If you’re a Ghostbusters fan (like me!) and love a treat that’s as fun as it is tasty, you’re going to flip for this Slimer Ghostbusters Cupcakes Recipe. These cupcakes are bursting with bright lime flavor, packed with a gooey lime curd “slime” center, and topped with the creamiest green frosting that looks just like Slimer himself. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll see why my family absolutely goes crazy for them during movie nights and parties. Ready to make some spooky-fun magic in your kitchen? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Show-Stopping Presentation: These cupcakes look just like Slimer with their vibrant green hue and fun fondant details.
- Bright, Zesty Flavor: The lime curd filling and zest-infused cake give a refreshing twist you won’t find in typical cupcakes.
- Perfect for Parties: Kids and adults alike adore these cupcakes for movie nights, birthdays, or Halloween.
- Reliable and Foolproof: I’ve tested this recipe multiple times – and every batch rises beautifully with moist, fluffy cake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Slimer Ghostbusters Cupcakes Recipe, I love using fresh lime juice and zest to keep the flavor bright and authentic. Using room temperature ingredients really helps everything mix together smoothly, so be sure to plan ahead for that!
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter brings richness and moisture to both the cupcake and frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Balances tartness and gives that classic sweetness you expect in cupcakes.
- Egg whites and whole eggs: Provide structure while keeping the cake tender and fluffy.
- Full-fat sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang to enhance the lime flavor.
- Whole milk: Helps keep the batter smooth and soft once baked.
- Lime juice and lime zest: Essential for that fresh citrus kick – don’t skip these!
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Rounds out the flavors and adds depth.
- Green gel food coloring: Use electric or bright green gel for the perfect Slimer look.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cupcakes, ensuring a tender crumb with the right structure.
- Baking powder and fine salt: For proper rise and flavor balance.
- Powdered sugar: Key for the silky smooth buttercream frosting texture.
- Red, black, yellow, and white fondant: These colors bring Slimer’s playful eyes and mouth to life in cute edible details.
Variations
I’m all about tweaking this Slimer Ghostbusters Cupcakes Recipe to fit different occasions or dietary needs. Whether you want a little less tartness or want to try a dairy-free version, there are simple swaps to make it yours.
- Dairy-Free Version: I swapped sour cream for coconut yogurt and used almond milk – still moist and just as tasty!
- Lime Substitute: If fresh limes aren’t available, lemon juice and zest work well and give a slightly different but delicious citrus twist.
- Spicier Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the frosting brought a fun surprise to my last batch, perfect for adults.
- Chocolate Cake Base: I once made a chocolate cupcake base with lime frosting – the contrast was incredible and worth trying.
How to Make Slimer Ghostbusters Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven
First things first – preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your cupcake pan with paper liners. Make sure your butter, eggs, sour cream, and milk have all had time to reach room temperature. This little step helps your batter mix evenly and gives you those light, fluffy cupcakes you want.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
Start by creaming the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it’s pale and fluffy – this took me about 3-4 minutes with my stand mixer. Then add egg whites, sour cream, milk, lime juice, vanilla, lime zest, and green gel food coloring, mixing gently but thoroughly. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt, then slowly fold that into your wet mixture. For the best cupcakes, don’t overmix—stop as soon as the batter is smooth.
Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. I like to rotate my pan halfway through baking to get even rising. Once done, let them cool completely on a wire rack before moving on to the filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Lime Curd Slime Filling
The secret “slime” that makes this recipe pop is the tart lime curd filling. Whip it up fresh using lime juice, zest, sugar, eggs, and butter—cook it gently until thickened, then let it cool. This gooey center is what gives you that ooey-gooey Slimer effect when you bite in. I discovered that chilling the curd before assembling made it easier to fill the cupcakes neatly.
Step 5: Make the Electric Green Buttercream
To get that iconic electric green color, beat unsalted butter with powdered sugar, lime juice, lime zest, vanilla, and green gel coloring until ultra creamy and smooth. The lime juice gives the frosting just enough tang to balance the sweetness perfectly. Use an electric mixer for about 5 minutes to get the fluffiest texture.
Step 6: Assemble and Decorate Your Slimer Cupcakes
Using a small paring knife, carefully hollow out a bit of each cupcake and pipe in the lime curd slime filling. Then swirl or pipe the green buttercream on top. I like to finish with little eyes and a spooky grin made from red, black, yellow, and white fondant – this step brings Slimer’s playful personality to life! Take your time here, and have fun with the decorating; my kids love helping with this part.
Pro Tips for Making Slimer Ghostbusters Cupcakes Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps your batter come together faster and rise more evenly for perfect cupcakes every time.
- Don’t Skip the Lime Zest: It adds a concentrated lime punch that juice alone can’t match – it truly makes the flavor pop.
- Chill the Lime Curd Before Filling: This keeps your filling thick and prevents it from leaking out when you assemble the cupcakes.
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Liquid colors can thin your frosting, but gel gives that bright electric green without messing with consistency.
How to Serve Slimer Ghostbusters Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
I keep the garnishes simple but playful — the fondant eyes and mouths really bring these cupcakes to life. Sometimes I add a tiny edible glitter sprinkle for extra spooky sparkle, which my kids think is magical. Fresh lime zest sprinkled on top of the frosting adds a nice zesty aroma and makes the cupcakes look professionally finished.
Side Dishes
Pair these lime cupcakes with something light and refreshing like a citrus fruit salad or even a tangy lemon sorbet. For a savory balance, I often serve them alongside finger sandwiches or fresh garden salads at themed parties.
Creative Ways to Present
I love presenting these cupcakes on a white platter with green-themed decorations—like green confetti or slime-shaped cake toppers. For Halloween, adding little plastic ghost figurines or playing the Ghostbusters soundtrack in the background amps up the fun. You can even stack cupcakes like a tiered “Slimer mound” for a showstopper dessert table centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because of the lime curd filling, chilling helps keep everything fresh and prevents the frosting from melting. Just bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezing
Freezing works well if you want to prep ahead! Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before filling and frosting. I prefer to freeze cupcakes before decorating so the fondant and buttercream stay fresh and perfect.
Reheating
If your cupcakes get a bit chilled or firm after refrigeration, I warm them slightly in a microwave for about 10 seconds—just enough to soften the cake and bring back that freshly baked texture without melting the frosting.
FAQs
-
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel for this recipe?
It’s best to use gel food coloring because it’s more concentrated and won’t thin out your frosting. Regular liquid food colors can make the buttercream runnier, affecting both texture and the vibrant green color you want for that Slimer look.
-
How do I store these cupcakes if I’m making them a day in advance?
After decorating, keep the cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge. This preserves the lime curd filling and frosting freshness. Just pull them out 30 minutes before serving so they can come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
-
Can I substitute lime with lemon?
Absolutely! Lemon juice and zest make a delicious alternative if limes aren’t available. The cupcakes will have a slightly different but still wonderfully tangy and fresh citrus flavor.
-
How do I make the lime curd filling without it being too runny?
Make sure to cook the curd gently over low heat until it thickens, stirring constantly. Then cool it completely in the fridge, which helps it set up nicely for easy cupcake filling without leaks.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Slimer Ghostbusters Cupcakes Recipe turns out every single time – it’s the perfect blend of spooky fun, bright lime flavor, and indulgent sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a Ghostbusters marathon, a kid’s birthday party, or just because you want a smile-worthy treat, these cupcakes deliver smiles and “oohs” all around. I can’t wait for you to give them a try and watch your friends and family get excited over these green, gooey delights just like mine do. Happy baking, friend!
Print
Slimer Ghostbusters Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 75 min
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Slimer Ghostbusters Cupcakes are a fun and spooky treat featuring fluffy lime-flavored cupcakes filled with zesty lime curd ‘slime’ and topped with electric green lime buttercream frosting. Perfect for Halloween or Ghostbusters fans, each cupcake is decorated with playful fondant details to bring the iconic ghost character to life in a delicious way.
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter
- 6 Tbsp (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature (85g)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
- 1/3 cup carton egg whites or 3 large egg whites, room temperature (90g)
- 1/3 cup full-fat sour cream, room temperature (80g)
- 1/3 cup whole milk, room temperature (80g)
- 1/4 cup lime juice (60g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4g)
- 2 tsp lime zest (4g)
- green gel food coloring, as needed
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (165g)
- 2 tsp baking powder (8g)
- 1/4 tsp fine salt (2g)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature (168g)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
- 1/4 tsp fine salt (2g)
Lime Curd Filling
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (120g)
- 1 Tbsp lime zest (6g)
- 6 Tbsp (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature (85g)
- electric green gel food coloring, as needed
Lime Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226g)
- 2 Tbsp lime juice (12g)
- 1 tsp lime zest (2g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4g)
- 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g)
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (452g or 1 lb. box)
- electric green gel food coloring, as needed
Decorations
- 1/4 cup red fondant
- 1/4 cup black fondant
- 1 Tbsp yellow fondant
- 1 Tbsp white fondant
Instructions
- Prepare the Cupcake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 6 Tbsp of unsalted butter and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add 3 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp fine salt. Alternately add the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients—1/3 cup egg whites, 1/3 cup sour cream, 1/3 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 tsp lime zest, and green gel food coloring—to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. Divide the batter evenly among the liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Lime Curd Filling: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, 1 Tbsp lime zest, and 6 Tbsp unsalted butter. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the mixture thickens slightly. Add electric green gel food coloring to achieve a vibrant ‘slime’ color. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until set but still soft enough to fill cupcakes.
- Prepare the Lime Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup unsalted butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Mix in 2 Tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp lime zest, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp fine salt, and electric green gel food coloring to reach the desired vibrant green shade. Continue beating until fluffy.
- Assemble the Cupcakes: Using a cupcake corer or a small knife, carefully remove the center of each cooled cupcake. Fill each cavity with a spoonful of lime curd ‘slime’ filling. Replace the top part of the cupcake or leave the opening as is for visual effect. Pipe or spread the lime buttercream frosting generously over the cupcakes.
- Decorate with Fondant: Roll out red, black, yellow, and white fondant to create small shapes and features resembling Slimer from Ghostbusters. Use these fondant decorations to adorn the tops of the cupcakes, giving them a playful and spooky character appearance.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the decorated cupcakes to set at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before serving to let the frosting firm up slightly. These cupcakes are perfect for Halloween parties or Ghostbusters-themed events.
Notes
- These Ghostbusters-inspired Slimer cupcakes feature fluffy lime cupcakes with a tart lime curd filling, creating a fun and spooky ‘slime’ effect inside.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant and natural-looking green frosting; liquid food coloring may thin the frosting.
- Make sure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature to ensure smooth batter and frosting.
- Fondant decorations can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container until use.
- For best flavor, allow cupcakes to rest overnight for the lime curd filling to meld into the cake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 556 kcal
- Sugar: 58 g
- Sodium: 417 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 122 mg
