For these cupcakes, I decided a bone-white and red-velvet mix would be more than theatrically suitable for my purposes. I used boxed cake mix, but instead of following the exact directions/proportions on the back of the box I did the following: I replaced the oil with butter and doubled the amount, replaced the water with milk, and added an extra egg. I blended with my hand mixer until fully combined.
I kept the mix separated until it was about to go into the cupcake liner. I filled the bottom of the liner with the bone white cake mix, and topped it in the center with red velvet. I made sure to spread the red velvet around for a slightly runny effect.
After they were removed from the oven, I used a frosting spackle and carved a hole on the top of each cupcake. I scooped out about a teaspoon worth of cake, and stuffed the resulting hole with strawberry jelly. For smaller cupcakes (which I made with the remaining batter) you can simply use a large frosting tip to get the puncture work done.
Once the displaced cake had been replaced, I went to work on the frosting. I whipped up a simple batch of buttercream frosting. I then "capped" the skulls with a neat layer of the frosting.
The end result was both spooky and delicious. Have a fun and safe Halloween!
xoxo, Ali