Spookily Free-From: Furry Monster Chocolate Cupcakes

Making Cupcakes 

1. Preheat oven as directed on cake mix package. Set dairy-free margarine out to reach room temperature. 
2. Prepare batter by following packaged cake mix instructions. Fill cupcake liners about 3/4 full of batter. Place in preheated oven. Once the cupcakes are fully baked, set aside to cool.

Dairy-Free Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dairy-free margarine and vanilla. Using an electric hand mixer, mix on medium speed until mixture is light and creamy. Add salt. Add sifted confectioners’ sugar, 1 cup at a time, to mixture. If needed, add 1 teaspoon (or slightly more) of dairy-free milk beverage to achieve desired frosting consistency.
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   Tip: When piping, frosting should be room temperature to slightly chilled and of medium consistency. If too warm or thin, frosting won’t hold its shape. If too cold or firm, it will be difficult to squeeze out of the piping bag.
2. Divide frosting among the 6 small bowls (approximately 1/2 cup per bowl). Add 4-6 drops of each gel food color to bowls and mix with small kitchen spoon. Wash and dry spoon (or use a new spoon) after mixing each bowl of frosting. (Prevents colors from blending.) 
3. Scoop each colored frosting into its own piping bag with your choice of piping tip.

Decorating Furry Cupcakes

1. Pipe one of the colored frostings on top of each cupcake until fully covered. To practice, try piping on parchment paper first. 
2. Monster eyes: Use a fondant roller to roll out a small piece of white fondant into a circle about 4 inches in diameter and 1/8-inch thick. Cut out circles for the eyes by using a wide milkshake straw or wide end of a piping tip. Place a small piece of plastic wrap over this fondant, then use your tool to press down into it. Repeat until you have approximately 24 circles (or as many as needed) for your cupcakes. Set aside. Store any remaining fondant in an airtight container.  
3. Roll out black fondant slightly thinner than 1/8 of an inch. Repeat Step 2 with a regular straw to make black irises. Attach black irises to the white circles by gently pressing these onto white fondant circles (see photo for reference). If needed, use a small brush to dab back of black fondant with water and gently press irises onto whites of eyes.  
4. Monster Mouth: Roll out another piece of black fondant, between 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch thickness. Use an Exacto knife or fondant shape cutter to cut out mouth shape. Attach small white fondant pieces to create teeth (as shown in photo). Remember, there is no right or wrong!
5. Position the eyes and mouths onto cupcakes to create your monster faces. 

Now, your monster cupcakes are ready to be enjoyed! Share them with friends and family and tag Allergic Living on social media!

Related:
Make Ashley’s Furry Monster Cake

Photo: Ashley Smith