Spiced Spider Cupcakes for 8

Ingredients and Weight:

• All-purpose flour - 110g
• Baking powder - 1 teaspoon
• Baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon
• Ground ginger - 1/2 teaspoon
• Ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon
• Eggs - 2 large
• Granulated sugar - 110g
• Vegetable oil - 60ml
• Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
• Buttermilk - 120ml

For the frosting:

• Cream cheese - 115g, softened
• Unsalted butter - 115g, softened
• Powdered sugar - 180g
• Heavy cream - 2 tablespoons
• Orange food coloring - a few drops

For the spiders:

• Candy melts (black, red, orange)
• Pretzel sticks
• Candy eyes

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 20-25 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• 2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract. Slowly whisk in the buttermilk until a smooth batter forms.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fill the prepared muffin cups about 2/3 full.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cupcakes cool completely in the muffin tin.
8. To make the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the heavy cream. Beat until light and fluffy. Add a few drops of orange food coloring if desired.
9. To make the spiders, melt the black candy melts according to package directions. Dip the end of a pretzel stick into the melted candy melts and insert it into the center of the cupcake. Add two red candy melts for the eyes and two orange candy melts for the fangs.

Nutritional Information:

Per cupcake:

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 4g

Dish Characteristics:

• Moist and flavorful cupcakes with a hint of spice
• Creamy and fluffy orange frosting
• Festive spider design, perfect for Halloween or holiday parties

User Comments:

• "These cupcakes are adorable and delicious! The frosting is so creamy and the spiders are a cute and spooky touch."
• "I love the spiced flavor in these cupcakes. They're perfect for a festive holiday treat."
• "These cupcakes were a hit with my kids! They loved the spider design and the frosting was a big hit."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough cupcakes.
• If you don't have candy melts, you can use melted chocolate or frosting instead.
• Make sure the candy eyes are firmly attached before serving.