Name: Bloody Eyeball Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box red velvet cake mix, plus ingredients on back of box; 1 small box cheesecake instant pudding mix; About 1 cup cherry pie filling; 1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, at room temperature; 1/2 stick butter, softened to room temperature; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1-2 Tbsp cream or milk; 4-5 cups powdered sugar; Red sparkle food gel; Eyeball gumballs or another eyeball candy

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 16 reviews

If you’re looking for a fun, spooky treat that’s as delicious as it is eye-catching, this Bloody Eyeball Cupcakes Recipe is going to become your new Halloween favorite. These cupcakes aren’t just about looks — the cherry filling surprises your taste buds with a burst of sweetness, and the creamy frosting ties it all together. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them every year!

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Why This Recipe Works

Bold Visual Impact: The eyeball gumball on top with red drizzle makes these cupcakes irresistibly spooky and fun.
Moist & Fluffy Texture: The red velvet base combined with cheesecake pudding ensures a tender crumb every time.
Juicy Cherry Surprise: The cherry pie filling adds a juicy burst that mimics “bloody” eyeballs perfectly.
Creamy Frosting Balance: The cream cheese frosting is rich but lightened with milk to complement the sweetness.

The image shows a red velvet cupcake broken in half on a crinkled piece of wax paper placed over a white marbled surface. The cupcake has a deep red, moist sponge texture with a creamy white frosting layer on top, which is slightly melted and mixed with a red syrup that drips over the frosting. Inside the cupcake, there is a filling of small round red fruit or jelly pieces. In the background, two white eyeball-shaped objects with blue irises are placed on the wax paper, adding a spooky touch. A knife with some red crumbs on the blade lies next to the cupcake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Bloody Eyeball Cupcakes Recipe brings together ingredients that are easy to find yet create the perfect spooky and tasty cupcake. The combo of red velvet cake mix and cheesecake pudding powder keeps your cupcakes moist, while the cherry pie filling adds that signature “bloody” effect and tangy flavor.

Red velvet cake mix: A reliable base that gives the cupcakes their signature red color and subtle cocoa flavor.
Cheesecake instant pudding mix: Adds moisture and richness without extra effort.
Cherry pie filling: For that juicy, dripping “blood” effect that’s so much fun and tastes fantastic.
Cream cheese: The heart of the frosting, providing tang and creaminess that balances sweetness.
Butter: Helps with the frosting’s texture, making it silky and smooth.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and brings it all together.
Cream or milk: Adjusts frosting consistency to pipe easily.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting beautifully.
Red sparkle food gel: For drawing “bloody” veins and adding visual drama.
Eyeball gumballs or candy: The pièce de résistance that turns ordinary cupcakes into creepy delights.

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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 Bloody Eyeball Cupcakes Recipe is how easy it is to personalize! Whether you prefer your cupcakes a bit sweeter, more tart, or need to swap ingredients for dietary reasons, there’s room to make these your own.

Dairy-free version: I’ve swapped cream cheese and butter for vegan alternatives and used coconut cream in the frosting with great results.
Extra gooey filling: Sometimes I add a touch more cherry pie filling to get that juicy “eyeball” effect to really ooze.
Spiced frosting: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the frosting can add depth and warmth for fall vibes.
Different eyeball toppings: If you don’t have gumballs handy, small white chocolate-covered almonds with a drop of red gel work wonders.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Bloody Eyeball Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Mix the magic — red velvet cake and pudding together

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two muffin tins with about 16 cupcake liners. In a large bowl, prepare your red velvet cake mix according to the package instructions, but here’s a pro tip: I like to whisk my wet ingredients first to make sure they’re well combined before mixing in the dry. Then stir in the cheesecake instant pudding mix until it’s fully blended. This little addition makes the cupcakes incredibly moist and gives them a subtle, creamy flavor that pairs beautifully with the cherry filling.

Step 2: Bake and cool cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly into your cupcake liners, filling each about 3/4 full. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them — when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re done. Once out, let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial because the filling and frosting work best when the cupcakes aren’t warm, which can cause melting or sliding.

Step 3: Core the cupcake centers and fill with cherries

Using a small paring knife, carefully carve out the center of each cooled cupcake to create a cavity. Don’t worry — I usually just twist the knife gently while holding the cupcake in my hand, and the center pops right out. Discard those little cake centers or save them for a snack. Then fill each hole with about a tablespoon of cherry pie filling. Try to get a couple of cherries nestled inside for that perfect juicy “eyeball” effect.

Step 4: Make the creamy frosting

In your stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and cream or milk until it’s smooth and creamy — around 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, a cup at a time, beating well after each addition, until the frosting is fluffy and easy to pipe but still holds its shape. If your frosting feels too stiff, add a little more cream or milk; too loose, add more powdered sugar.

Step 5: Pipe frosting and add the ‘bloody’ details

Fit a piping bag with a large open circle tip and fill it with your frosting. Pipe a tall, swirled mound of frosting over each cupcake, making sure to completely cover the cherry-filled center. This not only looks voluminous and dramatic but also hides the juicy core until the first bite. Finally, use your red sparkle food gel to draw squiggly “blood veins” from the top center down the sides. Finish by pressing an eyeball gumball right on top. And there you have it — spooky, delicious, and ready to impress!

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Pro Tips for Making Bloody Eyeball Cupcakes Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened — it’s key for smooth, easy-to-pipe frosting without lumps.
Avoid Overfilling: When filling cupcakes with cherry pie filling, a little goes a long way to prevent leaks during frosting.
Practice Piping First: If you’re new to piping frosting, try it on parchment paper first to get the hang of your bag and tip.
Save Those Centers: Don’t forget the cupcake cores—you can crumble and sprinkle them on top as a garnish or save for a fun snack!

How to Serve Bloody Eyeball Cupcakes Recipe

The image shows four red velvet cupcakes, each with three thick layers of smooth white frosting swirled in a tall spiral on top. Bright red syrup drips over the frosting, looking like fake blood. Each cupcake has a large edible eyeball on top, with a white sclera, a blue iris, and a black pupil, making the cupcakes look like spooky eyeballs. The cupcakes are in white paper liners, and they are placed on a white marbled textured surface with a gray cloth underneath. In the background, there are some blurred objects that look like jars. One cupcake is closest to the camera, making the frosting and red syrup details very clear. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For garnishes, I keep it simple with the eyeball gumballs — they steal the show! Sometimes I add a touch of edible glitter for extra sparkle or drizzle some additional red gel on the plate to make it look truly “bloody.” If you want to get creative, a sprinkling of crushed Oreo crumbs around the base can add a creepy “dirt” effect that’s perfect for Halloween.

Side Dishes

I like to serve these cupcakes alongside simple treats like caramel popcorn, spiced nuts, or even a punchy fruit salad to balance the richness. If you’re hosting a Halloween spread, they’re fantastic paired with themed cocktails or mocktails—think blood-red cranberry lemonades or dark grape sodas.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged the cupcakes on a black serving platter with cobweb decorations and small plastic spiders around them — instant spooky vibes. Another fun idea is placing each cupcake in a mini cauldron or clear skull-themed cups for a “potion” effect. You could even set up a “mad scientist” baking station where guests decorate their own bloody eyeball cupcakes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge, which helps the frosting stay fresh and firm. They stay good for about 3-4 days — any longer, and the cherry filling starts to affect the cake texture a bit.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead, I recommend freezing the plain cupcakes (before filling and frosting) in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, thaw completely before coring, filling, frosting, and decorating—this keeps everything tasting fresh.

Reheating

For reheating, I don’t recommend microwaving after frosting because it can melt the design. But if you want to warm the cupcake portion before frosting, a quick 10-second zap on low power does the trick. Otherwise, serve chilled or room temperature for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I make these Bloody Eyeball Cupcakes Recipe without a boxed cake mix?

Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade red velvet cake recipe instead of the boxed mix. Just be sure your batter is smooth and moist, and you might want to add a bit of cheesecake pudding mix or extra sour cream to keep that signature moistness and tenderness.
What can I use if I can’t find eyeball gumballs?

If eyeball gumballs aren’t available, get creative with other white round candies like white chocolate-covered almonds or large marshmallows with a dot of red food gel for the pupil. Candy eyeballs used for cake decorating also work great!
How do I prevent the cherry filling from leaking out?

Use a small spoon to gently add cherry pie filling without overstuffing. The trick is to fill the cavity just enough to get a good amount of cherry without overflow. Also, make sure your cupcakes are fully cooled before filling and frosting to help everything set nicely.
Can I prepare these cupcakes a day ahead?

Yes! You can bake and core the cupcakes a day in advance, then refrigerate. Fill and frost them on the day you’re serving for the best texture and freshest “blood” effect.
Is the frosting easy to pipe?

With room temperature cream cheese and butter, and by adjusting the cream or powdered sugar as needed, the frosting becomes silky and perfect for piping tall swirls with no trouble.

Final Thoughts

I still remember the first time I made this Bloody Eyeball Cupcakes Recipe for a Halloween party—it was such a hit that everyone kept coming back for seconds and asking for the recipe! What I love most is how simple ingredients come together to create something that’s both playful and delicious. If you want to impress your friends with treats that spark conversation and smiles, you really can’t go wrong with these. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy some seriously creepy (and tasty) cupcakes!