Save Transform your next celebration into a magical event with this Hedgehog Cupcake Tower, an adorable and whimsical centerpiece that captures the hearts of both children and adults. These chocolate cupcakes are decorated lovingly as charming hedgehogs, combining rich flavors with playful design. Perfect for children’s parties or festive gatherings, this sweet tower delights both the eyes and the taste buds.
Save This project combines baking and decorating in a delightful way that encourages creativity. Each cupcake becomes its own little hedgehog, with chocolate buttercream and almond spikes bringing them to life. Once assembled, the tower is sure to be a conversation starter and a highlight of your party.
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
Ensure your cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting the buttercream. Use a piping bag for more precise shaping of the hedgehog's face if desired. When pressing almonds for spikes, space them evenly for a natural look.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a nut-free version, omit the flaked almonds and use thin pretzel sticks or piped chocolate to mimic spikes. Substitute white chocolate chips for eyes if preferred, and experiment with different candy noses to customize your hedgehogs.
Serviervorschläge
Serve your hedgehog cupcakes with a glass of cold milk or warm hot cocoa to complement the rich chocolate flavors and add to the cozy, festive atmosphere of your gathering.
Save This Hedgehog Cupcake Tower is more than just a dessert — it’s a joyful creation that sparks smiles and invites sharing. Whether decorating with kids or preparing for a special occasion, it's a wonderful way to blend baking with creativity and make lasting memories.
Recipe FAQ
- → What ingredients create the hedgehog spikes?
Flaked almonds are pressed onto the buttercream to mimic the spiky texture characteristic of hedgehogs.
- → How are the cupcake faces shaped?
The buttercream is piped with a rounded pointed shape on one side of each cupcake to resemble a hedgehog's face.
- → Can the spikes be nut-free?
Yes, replace almonds with thin pretzel sticks or piped chocolate to maintain a similar spiky effect without nuts.
- → What gives the cupcakes their chocolate flavor?
Unsweetened cocoa powder is incorporated into both the cupcake batter and buttercream for a rich chocolate taste.
- → How should the cupcakes be arranged for display?
The decorated cupcakes are stacked on a tower stand or cake tiers to create a charming centerpiece effect.
- → What type of chocolate is used for the eyes and nose details?
Mini chocolate chips form the eyes, while milk chocolate chips or chocolate-covered candies create the noses.