Get ready to transform your kitchen into a fall wonderland with these irresistible Chocolate Acorn Cupcakes - a dessert so adorable and delicious, it'll make your taste buds dance with autumn joy! Imagine biting into a rich, moist chocolate cupcake topped with the most charming little chocolate acorn, perfectly capturing the cozy essence of the season. Whether you're hosting a fall gathering, looking for a festive treat, or simply craving something sweet and nostalgic, these cupcakes are about to become your new seasonal obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 12 chocolate acorns (store-bought or homemade)
- 12 mini Nilla wafers
- Chocolate frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Use an electric mixer on medium speed and blend for approximately 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain.
- Using a standard ice cream scoop or large spoon, carefully distribute the cake batter evenly into each cupcake liner, filling each about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool entirely for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once cooled, use a butter knife or offset spatula to spread chocolate frosting evenly over each cupcake, creating a smooth surface.
- Gently press a mini Nilla wafer into the center of each frosted cupcake to create a base for the chocolate acorn decoration.
- Place a chocolate acorn on top of each Nilla wafer, positioning it slightly askew for a rustic, natural appearance.
- Optional: Dust lightly with cocoa powder or sprinkle with autumn-colored edible glitter for additional festive decoration.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure eggs and other ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother, more consistent batter.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the cake batter just until ingredients are combined to keep cupcakes tender and light.
- Check Oven Accuracy: Use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven is precisely at 350°F for even baking.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a neat decoration.
- Decorating Hack: Use a piping bag for more precise and professional-looking frosting application.
- Make Ahead: Chocolate acorns can be prepared a day in advance to save time on baking day.
- Storage Tip: For maximum freshness, store cupcakes in an airtight container and consume within 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg
