Adorable and Delicious Octopus Cupcakes Recipe
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!
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!
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.
- Bake Your Cupcakes
Prepare your cupcake batter and bake according to the package or recipe instructions. Allow them to cool completely. - Create the Octopus Toppers
Use marshmallows for the octopus bodies. Stick candy eyes onto them with a small dab of frosting to secure. - Decorate the Tentacles
Cut licorice into small strips and arrange them on the frosted cupcakes to resemble octopus legs. - 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.
Recommended Resources
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
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!
FAQs about Octopus Cupcakes Recipe
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.
Octopus Cupcakes Recipe
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
More Marshmallow Recipes:
- Super Fun Marshmallow Pops for St. Paddy’s Day
- Perfectly Sweet Popcorn Recipes
- Awesome Smores 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!
These are so adorable. Kids will love them. Thanks for sharing such creative and fun cupcakes. #HomeMattersParty