These Thanksgiving Turkey Cupcakes are a playful twist on holiday traditions, combining moist, fluffy cake with rich, creamy frosting. In just 50 minutes, you can create adorable treats that are as fun to make as they are to eat. The golden-brown cupcakes, topped with colorful candy feathers and chocolate turkey faces, are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures—soft cake, smooth frosting, and a hint of crunch from the decorations. With a sweet, buttery flavor and a touch of festive charm, these cupcakes are perfect for sharing with family and friends. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings joy to any Thanksgiving table!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Turkey Cupcakes
- 15.25 ounces chocolate cake mix (prepared according to package directions for 24 cupcakes)
- 16 ounces chocolate frosting (store-bought or your favorite homemade recipe)
- 1 ½ cups chocolate sprinkles (for coating the cupcakes)
- 2 cups candy corn (for the turkey feathers and beak)
- 48 Wilton candy eyeballs (found at major grocery stores or online)
- Red frosting (for the turkey’s wattle; use a piping bag for precision)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the cupcakes: Follow the package instructions to prepare the chocolate cake mix. Bake 24 cupcakes as directed. Let them cool completely before frosting.
- Frost the cupcakes: Generously frost each cupcake with chocolate frosting, ensuring the top is smooth and even.
- Add the sprinkles: Hold each cupcake upside down and gently dip the frosted top into the chocolate sprinkles to coat evenly. Set aside.
- Create the turkey feathers: Push 5 pieces of candy corn, pointed side down, into the top of each cupcake to resemble turkey feathers.
- Add the eyes and beak: Place 2 candy eyeballs near the center of the cupcake. Push 1 piece of candy corn, pointed side down, below the eyes to create the beak.
- Pipe the wattle: Using red frosting, pipe a small dot or teardrop shape next to the beak to complete the turkey’s face.
- Serve and enjoy: Your Thanksgiving Turkey Cupcakes are ready to delight your guests! Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Fun Serving Suggestions for Your Turkey Cupcakes
These Thanksgiving Turkey Cupcakes are perfect for adding a festive touch to your holiday table. Serve them on a platter surrounded by fall-themed decorations like mini pumpkins, autumn leaves, or even a few extra candy corns for a playful vibe. For a fun twist, pair them with a side of whipped cream or caramel drizzle for dipping—kids and adults alike will love it!
Storage Tips to Keep Your Cupcakes Fresh
Store your turkey cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Avoid stacking them to prevent the candy corn feathers from getting squished!
Creative Recipe Variations to Try
Switch up the flavors by using vanilla or red velvet cake mix instead of chocolate. For the frosting, try peanut butter or cream cheese for a delicious twist. If candy corn isn’t your favorite, use orange and yellow M&Ms or jelly beans for the feathers. You can even swap the chocolate sprinkles for crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs for a different texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers
To save time, use pre-made cupcakes from your local bakery and focus on the decorating. Pre-portion your candy corn and eyeballs into small bowls before starting, so everything is ready to go. If you’re making these with kids, set up a decorating station so everyone can join in the fun without slowing you down!
Common Questions Answered
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! Bake and frost the cupcakes a day in advance, then add the decorations the day of serving to keep everything fresh. What if I can’t find candy eyeballs? No problem—use mini marshmallows with a dot of black frosting or edible markers to create your own eyes. Can I freeze these cupcakes? Yes, but freeze them without decorations. Thaw at room temperature, then decorate before serving.
Thanksgiving Turkey Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounces chocolate cake mix, prepared according to directions for 24 cupcakes
- 16 ounces chocolate frosting, (or your favorite homemade chocolate frosting)
- 1 ½ cups chocolate sprinkles
- 2 cups candy corn
- 48 Wilton candy eyeballs, (found at major grocery stores or HERE)
- red frosting
Instructions
- Prepare cake mix according to package directions to make 24 cupcakes. Bake and let cool completely.
- Frost each cupcake with chocolate frosting.
- Hold cupcake upside down and dip into chocolate sprinkles.
- Push 5 candy corn upside down into the top of your cupcake for feathers.
- Add two candy eyeballs and push a candy corn into the cupcake for a beak.
- Pipe on a little red frosting next to the candy corn beak and enjoy.