This vegan orange frosting holds its shape beautifully and pairs perfectly with chocolate or carrot cakes.
Whether you’re preparing treats for a Halloween party or simply want to brighten your autumn bakes, this orange frosting and decoration idea will make your cupcakes stand out on any dessert table.

As Halloween approaches, even the simplest cupcake can be turned into a festive treat with a swirl of colourful frosting and a touch of creativity.

This vegan orange frosting is light, creamy, and easy to work with, perfect for decorating your Vegan Carrot Chocolate Cupcakes or any other seasonal bakes.
It’s flavoured with a hint of orange zest and juice for freshness, and its cheerful pumpkin hue instantly adds a spooky yet playful look to your desserts.
If you don’t want it vegan, see also my French Buttercream using a Pâte à Bombe Base. You only need to add more colour to make it orange.

Halloween Decoration Ideas
To make your cupcakes truly festive, add simple Halloween-themed decorations:
- Mini Fondant Pumpkins: Shape small pumpkins out of orange fondant. Use a toothpick to create grooves and a tiny piece of green fondant for the stem. Draw eyes and smiles using melted dark chocolate or edible black gel.
- Sprinkles: Use small white or black edible pearls or Halloween confetti sprinkles to give your cupcakes a playful contrast.
- Finishing Touch: Top each cupcake with a fondant pumpkin or edible decoration.

Tips & Variations
- For a hint of spice, mix ½ tsp cinnamon or pumpkin spice into the frosting.
- If you prefer a slightly tangy flavour, replace part of the orange juice with a teaspoon of pomegranate molasses.
- Keep the frosted cupcakes refrigerated if not serving the same day — just bring them back to room temperature before serving.

Vegan Orange Buttercream Frosting for Cupcakes
Light, creamy vegan orange frosting, perfect for Halloween cupcakes. Made with orange juice and zest, this easy recipe adds a festive pumpkin hue and bright flavour to any vegan dessert.
Ingredients
- 125 grams vegan butter (at room temperature)
- 250–300 grams icing sugar (sifted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of ½ orange (optional, for extra flavour)
- A few drops of natural orange or pumpkin food colouring (or mix red + yellow vegan colourings)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the vegan butter with a whisk (or an electric hand mixer) for 2–3 minutes, until light and creamy.
- Gradually add the sifted icing sugar, beating after each addition.
- Add the orange juice, vanilla and zest, and continue beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the food colouring drop by drop until you reach the desired
pumpkin-orange shade. - Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle and pipe
swirls on top of the cooled cupcakes.

Kopiaste and Kali Orexi,
