Brushstroke ghosts embody everything I love about cake decorating. They’re easy to execute, made of delicious materials, require no special tools, and they’re adorably weird! Wins across the board.I got the idea for these little guys when I stumbled across a new set of paper goods designed by Hello!Lucky for Daydream Society. This post isn’t sponsored in any way. I just saw the plates, fell in love, and was instantly inspired to create a cake based on them. As much as I love Halloween and the color pink, it hadn’t occurred to me to do something in soft pastels. SO brilliant! I would not be surprised at all if we see a number of cakes and treats pop up this season inspired by these precious party goods.

I mean, precious, right?!

These cute little brushstroke ghosts are not only adorable on the sides of a layer cake, they also make for ghoulishly great cupcake toppers. Brushstroke ghosts come together in a jiffy, but you can also make them well in advance stored in an airtight container at room temperature until needed. 

How to Make a Brushstroke Ghost Halloween Cake

Supplies

The supply list contains affiliate links, because that’s how people on the internet make money. We live in the future! 

• Small paint brush with wide, flat bristles
• Scissors (optional)
• Black jelly beans
• 2 cups white chocolate or coating chocolate
• Black pearl sprinkles
• Parchment paper
• 6-inch round layer cake, crumb coated
• 1/2 batch American or Swiss Meringue Buttercream 
• Pink gel coloring 
• Bench scraper or large icing spatula
• Star sprinkles
• Edible star glitter

Links to the paper goods that inspired my cake:

Daydream Society Spooked Ghost Plates

Daydream Society Spooked Ghost Napkins

Daydream Society Spooked Ghost Cups

Prep Your Tools

In my fiddling around with the brushstroke trend (like here on The Cake Blog) I’ve found that the best way to achieve a gorgeous rounded edge is to trim the paint brush. Pinch the flat side of the paint brush between your thumb and pointer finger to steady it and use a sharp pair of scissors to trim the edges of the bristles. Work cutting in towards the paint brush for best results. 

Make the Ghosts 

Cut the black jelly beans in half lengthwise and set aside. Have the cut jelly beans and black pearl sprinkles nearby when making the ghosts. 

Melt the white chocolate in a small heatproof bowl. Pour a quarter-sized puddle of the melted chocolate onto a piece of parchment paper. Smear the dot across the paper using the trimmed paint brush. Go back a few times to give the smear a spooky ghost shape. While the chocolate is still wet, drop a jelly bean on, cut side down, to make the ghost’s mouth. Add two pearl sprinkles for the eyes. Repeat the process to make as many ghosts as you like. Set the ghosts aside to harden completely before using on a cake or cupcakes. 

Frost the Cake

Stir a few drops of pink gel color into the plain buttercream leaving behind lots of streaks and white spots. Use an icing spatula to frost the cake with the swirled pink buttercream. Smooth the top of the cake first, then run the blade of a bench scraper or long icing spatula around the sides of the cake. Take a break from smoothing and leave the top edge scraggly. 

All Together Now

Carefully peel the finished ghosts from the parchment paper. Use a small offset spatula or the tip of a knife to help lift them if needed. Add a dab of buttercream to the back of a ghost before pressing it onto the side of your cake. 

Slide a sheet pan under your cake and artfully toss pinches of edible stars and star sprinkles around the sides of the cake. 

Boo!