Black Widow Spider Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup canola oil
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• Canned Chocolate Frosting
• 1 package white candy melts
• 1 package black fondant
• Flat sprinkles

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners and set aside.
2. Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl until combined.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla together until smooth.
4. Pour half of the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir in half of the buttermilk gently then repeat with the remaining wet ingredients and buttermilk. Stir until just combined; do not overmix. The batter will be thin.
5. Pour or spoon the batter into the liners to the halfway point to avoid spilling over the sides, then bake for 18-21 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
6. While the cupcakes cool, melt the white candy melts then spoon into a squeeze bottle. Place the spider web template under wax paper, then follow the template to begin making spider webs. Allow to dry completely.
7. To make the spiders, roll the fondant into 1-inch and ½-inch balls for the body and head, then roll out four thin strips for the legs. Place a red flat sprinkle in the middle of the body, then place the head and body on top of the legs to create the spider.
8. When the cupcakes are cool, spoon the frosting into a microwave-safe container and melt for 15-10 seconds, or until it’s melted and thick. Dip each cupcake top into the frosting and allow to set for a few minutes. Carefully remove a spider web from the wax paper and place on top of each cupcake, followed by a spider in the center.