Blackout Spider Cupcakes

I don't like spiders at all! But when I spotted these spider cupcake holders at Crate and Barrel, I couldn't resist getting one. They make spiders look cute instead of creepy, of course, you could make them creepy too. But I'm going to stick with something I can handle without running away in terror:

Blackout Spider Cupcakes
Adapted from The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook
(Makes about 14 regular cupcakes)

1 stick of unsalted butter
1 cup of brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/3 cup of cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon of baking powder
3/4 teaspoon of baking soda
a pinch of salt
1 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour
2/3 cup of milk

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and have all ingredients at room temperature. Place your black or dark brown cupcake liners in the tray.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time. Mix well and scrape the bowl as needed.
3. On a slow speed, add in the vanilla, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until combined.
4. Alternate between the flour and milk. Mix until the batter is well combined.
5. Using an ice cream scoop, scoop the batter into your cupcake liners.
6. Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan before taking them out to frost and decorate.
   

Chocolate Ganache Buttercream
(Makes enough to frost the 12 regular cupcakes)

1 stick of unsalted butter
2 1/2 cup of icing sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/4 cup of chocolate ganache

1. Using your stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until combined.
2. Add in the vanilla and mix until smooth.
3. Slowly pour in the chocolate ganache and mix until it is well combined, fluffy, and smooth.

Chocolate Crumbs
(Makes enough to cover the 12 regular cupcakes)

2 extra chocolate cupcakes

1. Peel the cupcake liner off your extra baked cupcakes.
2. Using a food processor, break apart the 2 cupcakes and process into crumbs.

Are you ready to assemble your blackout spider cupcake? I do realize that if you don't have the spider legs, it'll be blackout eyes cupcakes. =)

However, you can always use black liquorice candy to be legs.

After you pipe on the chocolate ganache buttercream, use a spatula to create a dome with the frosting. Spread the frosting right to the edge and make sure that the top is higher. I used Reese's Pieces for the eyes, but you can easily substitute that with Smarties or M&M's. Add the eyes before you dip the cupcake in cake crumbs.

Firmly hold the cupcake and lower it into the bowl.

Keep diving in...

Evenly coat the frosting with cake crumbs to create the blackout or furry spider look. If you need to, use a spoon to help you cover spots you missed.

Place your cupcake on the spider legs!

Have a happy Halloween this year! If you also bought the spider cupcake holder, please share your photos with me!