Carrot patch cupcakes are chocolate cupcakes with strawberries dipped in orange chocolate to look like carrots in dirt for Easter or Spring! These sweet treats are semi-homemade and perfect for spring parties or the Easter Bunny.
Ingredients
For The Cupcakes
12bakedchocolate cupcakesvanilla can be used also
12cookieschocolate sandwich cookieslike Oreos
8ounceschocolate frosting
12ouncesorange candy melts
12largestrawberries
Instructions
With a small knife, spoon or melon baller, scoop out a hole in the top of each cupcake.
Frost the top of each cupcake with chocolate frosting. You want to frost the outer edge of the cupcake around the hole you created.
In a large plastic bag or food processor, crush the oreo pieces until they are large crumbs. Dip the tops of each cupcake in the oreo crumbs, this gives the chocolate more of a "dirt" appearance. Set the cupcakes to the side.
Rinse the strawberries and dry them really well. Any extra moisture can make the orange chocolate seize (become grainy.)
In a medium sized bowl, melt the orange candy melts at half power in a microwave, stirring every thirty seconds. It will take 2-3 minutes before a nice smooth orange chocolate sauce forms.
Carefully dip each strawberry in the orange chocolate, using a spoon to cover it completely if needed without dipping the strawberry leaves. Set the chocolate-covered strawberry on a piece of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Place the pan of strawberries in the refrigerator for 20 minutes or until the orange chocolate firmly sets. Add an orange "carrot" strawberry to the top of each cupcake, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
Can I Use Cake Mix For The Cupcakes?
A typical boxed cake mix will make between 18-24 cupcakes. If you measure your ingredients when you fill the cupcake pan so they are filled evenly you can easily make a double batch of these cupcakes with a chocolate-boxed cake mix. Storebought cupcakes can also be used.
How To Make The Dipped Strawberries Even Prettier
If your strawberries aren't looking as pretty as you hoped once dipped in the orange chocolate, an extra drizzle can make all the difference. With a fork drizzle a little extra orange chocolate candy melts over the top of the strawberry to give it pretty grooves.