Description

Spider Cupcakes are a fun and festive treat perfect for Halloween parties or spooky celebrations. These chocolate cupcakes are decorated with white frosting and creatively topped with black licorice to resemble spider legs, with candy corn and red cinnamon candies forming spooky spider eyes and heads. The orange decorator sugar adds a pop of color, making these cupcakes both delicious and visually striking.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix

Decorations

1 pound black shoestring licorice
1 (16 ounce) can white frosting
48 pieces candy corn
48 cinnamon red hot candies
¼ cup orange decorator sugar

Instructions

Prepare the cupcake batter: Follow the instructions on the chocolate cake mix package to prepare the batter. Preheat your oven as directed and line cupcake tins with paper liners.
Bake the cupcakes: Pour the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling them about two-thirds full. Bake as directed on the package until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Frost the cupcakes: Once cooled, spread a generous layer of white frosting on each cupcake, creating a smooth base for decorating.
Cut the licorice legs: Cut the black shoestring licorice into pieces about 2-3 inches long. You will need eight pieces per cupcake to form the spider legs.
Assemble the spider legs: Insert four licorice pieces on each side of the cupcake to resemble spider legs, pressing gently into the frosting so they stay in place.
Create the spider bodies: Place one candy corn horizontally on each cupcake near the center to form the spider’s body.
Add the spider heads: Position a cinnamon red hot candy just above the candy corn to serve as the spider’s head.
Decorate with orange sugar: Lightly sprinkle the orange decorator sugar around the top of the cupcakes to add a festive touch and some texture.
Serve and enjoy: Allow the frosting to set slightly if desired, then serve these fun and spooky spider cupcakes at your party!

Notes

You can use homemade chocolate cupcakes if preferred instead of the boxed mix.
For extra stability, slightly warm the frosting before spreading it to make it easier to work with.
If you can’t find black shoestring licorice, thin black licorice ropes or candy canes with the ends trimmed and colored black can be alternative options.
Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Keywords: Spider cupcakes, Halloween cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes, spooky dessert, candy decorated cupcakes