Save The Hedgehog Cupcake Tower is a delightful treat that brings both whimsy and wonder to any celebration. Each chocolate cupcake is lovingly transformed into an adorable hedgehog, with creamy buttercream, crunchy almond spikes, and sweet chocolate features, making it a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Ideal for children's parties or festive gatherings, this tower is sure to be the centerpiece that delights guests of all ages.
Save This recipe not only offers a visually captivating centerpiece but also ensures every bite delivers moist chocolate goodness paired with smooth, luscious buttercream. Elevate your next party with these charming hedgehog cupcakes arranged in a towering display that’s as delectable as it is delightful.
Ingredients
- For the 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
- For the 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
- For 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
- 1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with 18 cupcake liners.
- 2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- 3. In a separate bowl, whisk sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Add oil, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. Stir in the hot water until smooth.
- 5. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- 6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely before decorating.
- 7. 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.
- 8. Frost each cooled cupcake with a generous amount of chocolate buttercream, shaping one side into a rounded point for the hedgehogs face.
- 9. Dip the back of each cupcake (the body) into chocolate sprinkles to create fur.
- 10. Press flaked almonds into the buttercream on the back half for spikes.
- 11. Add two mini chocolate chips for eyes and a milk chocolate chip or candy for the nose on the pointed face.
- 12. Arrange decorated cupcakes on a stand to form a tower.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure your cupcakes are completely cooled before applying buttercream to prevent melting. Use a piping bag for more precise frosting shapes if desired. When adding almonds for spikes, gently press them into the buttercream to keep the shape intact without damaging the cupcake.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can use white chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips for eyes to vary the look. For a nut-free version, omit the almonds and substitute with thin pretzel sticks or pipe chocolate spikes to keep the hedgehog texture.
Serviervorschläge
Serve your Hedgehog Cupcake Tower alongside a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa to complement the rich chocolate flavors perfectly. It’s an excellent centerpiece for birthdays, holiday parties, or any joyous gathering.
Save These Hedgehog Cupcakes are sure to impress your guests with their playful design and delicious taste. With simple yet effective decorating steps, anyone can create this charming treat to brighten up any celebration. Enjoy the baking, decorating, and most of all, the sharing of these adorable hedgehog delights.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I create the hedgehog spikes?
Press flaked almonds into the buttercream's back side to mimic hedgehog spikes, adding a crunchy texture and visual appeal.
- → What is the best way to form the hedgehog face?
Shape the buttercream on one side of the cupcake into a rounded point to represent the hedgehog's face before decorating with candy eyes and nose.
- → Can I make this tower nut-free?
Yes, simply omit the almonds and use thin pretzel sticks or piped chocolate to imitate the spikes safely.
- → How long should I bake the cupcakes?
Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- → What decorations are used for the hedgehog features?
Chocolate sprinkles create the fur, mini chocolate chips make the eyes, and milk chocolate chips or candies serve as noses.
- → How can I enhance the cupcake's flavor?
Incorporate vanilla extract in both the cupcake batter and buttercream for a rich, aromatic taste that complements the cocoa.