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Adorable and Delicious Octopus Cupcakes Recipe

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If you’re a busy mom looking for a quick and fun dessert idea, you’re going to love these Octopus Cupcakes Recipe! Perfect for underwater-themed parties, these kid-friendly octopus treats bring the excitement of the ocean straight to your kitchen. Plus, they’re made with marshmallows, making them a soft and sweet delight that’s just as enjoyable to make as they are to eat. Check out our other easy cupcakes recipes, too!

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this is a fun baking project that your kids can even help with. Whether you’re throwing a beach-themed birthday party or just looking for a creative treat, these fun ocean cupcakes have you covered. Let’s jump in and bring these adorable sea creatures to life!

octopus cupcakes for an ocean animals unit study

These octopus-themed cupcakes are not just cute but also versatile, making them perfect for any celebration or simple family dessert night. And now, let’s explore what makes these cupcakes a must-try! Pair these up with our Underwater Octopus Rice Krispie Treats and you’ve got quite the treat!

Pair this with our Ocean Animals Unit Study!

Why You’ll Love Octopus Cupcakes Recipe

  • Quick and Easy
    These marshmallow octopus desserts come together in no time, making them ideal for busy parents who need a last-minute dessert that still looks impressive.
  • Perfect for Kids
    The playful design makes these sea creature cupcakes a hit with kids of all ages. From edible octopus toppers to colorful decorations, they’ll love both making and eating them.
  • Great for Parties
    Need a unique dessert for a themed celebration? These beach-themed desserts are the perfect centerpiece for underwater parties or ocean-inspired gatherings.
  • Customizable
    Swap colors, try out different frosting flavors, or add creative embellishments to make these fun baking projects uniquely yours.
  • Simple Cleanup
    With minimal equipment needed, you won’t spend hours cleaning up after baking these delightful cupcakes.

Pair these cupcakes with other ocean-themed snacks, like fish-shaped crackers or blue gelatin cups, to complete the theme!

candy melts dipped marshmallows make this easy octopus

Ingredients for Octopus Cupcakes Recipe

Creating these adorable octopus cupcakes is all about combining simple ingredients to create something magical. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component matters:

  • Marshmallows
    These form the bodies of the octopus toppers, giving them a soft, cloud-like texture.
  • Cupcake Base
    A simple vanilla or chocolate cupcake acts as the foundation for this dessert.
  • Frosting
    Opt for bright colors like blue or purple to mimic the ocean. This is also where you’ll anchor your edible octopus toppers.
  • Licorice
    These form the tentacles, adding both style and a chewy texture.
  • Candy Eyes
    Easily available at most craft stores, they bring the octopuses to life.

Want the exact measurements to get started? Scroll down to the printable recipe card below for all the step-by-step details!

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Instructions to Make Octopus Cupcakes Recipe

Making these ocean-inspired treats is easier than you think! Follow these steps to bring your edible octopus creations to life.

  1. Bake Your Cupcakes
    Prepare your cupcake batter and bake according to the package or recipe instructions. Allow them to cool completely.
  2. Create the Octopus Toppers
    Use marshmallows for the octopus bodies. Stick candy eyes onto them with a small dab of frosting to secure.
  3. Decorate the Tentacles
    Cut licorice into small strips and arrange them on the frosted cupcakes to resemble octopus legs.
  4. Add the Final Touches
    Place your marshmallow octopus on top of the frosted cupcake and press gently so it holds in place. Add any additional decorations like sprinkles or edible glitter.

Dessert Tips and Tricks

  • Prep in Advance
    Pre-bake cupcakes and assemble toppers a day ahead to save time.
  • Use a Piping Bag
    Use a piping bag to frost cupcakes for a clean, professional look.
  • Get the Kids Involved
    This is a fantastic project for little helpers. Kids love placing candy eyes or arranging tentacles!

Troubleshooting Octopus Cupcakes Recipe

  • Candy Eyes Won’t Stick?
    Use a small drop of edible glue or extra frosting.
  • Tentacles Falling Off?
    Gently press licorice strips into the frosting to anchor them better.
  • Frosting Too Soft?
    Chill it for 10–15 minutes to hold its shape better while decorating.

Make cupcake decorating easy and fun with the right tools! Here are my top picks for preparing these creative cupcake designs:

  • Decorating Candy Kit
    Includes candy eyes, sprinkles, and other toppers for endless options.
  • Piping Bags and Tips Set
    Perfect for creating smooth, colorful frosting waves.
  • Silicone Baking Cups
    Reusable and mess-free for a more eco-friendly baking experience.

        

 

Customizing this Dessert Recipe for Every Diet

Making adjustments to fit your family’s dietary needs is simple with these tips:

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Low-Sugar
Choose sugar-free frosting or a low-sugar cupcake mix.

Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free flour for the cupcakes or buy ready-made gluten-free versions.

Vegan
Swap marshmallows for vegan alternatives and use plant-based frosting.

Making a Meal Out of Octopus Cupcakes Recipe

Pair these adorable desserts with some complementary dishes to create a themed meal:

Main Dish: End of the Month Casserole Recipe

Vegetable Side: Easy Grilled Vegetable Recipes

Starch Side: 25+ Sweet Potato Recipes

Refreshing Drink: Fun and Delicious Ocean Water Floats

blue frosting cupcakes

Best Cupcake Recipes:

Once you make this Ocean Themed Cupcake Recipe, you might be geared up and ready to decorate even more cupcakes. I totally get it – decorating cupcakes is a blast! Here are some other super delicious ideas to make your cupcakes adorable and unique.

Check out this cute Adorable Unicorn Cupcakes Recipe!

I’ll never be too old to love these Owl Cupcakes!

These Grill Cupcakes are perfect for summer!

The kids are going to love these Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes.

I’m obsessed with these cute Narwhal Cupcakes!

I love these Melting Witch Cupcakes for Halloween fun!

These Adorable Cupids Bow Valentine Cupcakes are so easy to make!

easy octopus cupcakes

FAQs about Octopus Cupcakes Recipe

You can use gummy worms, licorice ropes, or even pipe additional frosting as fun, edible alternatives to Twizzlers for the octopus legs.

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to ensure freshness and maintain their decoration.

They’re perfect for ocean-themed, under-the-sea, or pirate-themed parties, adding a whimsical touch to your event!

Octopus Cupcakes Recipe Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate to keep them fresh longer. Planning to reuse? Simply allow refrigerated cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving.

Leftover toppers can also double as treats on their own! Serve them over ice cream or in kids’ lunch boxes for a sweet surprise.

sea themed octopus cupcakes

Octopus Cupcakes Recipe

Kelli Miller
Create adorable Octopus Cupcakes with blue frosting, candy eyes, and Twizzlers for octopus legs—perfect for ocean-themed parties! These fun and easy-to-make treats are sure to delight both kids and adults at your next celebration.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Holiday
Servings 6
Calories 551 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 Baked Cupcakes – need to be unfrosted
  • 1 container of Blue Frosting
  • 1 package of Twizzlers Pull N’ Peel Licorice
  • 6 Marshmallows large in size
  • 8 Ounce(s) of candy melts Purple
  • 12 Edible Candy Eyes

Instructions
 

  • Melt the candy melts in a small bowl according to the directions on the package.
  • Put a toothpick into the middle of the marshmallow and dip it into the melted chocolate. Cover completely. Put it on parchment paper once done and take out the toothpick. Repeat with all marshmallows.
  • Add two candy eyes to the chocolate marshmallow before it hardens.
  • Put blue frosting on top of the cupcakes with more in the middle to cause a sloped look. Use a knife to make swirls that look like water.
  • Cut a piece of licorice into 4 pieces. You’ll need 48 strands of the pull-n-peel for this recipe.
  • Lay the licorice legs on the top of the cupcakes so that they drape a bit.
  • Put the marshmallow “head” on top in the center and press down.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 551kcalCarbohydrates: 101gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 309mgFiber: 2gSugar: 71g
Keyword cupcakes, ocean theme party, octopus, under the sea dessert
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

More Marshmallow Recipes:

This Octopus Cupcakes Recipe is an irresistible blend of creativity and simplicity. Perfect for the busiest parents, it’s a must-have for parties and family-friendly treats alike. Save this recipe for your next special occasion or share it with friends who love adorable dessert ideas!

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