Transform your dessert table with these delightful Audrey II Cupcakes, inspired by the iconic plant from Little Shop of Horrors! These fun and whimsical cupcakes feature rich chocolate cake topped with vibrant green frosting, mimicking the look of Audrey II. Perfect for Halloween, themed parties, or any Little Shop of Horrors fan, these cupcakes are sure to impress. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Ingredients List

To create these charming Audrey II Cupcakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cupcakes:

• 200g all-purpose flour: The base for the cupcakes.
• 200g granulated sugar: For sweetness.
• 75g unsweetened cocoa powder: For a rich chocolate flavor.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Adds leavening.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the flavor.
• 2 large eggs: For moisture and structure.
• 120ml whole milk: Adds richness.
• 120ml vegetable oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances flavor.
• 240ml boiling water: To intensify the chocolate flavor.

For the Green Buttercream Frosting:

• 250g unsalted butter, softened: The base for the frosting.
• 500g powdered sugar: For sweetness and structure.
• 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk: To achieve the desired consistency.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: For flavor.
• Green food coloring: To achieve the desired shade of green.

For Decoration:

• Chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips: For eyes.
• Green gummy candy or fondant: To create the plant’s mouth and leaves.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cupcakes

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined.
4. Gradually stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth (the batter will be thin).
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Green Buttercream Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
3. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and beat until fluffy.
4. Add green food coloring a little at a time until you achieve the desired shade of green.

Step 3: Decorate the Cupcakes

1. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag fitted with a round tip to pipe the green buttercream frosting on top of each cupcake, creating a swirled effect to resemble Audrey II’s leaves.
2. Use chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips to create eyes on top of the frosting.
3. For the mouth, you can use green gummy candy or fondant shaped like a mouth and place it on the frosting.
4. Optionally, you can add additional decorations like fondant leaves or edible glitter for extra flair.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional content per cupcake (based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Cupcake
Calories	320 kcal
Protein	3g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	15g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	30g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you want to make your Audrey II Cupcakes a bit healthier, consider these alternatives:

• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Reduce Sugar: Use less sugar or a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Greek Yogurt: Substitute Greek yogurt for some of the butter in the frosting for a lighter option.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your Audrey II Cupcakes experience with these serving suggestions:

• Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream pairs beautifully with the chocolate cupcakes.
• Add a Drizzle of Chocolate Sauce: For an extra indulgent touch.
• Create a Themed Dessert Table: Include other Little Shop of Horrors themed treats for a fun party atmosphere.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls when making your Audrey II Cupcakes:

• Overmixing the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
• Not Cooling the Cupcakes Completely: Frosting warm cupcakes can cause the frosting to melt.
• Using Too Much Food Coloring: Add food coloring gradually to avoid overly intense colors.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your Audrey II Cupcakes fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze un-frosted cupcakes for up to 3 months; thaw and frost before serving.

Conclusion

Audrey II Cupcakes are a fun and delicious way to celebrate Little Shop of Horrors! With their rich chocolate flavor and whimsical decorations, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. We invite you to try this recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes and updates!

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chocolate cake with vanilla or any other flavor you prefer.

How do I know when the cupcakes are done baking?

The cupcakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes! The frosting can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just re-whip before using.