Description
Greek-inspired Sour Octopus Cupcakes bring marine whimsy to dessert tables with tangy citrus notes and playful tentacle designs. Culinary enthusiasts will delight in this unexpected coastal treat that blends sweet complexity with oceanic charm.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box vanilla or funfetti cake mix
- Eggs (as listed on box)
- Oil (as listed on box)
- Water (as listed on box)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsps milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (blue, teal, or ocean effect)
- 12 sour gummy octopus candies (Trolli Octopus Gummies)
- Sprinkles (optional)
- Edible glitter (optional)
- Crushed graham crackers (optional)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Calibrate oven to 350F (175C) and line cupcake pan with 12 standard liners.
- Batter Assembly: Combine cake mix according to package directions, incorporating vanilla extract for enhanced flavor profile. Gently distribute batter into liners, filling approximately two-thirds of each compartment.
- Baking Process: Transfer pan to preheated oven and monitor for 18-22 minutes until a testing skewer emerges cleanly. Allow cupcakes to cool completely at room temperature before decorative embellishment.
- Frosting Creation: Whip butter until smooth and velvety. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, blending thoroughly after each addition. Introduce milk and vanilla, continuing to mix until achieving a light, airy consistency. Adjust texture by introducing additional liquid or sugar as necessary.
- Color and Styling: Infuse frosting with oceanic food coloring, creating a marine-inspired palette. Utilize piping equipment or standard utensils to elegantly cover cupcake surfaces.
- Decorative Finish: Crown each cupcake with a playful sour gummy octopus. Optional: Scatter maritime-themed sprinkles or crushed graham crackers to enhance the underwater aesthetic.
Notes
- Use high-quality vanilla extract and fresh butter for a more robust, rich flavor in both cake and frosting.
- Avoid overmixing batter to prevent dense, tough cupcakes; gently fold ingredients until just combined for a light, tender texture.
- Watch cupcakes closely during baking to prevent overcooking; remove from oven when a toothpick comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
- Experiment with different ocean-themed toppings like blue sugar crystals, edible sea salt, or alternative gummy sea creatures for unique presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg