Save Create a magical centerpiece that will enchant children and guests alike with this adorable Hedgehog Cupcake Tower. Each chocolate cupcake is transformed into a charming hedgehog using luscious chocolate buttercream, chocolate sprinkles, and almond flakes as spikes. Perfect for birthday parties and festive gatherings, this tower is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Save Building this tower is a creative adventure, allowing for playful decorating and impressive presentation. Whether for kids or the young at heart, these hedgehog cupcakes bring together taste and charm in every bite.
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
Take your time with the buttercream to ensure it is fluffy and smooth for easy shaping. Use a piping bag if available for neater frosting application. When pressing in almonds for spikes, place them gently to keep the shape intact.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To make a nut-free version, omit the almonds and use thin pretzel sticks or pipe chocolate spikes instead. White chocolate chips can replace mini chocolate chips for eyes if you prefer a different look or flavor. This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as written.
Serviervorschläge
Serve the hedgehog cupcakes as a fun dessert at children’s parties or festive events. They pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa, enhancing the chocolatey indulgence.
Save With a little patience and creativity, these hedgehog cupcakes turn a simple dessert into a magical experience. Watch as your guests marvel at the charming details before diving into a deliciously chocolatey treat.
Recipe Q&A
- → What ingredients create the hedgehog spikes?
Flaked almonds are pressed into the buttercream on the back of each cupcake to mimic hedgehog spikes.
- → How is the hedgehog face shaped?
The buttercream on each cupcake is shaped into a rounded point to form the hedgehog's face before decorating.
- → What can be used as eyes and noses?
Mini chocolate chips are placed for the eyes, and milk chocolate chips or chocolate-covered candies serve as the noses.
- → Can this be adapted for nut allergies?
Yes, omit the almonds and use thin pretzel sticks or piped chocolate spikes instead to avoid nuts.
- → What is the best way to make the cupcakes moist?
Including hot water in the batter ensures cocoa dissolves well and contributes to moist, tender cupcakes.