Turkey Cupcakes Recipe

Introduction

These Turkey Cupcakes are a festive and fun way to celebrate the season with a delicious twist on classic chocolate cupcakes. Decorated with candy eyes, candy corn, and rolo noses, they bring a playful turkey look perfect for holiday gatherings or classroom treats.

Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate cake mix, plus eggs and oil as indicated on package
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 cups confectioner’s sugar
• 1 cup chocolate jimmies
• 1 twizzler pull n’ peel
• 18 rolo candies
• 1 bag candy corn, 11 oz
• 36 candy eyes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to the temperature indicated on the box of cupcake mix, usually 350° Fahrenheit. Line a standard muffin tin with brown cupcake liners. Prepare the cupcake batter as directed on the package and fill each liner two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until done. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely, at least 1 hour.
2. Step 2: While cupcakes cool, make the chocolate frosting. In a large bowl, combine softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric hand mixer on medium speed for about 1 minute until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the unsweetened cocoa powder and beat again on medium speed until well blended. Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar, about 2 cups at a time, and beat on low speed until the frosting is smooth.
4. Step 4: Fit a piping bag with your choice of piping tip and fill with the frosting. Twist the top of the bag to secure the frosting inside. Pipe swirls of frosting onto each cooled cupcake.
5. Step 5: Unwrap the rolo candies and place a small dab of frosting on the back of each. Press one rolo onto the center of each frosted cupcake. Attach one candy corn onto each rolo to form the nose.
6. Step 6: Separate the twizzler pull n’ peel so two strips stick together, then cut into ¼ inch pieces. Sprinkle chocolate jimmies over the cupcakes, then position two candy eyes above the rolo nose. Gently press the rolo into the frosting for stability.
7. Step 7: Attach a twizzler strip to the side of the rolo to create the wattle. Arrange 5-6 candy corn pieces on top of each cupcake to resemble feather wings.
8. Step 8: Once decorated, refrigerate the cupcakes to allow the frosting to set. Serve within a few hours or enjoy within 2 days for best flavor and freshness.

Tips & Variations

• For easier decorating, prepare and cool the cupcakes the day before frosting to prevent melting.
• Substitute cream cheese frosting with buttercream if preferred, but cream cheese adds a nice tanginess.
• Use different colored candy eyes or festive sprinkles to customize the look for different holidays.

Storage

Store decorated cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften the frosting slightly. Avoid freezing to maintain the candy decorations’ texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes without a piping bag?

Yes, you can spread the frosting with a knife or spatula if you don’t have a piping bag. The look may be less polished but still delicious and fun.

What can I use instead of rolo candies?

If you don’t have rolo candies, chocolate-covered caramels or wrapped chocolate truffles can work similarly as the turkey nose.

Turkey Cupcakes Recipe

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Delightfully festive Turkey Cupcakes perfect for holiday gatherings, combining rich chocolate cake with creamy chocolate frosting and decorated with fun candy details to resemble turkeys.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including cooling and decorating)
• Yield: 18 cupcakes 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cupcakes

• 1 box chocolate cake mix, plus eggs and oil as indicated on package
• brown cupcake liners

Chocolate Frosting

• ½ cup butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 cups confectioner’s sugar

Decorations

• 1 cup chocolate jimmies
• 1 twizzler pull n’ peel
• 18 rolo candies
• 1 bag candy corn, 11 oz
• 36 candy eyes

Instructions

1. Prepare cupcakes: Preheat the oven to the temperature indicated on the cake mix box (usually 350°F). Line a standard size muffin tin with brown cupcake liners. Mix the cupcake batter as per the package instructions, filling each liner about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.
2. Make frosting: In a large bowl, combine softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Using an electric hand mixer on medium speed, beat until smooth (~1 minute). Add cocoa powder and continue mixing until smooth. Gradually add confectioner’s sugar, 2 cups at a time, beating on low speed until well incorporated and smooth.
3. Fill piping bag: Attach your desired piping tip to a piping bag. Fill the bag with the chocolate frosting, twist the top securely to prevent frosting from spilling when piping.
4. Pipe frosting on cupcakes: Pipe frosting onto each cooled cupcake in a circular motion to create a smooth, even layer.
5. Prepare candy decorations: Unwrap the rolo candies and place a small dollop of frosting on each to help adhere the candy corn nose. Pull apart the twizzler pull n’ peel strands so two strips are stuck together and cut into ¼ inch pieces.
6. Decorate cupcakes: Sprinkle chocolate jimmies evenly over the frosted cupcakes. Place two candy eyes in the center of each cupcake. Gently press the rolo candy just beneath the candy eyes in the frosting. Attach the twizzler pieces to the side of the rolo to form the wattle. Arrange 5-6 candy corn pieces on the top of the cupcake to resemble feather wings.
7. Chill and serve: Transfer the decorated cupcakes to the refrigerator to chill and set the frosting. Serve within a few hours or up to 2 days for optimal freshness.

Notes

• Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
• Prepare cupcakes in advance (the day before decorating) to save time and ensure perfect frosting application.
• Store decorated cupcakes in the refrigerator to maintain frosting firmness and freshness.
• Best served within 2 days for optimal taste and texture.

Keywords: Turkey Cupcakes, Halloween cupcakes, Chocolate cupcakes, Festive cupcakes, Holiday desserts, Candy decorated cupcakes