Hedgehog Chocolate Cupcakes Tower (Printable Version)

Chocolate cupcakes formed into playful hedgehogs, adorned with almond spikes and chocolate accents.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Chocolate Cupcakes

01 - 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
09 - 1/2 cup whole milk
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - 1/2 cup hot water

→ Chocolate Buttercream

12 - 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
15 - 2 tablespoons whole milk
16 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
17 - Pinch of salt

→ Decorations

18 - 1 cup chocolate sprinkles
19 - 36 mini chocolate chips for eyes
20 - 18 milk chocolate chips or chocolate-covered candies for noses
21 - 3 1/2 ounces flaked almonds for spikes
22 - 18 cupcake liners
23 - 1 cupcake tower stand or cake tiers

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with 18 cupcake liners.
02 - In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Incorporate oil, milk, and vanilla extract thoroughly.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Blend in hot water until smooth.
05 - Distribute batter evenly into liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
06 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
07 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well. Blend in milk, vanilla, and salt until fluffy.
08 - Frost each cooled cupcake generously, shaping one side into a rounded point to form the hedgehog's face.
09 - Dip the back of each cupcake into chocolate sprinkles to mimic fur.
10 - Press flaked almonds into the buttercream on the back half to resemble spines.
11 - Place two mini chocolate chips for eyes and one milk chocolate chip or candy to serve as the nose on the pointed face.
12 - Arrange the decorated cupcakes on a stand to create the hedgehog tower.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • An enchanting and unique dessert that captures imaginations and taste buds alike.
  • Medium difficulty offers a fun baking project suitable for home bakers looking to step up their decorating skills.
  • Perfectly sized yield of 18 cupcakes, creating an impressive tower without overwhelming your guests.
  • Vegetarian friendly and internationally inspired, making it accessible for diverse gatherings.
02 -
  • Use room temperature butter for a smoother, fluffier buttercream.
  • Press chocolate sprinkles onto the frosting carefully to avoid disturbing the shape of the hedgehog's face.
  • Arrange cupcakes on the tower while the frosting is still slightly soft for better adhesion.
  • Store decorated cupcakes in a cool place to maintain shape and freshness.
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