Non-Spooky Black Cat Cupcakes Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate show-stopping treat that’s equal parts playful and delicious, look no further than Non-Spooky Black Cat Cupcakes. These charming cupcakes combine irresistible chocolate flavor with adorable cat faces—complete with sparkly fur, candy-bright eyes, and clever little whiskers. They’re a heartwarming option for festivities, especially when you want something fun for kids and adults alike, without venturing into overly spooky territory. Whether you’re planning for Halloween, a themed birthday, or just in the mood for some whisker-licking cuteness, these cupcakes will turn any day into a celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the essentials for Non-Spooky Black Cat Cupcakes is a breeze, and every ingredient plays a starring role, either in flavor, texture, or bringing those whimsical kitty features to life. The best part: mostly pantry favorites!

  • Chocolate cake mix: Keeps things simple while delivering a moist, chocolatey base for your cupcakes.
  • Eggs, oil, and water: These support and bind your cake mix, ensuring the perfect crumb.
  • Chocolate frosting: Delivers a luscious, creamy finish for the kitties’ fur and helps all your decorations stick.
  • Chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos): Use halved and filling-removed cookies for those signature perky cat ears.
  • Black sanding sugar or sprinkles (optional): Add extra sparkle and a rich, black shimmer to your cupcake tops for visual appeal.
  • Yellow or green candy-coated chocolates: These create captivating cat eyes—choose the color that gives your cats the most personality.
  • Pink candy-coated chocolates or mini pink candies: Just one per cupcake makes the cutest little kitty nose.
  • Black licorice strings: Snip them short to become playful cat whiskers on each cupcake face.
  • Mini chocolate chips or black gel icing: Turn these into mesmerizing little pupils to complete the facial features.

How to Make Non-Spooky Black Cat Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Start by preheating your oven as your cake mix box directs, and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with your favorite festive cupcake liners. Whip up the chocolate cake mix according to package instructions—add the eggs, oil, and water—then blend until the batter is velvety smooth. Fill each liner about three-quarters full for perfectly domed cupcakes ready to be made over into darling cats.

Step 2: Bake and Cool

Bake your cupcakes as directed (typically around 20 minutes). Pop them out when a toothpick comes out clean, then transfer to a wire rack. Let these little chocolate delights cool completely; patience is key for flawless decorating later!

Step 3: Frost Like a Furry Feline

Once cooled, generously swirl chocolate frosting over each cupcake. For an extra-glam “furry coat,” gently dip the frosted tops into black sanding sugar or black sprinkles. This not only intensifies the cat-like look, it adds a ridiculously fun sparkle—the Non-Spooky Black Cat Cupcakes really come alive in this step!

Step 4: Decorate Cat Faces

Press two halved chocolate sandwich cookies at the top of each cupcake to form unmistakably mischievous cat ears. Place two yellow or green candy-coated chocolates just below the ears for eyes, adding mini chocolate chips or black gel icing for the pupils. Pop a pink coated candy between the eyes for the cat’s nose. Finally, complete your feline by anchoring a few short strips of black licorice on each side of the nose to make those sweet whiskers stand out.

Step 5: Admire, Share, and Enjoy!

Take a moment to admire your lineup of Non-Spooky Black Cat Cupcakes—each with a unique expression! Share them immediately to wow your crowd, or save them for later when you need a delightful treat to brighten up any celebration.

How to Serve Non-Spooky Black Cat Cupcakes

Non-Spooky Black Cat Cupcakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

While these cupcakes already have plenty of visual sizzle, you can sprinkle a little extra black sanding sugar over the top for added sparkle or use edible glitter for extra pizzazz. A few edible gold stars or white nonpareils around each kitty’s face also add a magical touch that pops against the chocolate base.

Side Dishes

Pair your Non-Spooky Black Cat Cupcakes with kid-friendly snacks like chocolate milk, vanilla pudding cups, or a vibrant fruit salad. For adults, offer a hot mug of coffee or a decadent hot chocolate—everyone loves a playful treat with something cozy to sip!

Creative Ways to Present

Display your Non-Spooky Black Cat Cupcakes on a Halloween-themed platter or a black cake stand for a party centerpiece. You can even group them together on a “catwalk” by arranging them in a winding line, or circle them around a punch bowl or bowl of candy for a festive dessert table statement.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Non-Spooky Black Cat Cupcakes, store them in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm or humid, pop them in the fridge to keep the decorations fresh, just let them come to room temp before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze undecorated cupcakes (before frosting and decorating) by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap, then placing in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to decorate, thaw at room temperature and continue with frosting and embellishments for best results.

Reheating

While you don’t need to reheat Non-Spooky Black Cat Cupcakes, allowing them to sit out of the fridge for about 15 minutes before eating improves their flavor and softness—especially if stored chilled. Avoid microwaving decorated cupcakes, as candies and frosting might melt or lose their charm.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake mix instead of boxed?

Absolutely! Your favorite chocolate cupcake recipe will work perfectly for Non-Spooky Black Cat Cupcakes—just bake for the same amount of time and ensure they’re completely cooled before decorating.

What if I can’t find black sanding sugar?

No worries! The cupcakes look adorable with just chocolate frosting, or use chocolate sprinkles or even finely crushed chocolate cookies for a different textured effect.

Are there any allergy-friendly alternatives for the decorations?

For nut-sensitive or dairy-free friends, look for allergen-free chocolate sandwich cookies and candies. There are many plant-based or allergy-friendly chocolate and coated candies available at major stores.

How do I keep the “ears” from falling off?

Press the cookie halves gently but firmly into the frosting, and if needed, anchor them further with a small dab of frosting on the base of each ear. Letting the frosting set a bit before adding ears can also help them stay put.

Can Non-Spooky Black Cat Cupcakes be made gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix and gluten-free cookies for ears, along with gluten-free candy decorations, to easily make these cupcakes safe for everyone to eat.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to resist the playful charm and chocolatey goodness of Non-Spooky Black Cat Cupcakes. Whether you’re sharing them at a party, spoiling your kids after school, or just need a dose of whimsy, these cupcakes always steal the show. Whip up a batch and let your creativity run wild—you’re sure to delight both big and little cat fans alike!

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Non-Spooky Black Cat Cupcakes Recipe

Non-Spooky Black Cat Cupcakes Recipe

4.7 from 9 reviews

These Non-Spooky Black Cat Cupcakes are a fun and festive treat perfect for Halloween or any cat lover’s party. Chocolate cupcakes topped with chocolate frosting, cookies for ears, and candy details for eyes, nose, and whiskers create adorable edible black cats!

  • Author: nadia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcakes:

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as called for on box)

Frosting and Decorations:

  • 1 can (16 ounces) chocolate frosting
  • 24 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), halved with filling removed
  • Black sanding sugar or sprinkles (optional)
  • 24 yellow or green candy-coated chocolates (for eyes)
  • 12 pink candy-coated chocolates or mini pink candies (for noses)
  • Black licorice strings, cut into short pieces (for whiskers)
  • Mini chocolate chips or black gel icing (for pupils)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven and prepare the chocolate cupcakes according to package instructions. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners and fill each about ¾ full. Bake as directed and let the cupcakes cool completely.
  2. Frost and Decorate: Frost each cupcake with a generous swirl of chocolate frosting. Optionally, dip the tops in black sanding sugar for a sparkly black coat. Press two cookie halves into the top of each cupcake to create cat ears. Use the candy-coated chocolates for eyes and nose—place yellow or green candies for the eyes and a pink one in the center for the nose. Use black gel icing or mini chocolate chips for pupils. Add short pieces of black licorice on each side of the nose for whiskers.
  3. Serve: Serve immediately or store in a cool place until ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • Great for kid-friendly parties or Halloween celebrations without the fright!
  • You can also tint vanilla frosting black with gel food coloring if you prefer a lighter cake base.
  • Customize with different colored eyes or candy for fun variations.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

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