunchy, just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I make Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe from scratch without a cake mix?

Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade chocolate cupcake recipe in place of the cake mix. Just ensure your batter has similar moisture and structure to a box mix for the best results. Homemade versions might require slight adjustments in baking time.
How do I keep the Oreo wings from falling off?

Press the Oreo halves gently but firmly into the frosting at a slight angle for stability. If your frosting is too soft, chill the cupcakes briefly to firm up the base before adding decorations. Using a stiffer frosting also helps them stay put.
Can I use different cookie brands instead of Oreos?

Sure! Any sandwich cookie with chocolate wafers and a white cream filling works, but Oreos have a specific size and texture that makes the bats charming and sturdy. If you use alternatives, check that the cookies split cleanly for wings and the minis fit well for faces.
How far in advance can I decorate these cupcakes?

You can decorate the cupcakes a day ahead and store them covered in the fridge. Just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Decorating sooner than that can risk the Oreo wings getting soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe is a little piece of Halloween magic that’s easy enough for a weekday treat but impressive enough for parties and gatherings. I’ve enjoyed making these with family—not just eating them—and loved how the kids’ faces lit up when their cupcakes looked like tiny bats! If you want a recipe that’s both fun to make and irresistible to eat, give these a try. I’m betting you’ll come back to this one year after year, just like I do.