Save to Pinterest 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 cupcake tower has always been a big hit at family celebrations, sparking joy and compliments from all ages.
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
- 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 Mixtures:
- 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 Cupcakes:
- 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.
- Add Fur:
- Dip the back of each cupcake the body into chocolate sprinkles to create fur.
- Add Spikes:
- Press flaked almonds into the buttercream on the back half for spikes.
- Create 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 to Pinterest This recipe always brings my family together, especially the kids who love decorating the cupcakes and sharing the finished tower.
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 to Pinterest Enjoy creating this delightful hedgehog tower which adds both charm and deliciousness to any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the hedgehog spikes?
Press flaked almonds into the buttercream on the cupcake’s back half to create textured spikes resembling a hedgehog’s quills.
- → Can I replace the chocolate sprinkles for the fur?
Yes, alternatives like finely chopped nuts or colored sugar crystals can be used to simulate the hedgehog’s fur texture.
- → What’s the best way to keep the cupcakes moist?
Incorporating hot water in the batter and not overbaking ensures the cupcakes stay tender and moist.
- → How long do these cupcakes stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for 4 days.
- → Are there any nut-free decorating options?
Replace the almond spikes with thin pretzel sticks or piped chocolate to maintain the textured look without nuts.