Pin 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
I first created this cupcake tower to surprise my niece and it quickly became the highlight of the birthday celebration
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 Ingredients:
- 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 Hedgehogs:
- 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 Arrange decorated cupcakes on a stand to form a tower
Pin This recipe creates wonderful family moments as everyone gathers to bake and decorate the hedgehog cupcakes together
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
Pin Enjoy creating this charming dessert that is as delightful to make as it is to eat
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I make the hedgehog spikes?
Press flaked almonds into the buttercream-covered back of each cupcake to resemble spikes. For nut-free options, use pretzel sticks or piped chocolate.
- → What is the best way to achieve a smooth buttercream?
Beat softened unsalted butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well. Adding milk and vanilla helps to achieve a fluffy, spreadable texture.
- → Can I prepare the cupcakes in advance?
Yes, cupcakes can be baked and cooled ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness before decorating.
- → What temperature should the oven be for baking?
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and bake the cupcakes for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- → How do I arrange the cupcakes in a tower?
Use a cupcake tower stand or cake tiers to stack the decorated cupcakes carefully, ensuring stability for display at parties or gatherings.