Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 can of vanilla frosting
- Black food coloring
- Orange candy melts
- White candy melts
- Mini chocolate chips
Special equipment needed:
- Cupcake liners
- Cupcake pan
- Piping bag
- Piping tip #12
- Toothpicks
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until well combined.
3. Pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
4. Bake the cupcakes for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
6. In a separate bowl, mix the vanilla frosting with black food coloring until it reaches the desired shade of gray.
7. Fill a piping bag fitted with a #12 tip with the gray frosting and pipe a small circle in the center of each cupcake.
8. Melt the orange candy melts according to the package instructions and use a toothpick to draw a small triangle for the penguin's beak on each cupcake.
9. Melt the white candy melts according to the package instructions and use a toothpick to draw two small circles for the penguin's eyes on each cupcake.
10. Place a mini chocolate chip in the center of each white circle for the penguin's pupils.
11. Allow the candy melts to set before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 18-20 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
- Makes 12 cupcakes
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 280
- Total fat: 12g
- Total carbohydrates: 41g
- Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of a box of chocolate cake mix, you can make your own chocolate cake batter from scratch.
- You can use homemade vanilla frosting instead of canned frosting.
Variations:
- You can use different colors of candy melts to create different animal-themed cupcakes.
- You can add sprinkles or other decorations to the cupcakes for added flair.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Use a toothpick to draw the candy melt designs to ensure precision.
Storage instructions:
- Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the cupcakes, place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until warm.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the cupcakes on a platter in the shape of a penguin.
Garnishes:
- You can add a small candy fish or other sea-themed decorations to the cupcakes for added flair.
Pairings:
- Serve the cupcakes with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.
Suggested side dishes:
- These cupcakes are a dessert and do not require a side dish.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the frosting is too thick, add a small amount of milk to thin it out.
- If the candy melts are too thick, add a small amount of vegetable oil to thin them out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to properly store the cupcakes to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
- The origin of cupcakes can be traced back to the 19th century, when they were first called "number cakes" due to the ingredients being measured by weight.
Flavor profiles:
- These cupcakes have a rich chocolate flavor with a sweet vanilla frosting and a hint of orange candy melt.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve these cupcakes at a birthday party or other celebration.
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Taste: Sweet, Chocolatey, Moist, Creamy, Nutty