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 brings joy to every celebration, making it a family favorite that is both fun to make and delightful to eat.
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 Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. Stir in the hot water until smooth.
- Fill Cupcake 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:
- For the 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 Features:
- 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 Creating this tower has become a cherished family tradition, bringing everyone together to enjoy the process and the delicious results.
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 delightful hedgehog cupcake tower will add charm and sweetness to any celebration, creating memorable moments with every bite.
Kitchen Guide
- → What ingredients give the chocolate cupcakes their moist texture?
The combination of vegetable oil, whole milk, and hot water ensures a moist and tender crumb in the chocolate cupcakes.
- → How are the hedgehog spikes created?
Flaked almonds are gently pressed into the buttercream on the cupcake’s back to mimic the hedgehog’s spiky fur.
- → Can I substitute any ingredients for nut allergies?
Yes, for a nut-free option, omit almonds and use thin pretzel sticks or piped chocolate spikes instead.
- → What’s the best way to achieve the hedgehog face shape on cupcakes?
Shape the buttercream frosting into a rounded pointed form on one side to resemble the hedgehog’s face before decorating.
- → How long do these decorated cupcakes stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, they remain fresh for 2 to 3 days at room temperature, or up to 5 days refrigerated.
- → What tools are essential for assembling the cupcake tower?
You’ll need cupcake liners, a muffin tin, and a tower stand or cake tiers to assemble the decorated cupcakes into a sturdy display.