People always decorate the table for Thanksgiving, but I love to decorate the cupcakes, like these turkey cupcakes. All of the kids (and parents) will enjoy this non-traditional dessert for Thanksgiving.
These are chocolate cupcakes that are moist and topped with more chocolate frosting. They are shaped like turkeys and contain edible parts. These would also be perfect for a child’s birthday that falls on the same wonderful day as Thanksgiving.
This recipe’s nice feature is that you can adjust its difficulty to your preference. We choose to stick with the easy way and focus more on the decoration aspect of the cupcake.
If you want to make some more Thanksgiving-worthy desserts, I would suggest trying our Pumpkin Pie Truffles, Pumpkin Spice Oreo Cookie, and of course The Best Dutch Apple Pie Recipe!
Get ready to gobble up these adorable turkey cupcakes, the perfect festive treat for your Thanksgiving celebration! This recipe combines moist chocolate cupcakes with fun and easy decorations, making it a delightful activity for both adults and kids
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 15.25 ounces chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients as directed on the box)
- 16 ounces chocolate frosting (or your favorite homemade recipe)
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate sprinkles
- 2 cups candy corn
- 48 Wilton candy eyeballs
- Red frosting
Instructions:
- Bake the Cupcakes: Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions to make 24 cupcakes. Bake them until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely.
- Frost and Decorate: Frost each cupcake with a generous amount of chocolate frosting, ensuring the top is fully covered. Dip the cupcake upside down into the chocolate sprinkles, gently pressing them onto the frosting.
- Create the Turkey Tail: Push 5 pieces of candy corn, tip-side-down, into the top of the cupcake to form the tail feathers. Arrange them in a slightly fanned-out pattern.
- Add the Eyes and Beak: Place two candy eyeballs near the center of the cupcake, leaving a small space between them. Push one piece of candy corn, with the wider end facing outwards, into the cupcake below the eyes to create the beak.
- Make the Snood: Using the red frosting, draw a small line next to the candy corn beak. This represents the snood, a fleshy wattle found on turkeys.
- Enjoy! Your adorable turkey cupcakes are ready to be devoured!
Tips and Variations:
- Use pre-made cupcakes if you’re short on time.
- Get creative with the decorations! Use leftover Halloween candy, different colored sprinkles, or even edible markers to personalize your turkeys.
- If you don’t like candy corn, substitute it with other colorful candies like M&Ms or pretzels.
- For a fun twist, try making vanilla cupcakes instead of chocolate.
Additional Resources:
- Check out the full recipe and detailed instructions on Six Sisters’ Stuff: https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/thanksgiving-turkey-cupcakes-recipe/
- Explore Little Sunny Kitchen’s recipe for turkey cupcakes with even more decorating ideas: https://littlesunnykitchen.com/turkey-cupcakes/
FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of frosting? Yes, you can use any type of frosting you prefer, such as vanilla or cream cheese frosting.
- How do I store the cupcakes? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time? Yes, you can bake and frost the cupcakes a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and decorate them just before serving.
With these easy steps and fun variations, you can create delightful turkey cupcakes that will be the star of your Thanksgiving dessert table. Happy baking!
How To Make Our Turkey Cupcake Recipe:
When the time comes to assemble the turkey cupcakes, follow the package’s instructions to make the chocolate cupcakes. The box mix generally makes about 24 cupcakes.
Bake the cupcakes and let them cool down completely.
Once the cupcakes have cooled, use about 2 tablespoons to cover the entire top of each one.
In a wide bowl, pour in the chocolate sprinkles. After the cupcakes have been frost, they should be turned upside down and gently pushed into the sprinkles to try and get them to cover the cupcake.
Next, insert five upside-down candy corn pieces next to each other into one side of the cupcake to create the turkey’s feathered tail.
Now on the opposite side of the cupcake place two candy eyeballs with little space inbetween.
Then, to create the beak, insert one more candy corn piece, the larger side facing inside the cupcake.
After that’s in place, draw a tiny line with the red frosting next to the candy corn to create the “snood” (yes, that’s the name!).
Then they are ready to serve or eat!
To Make This Easy Recipe for Kids You Will Need:
- Cupcake pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer
- Small bowl
- Spatula
If you have the time, you can make your own frosting, but our original recipe is quick and easy and uses a container of frosting from the grocery store!
Lauren’s latest has an easy chocolate frosting recipe you can make in place of the container of chocolate frosting.