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 love making this hedgehog cupcake tower because it turns dessert into a fun and memorable centerpiece that everyone admires and enjoys.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with 18 cupcake liners.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 3:
- In a separate bowl, whisk sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Add oil, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Step 4:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. Stir in the hot water until smooth.
- Step 5:
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Step 6:
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely before decorating.
- Step 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.
- Step 8:
- Frost each cooled cupcake with a generous amount of chocolate buttercream, shaping one side into a rounded point for the hedgehogs face.
- Step 9:
- Dip the back of each cupcake (the body) into chocolate sprinkles to create fur.
- Step 10:
- Press flaked almonds into the buttercream on the back half for spikes.
- Step 11:
- Add two mini chocolate chips for eyes and a milk chocolate chip or candy for the nose on the pointed face.
- Step 12:
- Arrange decorated cupcakes on a stand to form a tower.
Pin This tower always brings smiles at our family gatherings, especially when the kids get excited to spot the cute hedgehogs before digging in.
Notes
Pair with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa for the perfect treat.
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.
Pin This delightful hedgehog cupcake tower will surely impress your guests and become a favorite at every celebration.
Recipe Q&A
- → What ingredients create the hedgehog spikes?
Flaked almonds are pressed into the buttercream to mimic the hedgehog spikes, adding both texture and nutty flavor.
- → How are the cupcake 'faces' shaped?
A rounded point is sculpted on the buttercream to form the hedgehog face, enhancing the whimsical appearance.
- → Can I substitute ingredients for dietary restrictions?
Yes, for a nut-free version, omit almonds and use pretzel sticks or piped chocolate for spikes to maintain texture.
- → What is the best way to keep cupcakes moist?
Combining vegetable oil with milk and hot water in the batter helps ensure a tender, moist crumb.
- → How should the cupcakes be arranged?
Decorated cupcakes are stacked on a tower stand or cake tiers to form an eye-catching centerpiece.