Pin Adorable chocolate cupcakes decorated as hedgehogs, perfect for childrens parties or whimsical gatherings.
This recipe was a hit at our last family party with everyone loving the adorable hedgehog design.
Ingredients
- Cupcakes: 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour , 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar , 1/4 cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder , 1 tsp baking powder , 1/2 tsp baking soda , 1/4 tsp salt , 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk , 1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil , 1 large egg , 1 tsp vanilla extract , 1/2 cup (120 ml) boiling water
- Chocolate Frosting: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter softened , 1 1/2 cups (190 g) powdered sugar , 1/4 cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder , 2 3 tbsp (30 45 ml) milk , 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Decoration: 1 cup (150 g) chocolate sprinkles , 24 chocolate chips (for noses) , 24 candy eyes (store-bought or homemade with icing) , 12 cupcake liners
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add wet ingredients:
- Add milk, oil, egg, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Add boiling water:
- Gradually pour in boiling water, mixing gently until the batter is smooth (it will be thin).
- Divide batter:
- Divide the batter evenly among the liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make frosting:
- For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder gradually, mixing well.
- Add milk and vanilla:
- Add milk and vanilla, then beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Decorate cupcakes:
- Frost each cupcake generously.
- Add sprinkles:
- Dip the frosted cupcakes into chocolate sprinkles, covering the top and sides to resemble hedgehog spikes.
- Add nose and eyes:
- Place a chocolate chip at one end of each cupcake for the nose. Attach two candy eyes above the nose.
- Assemble tower:
- Arrange cupcakes on a tiered stand to form a tower.
Pin This recipe brings smiles to family gatherings with its fun design and delicious taste.
Notes
For nut-free cupcakes, ensure all decorations are nut-free. Use different colored sprinkles or fondant for creative variations. Pair with milk or hot chocolate for a perfect treat.
Required Tools
Muffin pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, measuring cups and spoons, spatula, wire rack
Nutritional Information
Calories: 245 , Total Fat: 11 g , Carbohydrates: 35 g , Protein: 2 g per cupcake
Pin This delightful cupcake tower is sure to impress your guests and become a family favorite.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I achieve the hedgehog spikes effect?
After frosting, dip each cupcake into chocolate sprinkles covering all sides. This creates a textured look resembling hedgehog spikes.
- → Can I use a different frosting for these cupcakes?
While the chocolate buttercream complements the cocoa flavor well, cream cheese or vanilla buttercream can also work nicely.
- → What is the best way to attach candy eyes and chocolate chip noses?
Press the candy eyes and chocolate chips gently into the frosting before it sets to ensure they stick securely.
- → Can these cupcakes be made nut-free?
Yes, ensure all decorations and ingredients are free from nuts and potential cross-contamination for a nut-free version.
- → How should I store the cupcakes after assembling?
Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature if consumed within a day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days for freshness.