Spooky Spider Cupcakes with Candy Corn and Licorice Legs Recipe
Spider Cupcakes are a spooky and fun treat perfect for Halloween or themed parties. These chocolate cupcakes are decorated with licorice webs, candy corn spiders, and vibrant orange sugar to create an eye-catching and delicious dessert that kids and adults will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 48 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Base
- 1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix
- Ingredients called for on cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, water)
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 Cupcakes: Follow the instructions on the chocolate cake mix package to prepare the batter, then bake the cupcakes in a preheated oven according to the recommended time and temperature until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely before decorating.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Use a spatula or knife to spread a generous layer of white frosting over the top of each cooled cupcake to create a smooth surface for decoration.
- Create Licorice Spider Webs: Cut the black shoestring licorice into 3-inch pieces. Arrange several licorice strings on each cupcake in a web-like pattern on top of the frosting, overlapping to mimic spider webs.
- Make Candy Corn Spiders: To assemble the spiders, place one candy corn piece with the pointed end facing down on each cupcake as the spider’s body. Then place a cinnamon red hot candy on the wide end of the candy corn to serve as the spider’s head, pressing them gently onto the frosting to secure.
- Add Orange Sugar Accent: Sprinkle approximately ¼ cup of orange decorator sugar over the cupcakes, concentrating around the edges and the webs for added color and a festive touch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the frosting set for a few minutes, then serve these spooky spider cupcakes as a fun Halloween dessert or party treat.
Notes
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- For a stronger spider web effect, gently press licorice strings into frosting so they stay in place.
- Cinnamon red hot candies add a spicy kick and bright color as spider heads.
- Orange decorator sugar adds a festive sparkle—substitute with colored sugar of your choice for variations.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Keywords: spider cupcakes, halloween cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes, candy corn decoration, spooky desserts