Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 24 candy eyes
- 12 chocolate-covered strawberries
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Special equipment needed:
- Cupcake pan
- Piping bag
- Piping tip #233
- Toothpicks
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix until well combined.
3. Pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
5. Let the cupcakes cool completely before decorating.
6. In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
7. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a piping tip #233.
8. Pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes in a zigzag pattern to create the look of a caterpillar.
9. Place two candy eyes on each cupcake.
10. Cut the chocolate-covered strawberries in half lengthwise. Use toothpicks to attach the strawberry halves to the cupcakes to create the caterpillar's feet.
11. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stovetop. Transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag.
12. Pipe the chocolate onto the cupcakes to create the caterpillar's antennae.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 18-20 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
12 cupcakes
Nutritional information:
Calories: 390
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 38g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chocolate cake mix can be substituted with vanilla cake mix or any other flavor of cake mix.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with canola oil or coconut oil.
- Powdered sugar can be substituted with granulated sugar or brown sugar.
- Candy eyes can be substituted with small chocolate chips or raisins.
- Chocolate-covered strawberries can be substituted with chocolate-covered pretzels or chocolate-covered almonds.
Variations:
- Use different colors of frosting to create a rainbow caterpillar.
- Use different types of candy or chocolate to create different facial expressions for the caterpillar.
- Use different types of fruit or candy to create different types of feet for the caterpillar.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before decorating to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Use a toothpick to create small details in the frosting.
- Use a small spoon or spatula to smooth out any rough edges in the frosting.
Storage instructions:
Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Microwave the cupcakes for 10-15 seconds to warm them up before serving.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cupcakes in a circle to create the look of a caterpillar.
Garnishes:
Garnish the cupcakes with small pieces of fruit or candy.
Pairings:
Serve the cupcakes with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the cupcakes as a dessert after a meal of spaghetti and meatballs or grilled chicken.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the frosting is too thick, add more milk. If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Food safety advice:
Wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before preparing the cupcakes. Make sure the cupcakes are fully cooked before serving.
Food history:
Colin the Caterpillar is a popular children's character in the UK. The character was created by Marks & Spencer in 1990 and has since become a beloved icon.
Flavor profiles:
The cupcakes have a rich chocolate flavor with a sweet and creamy vanilla frosting.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the cupcakes at a children's birthday party or as a fun dessert for a family gathering.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: British
Taste: Sweet, Chocolatey, Moist, Creamy, Rich