Arts & Entertainment

Recipe: Chocolate Spider Cupcakes

So good, I don't mind these little critter cupcakes being on my plate!

Halloween is coming up, and I've got the perfect treat for this holiday!

Last week, my 8-year-old cousin, Zander, invited me over to eat some cupcakes that he made, and I have to say they were so cute and delicious. They're a great project for anyone who loves themed goodies.

If you want an option with less sugar, feel free to use sugar free cake mix, frosting and chocolate chips. Zander, my little budding chef, made me a reduced-sugar version, and it was still very tasty and rich.

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The recipe came from a school library book, and here it is:

Ingredients

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Cupcakes

  • 1 box of Pillsbury chocolate cake mix
  • 1 cup of water
  • 3 eggs
  • A tub of chocolate frosting

Spiders

  • 1 1/4 cups chow mein noodles
  • 2 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 cup crispy rice cereal
  • Some icing or decorating candies for the eyes

What to do:

To make the spiders

1. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and set aside.

2. Measure out 1 cup chow mein noodles and break them into small pieces. Break the remaining noodles into 2-inch pieces. These will be the spiders’ legs. Set the noodles aside in separate groupings.

3. Combine the chocolate chips and milk in a medium-sized saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the confectioners’ sugar, cereal and the small chow mein noodle pieces until blended.

4. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Drop the chocolate mixture by tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet. You will have about 30 bodies.

5. Immediately insert the noodle legs into the spider bodies—four on each side. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill the spiders for about a half hour or until hardened.

To make the cupcakes

While you're waiting for your spiders to harden, start making the cupcakes.

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a cupcake baking pan with cupcake liners.

2. Blend cake mix, water, oil and eggs in a large bowl.

3. Pour mixture into cupcake pan and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Cool cake completely.

4. Frost each cupcake. When the spiders are ready to come out of the fridge, take them out. Use icing or candies to make eyes, and top each cupcake with a spider.

5. ENJOY!


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