Halloween is almost here and after Halloween comes the Day of the Dead. The Day of the Dead is celebrated in Mexico and is a day when people remember those that have passed away. Sugar Skulls are often associated with the Day of the Dead but I never knew why until I did a little research.
In the 17th century Mexico was abundant in sugar production but they were too poor to buy decorations for their churches. They quickly learned how to make sugar art to decorate for their religious festivals. One of the most popular forms of sugar art in Mexico are the sugar skulls. Sugar Skulls represent a departed soul and often have the name of the person written on the forehead. Sugar Skulls are placed on the gravestone to honor the return of that soul.
Since Sugar Skulls are a big part of the Day of the Dead I thought it would be fun to make Sugar Skull Cupcakes to take to my students at school. Every year I have a behavioral party around Halloween and bring in all types of treats. I thought it would be fun to make these for the students since skulls are part of Halloween but we could also discuss how the Sugar Skulls are part of Mexico’s traditions.
- 2½ c. flour
- 2 t. baking powder
- 1 t. sea salt
- 1 c. Kerrygold unsalted butter, softened
- 1 c. sugar
- ⅓ c. brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 t. vanilla
- ⅔ c. milk
- 1 c. Kerrygold unsalted butter, softened
- 4 c. powdered sugar
- 1 T. vanilla
- 2-3 T. milk
- Neon food coloring
- Sugar Skull Edible decorations
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Place cupcake liners in each of 24 muffin cups. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl cream the butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Mix well. Add in the eggs one at a time, stirring after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
- Add half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix well. Add in the milk and stir until combined. Add the remaining flour and mix until just blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling ¾ of the way full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
- To make the frosting beat the butter with a mixer. Add the powdered sugar ½ cup at a time until desired consistency is reached. Stir in the vanilla and a few tablespoons of milk.
- Divide into 4 bowls and color with neon food coloring. Place two colors in each of two piping bags, being careful to keep one color on one side of the bag and the other on the other side of the bag. This will help the color swirl on the cupcake.
- Pipe the frosting on the cupcakes and top with a sugar skull.
Sarah at Journeys of The Zoo says
We spent three years in Mexico (and still winter there) and this is such an exciting time. Looking forward to trying this recipe.
Besos, Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
HezziD says
Thank you! My kids at school loved these cupcakes today!