Save to Pinterest Transform your next children’s party or festive gathering into a whimsical celebration with this Hedgehog Cupcake Tower. These cute chocolate cupcakes are lovingly decorated to resemble charming hedgehogs, making a delightful centerpiece that is as fun to look at as it is delicious to eat. The rich chocolate buttercream and crispy almond spikes bring texture and flavor together for a treat that will enchant kids and adults alike.
Save to Pinterest This recipe perfectly balances ease and creativity. With a moderate skill level, you can craft an impressive tower of hedgehog cupcakes that taste as wonderful as they look. Baking the moist chocolate cupcakes paired with silky, fluffy buttercream sets the stage, while the decorative touches—almond ‘spikes’, mini chocolate chip eyes, and sprinkles—bring the hedgehogs charmingly to life.
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 hedgehog’s 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
For the best texture, ensure your batter is mixed just until combined to keep the cupcakes light and moist. When frosting, use a spatula or piping bag to shape the hedgehog’s face neatly, and chill cupcakes briefly if the buttercream softens too much during decorating. The hot water added to the batter helps intensify the chocolate flavor and create a tender crumb.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you prefer a nut-free version, skip the almonds and substitute spikes with thin pretzel sticks or pipe chocolate spikes. White chocolate chips make a charming alternative for eyes if desired. For a festive twist, consider adding edible glitter or colored sprinkles mixed in the chocolate sprinkles.
Serviervorschläge
This Hedgehog Cupcake Tower pairs perfectly with a chilled glass of milk or a cozy cup of hot cocoa. It also makes a fantastic dessert after a casual party or a themed birthday celebration, delighting kids with its playful presentation and satisfying chocolatey taste.
Save to Pinterest With careful preparation and a touch of creativity, your Hedgehog Cupcake Tower will become the highlight of any celebration, enchanting guests with its whimsical charm and rich chocolate goodness. Enjoy crafting these delightful treats and sharing smiles with every bite.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I make the hedgehog spikes?
Press flaked almonds into the buttercream on the back of each cupcake to create the signature hedgehog spikes.
- → Can I use substitutes for almond spikes?
Yes, for nut-free options, replace almonds with thin pretzel sticks or pipe chocolate spikes using a piping bag.
- → What is the best way to get the cupcake face shape?
After frosting each cupcake, shape one side into a rounded point to form the hedgehog face before adding eyes and nose details.
- → How long does baking the cupcakes take?
Bake the cupcakes for 18 to 20 minutes at 175°C (350°F) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- → Are these cupcakes suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients and preparation method align with vegetarian dietary preferences.
- → Can I prepare the buttercream ahead of time?
Buttercream can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, but allow it to soften before decorating for best results.