REINDEER CUPCAKES

Hello!

Today I thought I'd change things up and do a baking post, so today you will learn how to make Reindeer Cupcakes. I'm no where near as good as a chef when it comes to cooking or baking, but I enjoy doing it in my spare time and thought these cupcakes were cute, and tasty enough to share with you!

 

Ingredients

- 125g/4½oz butter, softened 

- 175g/6oz caster sugar 

- 2 free-range eggs

- 200g/7oz self raising flour

- 2 tbsp cocoa powder

- 100ml/3½fl oz milk 

- 100g/3½oz dark 70% cocoa solids chocolate, melted

- 2 tbsp Irish cream liqueur (optional)

For the chocolate icing:

- 50g dark chocolate (chopped)

 - 3 tbsp double cream 

 

Decoration:   

- giant chocolate buttons 

- crisp-coated chocolates (such as Smarties or M&Ms) 

- mini pretzels (preferably plain)

- black or dark chocolate writing icing

- mini marshmallows (sliced)

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 170C/325F/Gas 3. Line a 12-hole muffin tray with paper cases.

2. Beat the butter and sugar together until light and creamy. Gradually beat in the eggs until well combined, then sift in the flour and cocoa powder and mix until combined. Fold in the milk, melted chocolate and Irish cream liqueur-if using.

3. Spoon the mixture into the muffin cases and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until well risen and lightly firm to a touch. Remove the cakes from the tin and set aside to cool on a cooling rack.

4. For the icing, heat the chocolate and cream in a saucepan over a low heat until the chocolate has melted. Whisk the mixture until smooth and set aside to cool slightly.

*Decoration Time*

1. Spread the icing over the top of the cupcakes until well covered.

2. Press a chocolate button onto the cake as a nose.

3. Stick a crisp-coated chocolate on top using a little icing to hold the sugar coated sweet on the button.

4.  Stick on two slices of marshmallows as the eyes, and use the black writing icing, or dark chocolate for the pupils.

5. Cut 2 little slits near the top of the cupcake big enough to fit in the pretzels.

6. Firmly slot the pretzels into the slits, don't apply too much pressure otherwise the cake will split.

The finished result:

If you made these cupcakes then I'd love to know how they turned out, I hope you enjoyed this baking post and enjoyed the cupcakes if you made them!