Save to Pinterest The Hedgehog Cupcake Tower is an enchanting and playful dessert that brings a magical touch to any celebration. These chocolate cupcakes, lovingly decorated as charming hedgehogs with chocolate buttercream and almond spikes, make a delightful centerpiece that captivates children and adults alike. Whether for a birthday party or festive gathering, this whimsical tower is sure to delight both the eyes and the taste buds.
Save to Pinterest Creating this cupcake tower is not just about baking—it’s about making memories. Watching the hedgehogs take shape as you decorate each cupcake brings a sense of joy and creativity. The combination of textures—from the soft cake and buttercream to the crunchy almond spikes—delivers an irresistible treat that invites guests to indulge and smile.
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 the cupcakes are completely cool before decorating to prevent the buttercream from melting. For sharper details on the hedgehogs’ faces, you can use a piping bag to apply the buttercream. Gently press the flaked almonds to avoid breaking the cake surface. Using fresh ingredients, especially in the buttercream, helps achieve the best texture and flavor.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a nut-free version, omit the flaked almonds and substitute with thin pretzel sticks or piped chocolate to mimic spikes. White chocolate chips can be used for the eyes for a lighter contrast. To make it vegan, try using plant-based milk and butter substitutes while keeping the decoration similar, though flavor and texture may vary.
Serviervorschläge
Serve the Hedgehog Cupcake Tower as a centerpiece on the dessert table accompanied by a glass of cold milk or a steaming mug of hot cocoa to enhance the chocolate experience. They are perfect for children’s birthday parties or as a whimsical treat for festive occasions, sure to bring smiles with every bite.
Save to Pinterest With its combination of delicious chocolate flavor and creatively crafted hedgehog decorations, this cupcake tower is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration in itself. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or delight children, the Hedgehog Cupcake Tower is a sweet way to bring joy and whimsy to your table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients create the hedgehog spikes?
Flaked almonds are pressed into the buttercream to mimic hedgehog spikes, adding texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
- → How are the hedgehog faces detailed?
Mini chocolate chips form the eyes, while milk chocolate chips or candies serve as the noses for a charming appearance.
- → Can the decoration be nut-free?
Yes, almonds can be omitted and replaced with pretzel sticks or piped chocolate to prevent allergens.
- → What is the baking temperature and time for the cupcakes?
Cupcakes bake at 175°C (350°F) for 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- → Which frostings complement the cupcakes?
A rich chocolate buttercream is used, combining softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla for smooth coverage.
- → How is the tower assembled?
Decorated cupcakes are arranged on a stand or tiers to create an appealing tower centerpiece.