Dirt Cupcakes: Chocolate fudge cupcakes are topped with fluffy homemade chocolate buttercream, Oreo dirt and a wiggly gummy worm for a whimsical dessert that is fun for kids of all ages!
1boxchocolate fudge cake mixplus ingredients required on the package
For the chocolate cream cheese frosting
½cupmilk chocolate chipsmelted
8ozcream cheesesoftened
½cupbuttersoftened
1teaspoonpure vanilla extract
2cupspowdered sugar
½cupcocoa powder
For the Oreo dirt
15Oreo cookiescrushed into crumbs
Toppings
24gummy worms
plastic spider ringsoptional
Instructions
Bake the Cupcakes
Preheat the oven according to the directions on the chocolate cake mix. Line two cupcake/muffin pans with cupcake papers and set aside.
In a large bowl, prepare the cake mix according to package instructions.
Spoon the cupake batter into the liners, filling them about 2/3 full. Bake as per the instructions on the box and allow cupcakes to cool completely.
Make the Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl for 30 seconds and stir. Continue microwaving in 15 seconds intervals just until the chocoalte is melted and smooth.
In a large mixing bowl using a stand mixer or a handheld mixer, cream the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy. Add the melted chocolate and mix well. Add the powdered sugar gradually until it is combined. Mix in the cocoa powder. Add the vanilla extract and mix one more time. Set frosting aside.
For the Oreo crumbs
Place the Oreo cookies into a food processor and pulse them until they are crumbs. Set aside.
To Decorate the cupcakes
Frost each cupcake with the chocolate butter cream. You can spread the frosting with an offset spatula or use a piping bag fitted with a 1M tip (the large open star) to pipe the frosting onto the top of the cupcake.
Dip the cupcake into the bowl of Oreo dirt or sprinkle a few spoonfuls of Oreo dirt on top of the frosting and place a gummy worm in the center of each cupcake.
For a spooky twist, add a plastic spider ring to the top of the cupcakes. Or, you can poke the gummy worms into the frosting so they look like they are wiggling out.
Notes
If you prefer, use your favorite chocolate cake recipe instead of a boxed mix.
You can also use a tub of store-bought chocolate frosting instead of making homemade chocolate buttercream. Tip: Whip the purchased frosting with a hand mixer to make it light and fluffy.
Use your favorite candy for the dirt and worms cupcakes - classic gummy worms or sour worms, gummy bugs/spiders and candy rocks are all fun options.