Hedgehog Cupcakes

Tonight, we are having an early birthday celebration. You know what that calls for right???

Cupcakes!!!

It is actually Howard's dad's birthday tomorrow (but we celebrated last week) but his parents wanted to celebrate Howard's birthday tonight. Yes, we know we have a weird little schedule going on. 

So I decided I would make these cupcakes for both Howard and his dad. Howard really wants a pet hedgehog, but instead I made him little hedgehogs from fondant. *grin* Whereas, Howard's dad enjoys nature and hiking. So the cupcakes include hedgehogs, a few leaves for nature (oh how we miss those green leafy trees in Toronto), and a whimsical trail path.

This is also a great time to try another cupcake recipe!

Classic Chocolate Cupcakes

From Little Cakes from the Whimsical Bakehouse

(Makes about 12 cupcakes and a 6-inch cake)

1/2 cup of milk

3/4 cup of milk

1 cup of brown sugar

3 ounces of chopped unsweetened chocolate

1 stick of unsalted butter

1 cup of granulate sugar

2 large eggs

1 large egg yolk

1 large egg white

2 cups of cake flour

1 teaspoon of baking soda

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and have your cupcake liners ready in the pan. Make sure you have all the ingredients ready as well.
   
2. Using a double boiler, whisk the 1/2 cup of milk, brown sugar, and chocolate. When the chocolate has melted, whisk in the egg yolk. Then remove from heat and set aside.
3. Mix the butter and sugar together. Slowly add in the eggs and egg white.
4. Sift together the cake flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients alternatively with the 3/4 cup of milk and vanilla extract.
5. Finally, stir in the chocolate mixture into the batter until combined.
6. Fill cupcake liners and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean. Bake the 6-inch cake for 50-55 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean.

The cupcakes are extremely soft and fluffy. When I was putting in the cake tester it took no effort at all! After cooling for 10 minutes, I couldn't wait any longer and tried one. They were so good! Very light with a slightly crunchy top. I think I will try their Devil's Food cupcakes next time for a heavier chocolate taste. After baking these, the whole house smelled like cake, constantly tempting me to snack. These lovely cupcakes were then covered with caramel and a smooth layer of fondant was placed on top along with the decorations.

Happy little hedgehog! What should we name her/him?