Save An adorable and whimsical centerpiece featuring chocolate cupcakes decorated as charming hedgehogs. Perfect for childrens parties or festive gatherings, this sweet tower delights both the eyes and the taste buds.
This recipe has become a favorite at every celebration I host as it brings smiles from both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- Chocolate Cupcakes: 200 g all-purpose flour, 40 g unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ¼ tsp salt, 200 g granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 120 ml vegetable oil, 120 ml whole milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 120 ml hot water
- Chocolate Buttercream: 150 g unsalted butter softened, 250 g powdered sugar sifted, 40 g unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tbsp whole milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, pinch of salt
- Decorating the Hedgehogs: 150 g chocolate sprinkles, 36 mini chocolate chips (for eyes), 18 milk chocolate chips or chocolate-covered candies (for noses), 100 g flaked almonds (for spikes), 18 cupcake liners, 1 cupcake tower stand or cake tiers
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with 18 cupcake liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Add oil, milk, and vanilla extract mixing well.
- Combine:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. Stir in the hot water until smooth.
- Fill Liners:
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely before decorating.
- Prepare Buttercream:
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder beating well. Add milk, vanilla, and salt and beat until fluffy.
- Frost Cupcakes:
- Frost each cooled cupcake with a generous amount of chocolate buttercream shaping one side into a rounded point for the hedgehogs face.
- Decorate:
- Dip the back of each cupcake the body into chocolate sprinkles to create fur. Press flaked almonds into the buttercream on the back half for spikes. Add two mini chocolate chips for eyes and a milk chocolate chip or candy for the nose on the pointed face.
- Assemble Tower:
- Arrange decorated cupcakes on a stand to form a tower.
Save Every holiday season my family gathers around this cupcake tower sharing laughs and stories while enjoying these delightful treats.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, muffin tin, cupcake liners, spatula, piping bag optional, cupcake tower stand
Allergen Information
Contains eggs, milk, wheat (gluten), almonds (tree nuts). For nut-free version omit almonds and double-check all labels for cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Per cupcake: Calories 255, Total Fat 13 g, Carbohydrates 33 g, Protein 3 g
Save This cupcake tower brings charm and taste together in a delightful package perfect for any celebration.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes the cupcakes resemble hedgehogs?
Chocolate sprinkles create the spiky fur effect, flaked almonds add texture spikes, and mini chocolate chips form the eyes and noses for a charming hedgehog look.
- → Can I modify the spike decoration for nut allergies?
Yes, you can replace flaked almonds with pretzel sticks or piped chocolate spikes to avoid nuts while keeping the texture fun.
- → How long does it take to prepare and bake these cupcakes?
The total time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, including 45 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of baking.
- → What is the best way to assemble the cupcake tower?
Arrange the decorated cupcakes on a tiered stand or cake tiers, stacking carefully to form an eye-catching and stable tower centerpiece.
- → Are these cupcakes suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients used are vegetarian-friendly, making them a delightful option for various diets.
- → How should the buttercream be applied for the hedgehog shape?
Frost each cupcake with chocolate buttercream and shape one side into a rounded point to mimic the hedgehog’s face before adding decorations.