It was 10.55am on a Sunday morning. It was raining heavily and our laundry enjoying it’s third day of rinsing on the line. My friend Lulu, her husband and her girls Audrey and Evie were on their way and I was still sitting in my pyjamas and bathrobe doing work.
“They’ll be here in 5 minutes” Mr NQN warned me.
I surveyed my look in the mirror and said, hopefully, “I think I look okay like this”
Mr NQN gave me a look. “Well, if you say so…” He then added quietly “I wouldn’t have thought you’d think that though” before clearing his throat.
“I’ll distract them with these cupcakes!” I offered.
The day before I had baked some cupcakes for their visit. They looked merely fine and knowing of the girl’s predilection for animals, I thought I might look for something cute but easy to do. I had some chocolate bars in the pantry stashed for decorating emergencies (I know, silly to think that there would ever be such a thing but there you go!). I had never really considered hedgehogs much until I saw a video of Teddy Bear the porcupine eating corn. I know that porcupines are different from hedgehogs which are different from echidnas and that watching a porcupine eating corn really shows that I should have just gotten my bottom into gear and gotten dressed and invested my time more wisely.
My god daughter Evie diving in
I quickly pulled out a Flake bar and chopped it up seeing if it could simulate hedgehog or porcupine quills. I popped in two eyes from a supply of ready made eyes from my repository and asked Mr NQN what he thought. Thankfully he recognised them straight away as did the girls who covered their pink cheeks and mouths with chocolate. And who thankfully didn’t comment about Auntie Lorraine wearing pyjamas!
So tell me Dear Reader, have you ever worn your pyjamas out or in front of guests or committed any fashion crimes? And do you waste time on the internet watching random videos and are you a procrastinator?
Audrey enjoying her hedgehog
Chocolate Hedgehog Cupcakes
For chocolate mud cupcakes
- 165g/6ozs. butter (doesn’t matter if it’s at room temp or not in this recipe)
- 120g/4ozs. dark eating chocolate broken up into pieces
- 1 1/3 cups light brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1/4 cup cornflour or cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 egg
- 40g unsalted butter
- 85g dark chocolate, broken into small pieces
- 150g icing sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon golden syrup
- 65 ml sour cream
- 2 Flake bars, chopped into 2cm/1 inch pieces and crumbled up
- Edible eyes (you can buy these or you can make them out of white and chocolate fondant)
2. Place butter, chocolate, sugar, the water in small saucepan over low heat until melted and combined. Cool for 15 minutes.
3. Using a whisk, add flour, cocoa and then egg (at this stage it will look like liquidey dark chocolate ganache). Spoon into patty tins. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Cool in tin.
4. To make the frosting, melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler or in a microwave. In a food processor, whizz the icing sugar to get rid of any lumps and then add the sour cream, melted chocolate and butter and golden syrup.
5. Spread over the cupcake generously (you will need it a thickish coating to allow the chocolate to sit up. Refrigerate to make the icing a bit firmer.
6. Stick the Flake pieces upright in the icing leaving some room for the eyes at the front.
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90 Comments | Add your own
Irresistibly cute!
Cheers,
Rosa
OMG, so adorable Lorraine. I would actually LOVE one and I am not much into desserts. I think I’ll put this into my library for my little niece’s birthday in December!
Fashion crime is my main area of expertise! I usually have a little horse manure somewhere on my person when I go to the grocery store. It makes it easy to get in line, everyone moves out of the way!
I love the internet, but usually stick to blogs, for some reason the videos don’t appeal to me as much as the written word.
love love love the cupcakes!
xxoo,
RMW
Aw the hedgehogs are so adorable! Especially the little cross eyed one on the left!
Um..I spent two hours at the neighbour’s house on Saturday in my pyjamas. Had to walk around the corner to get there..
Cupcakes look very cute!
These are such adorable cupcakes my friend! Looks like your god daughters loved them!
Great idea!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Awwww those cupcakes are so adorable!!!! Looks like your god daughter loved them
These are adorable! My niece and nephews would go nuts over them. I think you just won the award for ‘World’s Coolest Auntie’! Love the astro turf, by the way.
Those are so cute! Just pinned them
These hedgehogs are so cute and I can’t help but smile looking at them. But then, who doesn’t love hedgehogs? I mean, I know they’re not exactly cuddly, but they’re so adorable they make me want to cuddle them
I had this sweatpants phase in college when I was part of the swim team (the manager). I wore team sweatpants just about every day, they were way too big and dragged about everywhere. But I was so proud of them. And the “matching” oversized team t-shirts. That’s probably the closest I came to wearing pajamas in public, but pajamas probably would have been better
Awww, one of my favorite posts! Those kids! Those cupcakes! Adorable…
No pinterest pin button? =/
Nevermind…I found it. Thought it would be at the bottom but it’s at the top lol.
Those hedgehogs look great….yum.
Aww these are absolutely adorable Lorraine! They’re superr cute! Those eyes look like they’re giving me puppy eyes and I wouldn’t want to eat them because they’re sooo cute!
These are adorable, I’ll bet the kids loved them.
These are adorable!
Aww cute! I love these – you can never go wrong with Flakes
Yes, I am a known offender of wearing ugg boots and PJs in front of friends and family
Also, I have really crap icing piping skills so these look quite easy and perhaps a good option for RSPCA Cupcake Day!
NEVER pj’s in front of guests!
But yes to time wasting on the computer!
The girls are super cute stuffing themselves with the cupcakes
I used to drop my daughter at rowing practice at 5.15am 3 times a week – in my jarmies. I’d actually come home and get back in bed. Always wondered what would happen if I had an accident on the way home!!!
I actually went to a friend’s place for dinner in my pyjamas last weekend! A group of us got together, each bringing “Comfort Food” and wearing our pyjamas! Great fun!
It’s most essential to keep chocolate bars on hand for decorating emergencies. I have a similar supply in my pantry!
Waste time on the internet? Who me? No, never! Ok maybe on Pinterest and then whichever site it leads me to and then the video it leads me to and then eBay to buy the item that looked so good in the video and then back to Pinterest and then…. ok maybe I do waste a little time.
ps didn’t even mention the cupcakes… super cute!
So adorable, Lorraine! Of course the girls loved them
.
These are super cute!! I want one too. Procrastination is my middle name
PS I have a large emergency baking supply including flake/twirl bars and edible eyes so I can make these immediately!
These are absolutely gorgeous!
LOL I’ve done that a couple of times where I stayed in my PJ’s and used food or something else to distract my friends/guests
I don’t really mind as long as we’re close and they don’t make and comments about it hehe ~
I’ve made soooo many fashion mistakes I’d rather not think about it lol
As for being a procrastinator it depends somethings i do procrastinate others I don’t hehe
The ‘eyes from my repository’ comment is a bit creepy sounding Lorraine, have you been committing crimes other than ones against fashion?
And during the holidays my girls and I have been known to have pajama days and watch movies all day too 
The cupcakes and girls are very cute indeed
What cute cupcakes and girls! I’d have eaten them the same way.
Nobody would want to see me in my pj’s I promise you.
These are adorable! I think we have all committed fashion crimes at some time or other.
Lovely photos of two thoroughly ‘spoiled’ young ladies
! Oh, the hedgehogs are imaginative also! As my back ‘gave up’ on me over 15 years ago and yours truly had to learn that pain accompanying was an nonstop everyday part of life, of course I sometimes end up in nightgowns/dressing gowns/caftans etc when others there [am not a PJs gal!!]. Everybody knows the status quo and it does not bother me an iota! Truly one gets used to everything in life!! And, 
, no I am not a procrastinator, and badly needing at least six extra hours to each and every day, I rarely have time to watch videos. Now the Olympics is another saga: plan to watch almost day and night, and try to fit studies, writing etc around it 
!
Perfect idea for a cupcake stall at my children’s school! Looks gorgeous & I love how easy the cupcakes are. Fabulous again Lorraine – thanks.
I love it. “A supply of ready-made eyes from the repository”.
Only you would ever write this.
I say, greet them in the PJ’s!
That is an absolutely adorable cupcake! I bet all kids would love them.
Very cute cupcakes and a sure hit with kids and big kids too
I would die if I ever was caught still wearing my pyjamas and guests arrived, no I couldn’t do it to myself or them, lol.
I’m not normally a procrastinator unless it’s something I’m intentionally avoiding ( like my ironing lately ) and is it just me that ‘loses’ hours whilst surfing the net or on FB ? So much for the Time Management Theory!
You are the true Queen of Incredible and Incredibly Cute Desserts! Fabulous cupcakes. I can’t tell you how many of your posts I have forwarded to my baking friends and friends who bake with and for their kids.
Fashion crimes? Probably. Pajamas, maybe not.
Oh no, something that I really ate is to be in pajamas in front of guests, no way. I just remember when my husband’s cousin decide to visit us on Sunday at 10 am !!! My husband was in the shower and I was on pajamas, so had to wait outside until my husband get dressed.
Your cupcakes are splendid, I love the look of the porcupine.
Aww, how cute! Those two little girls are just so adorable! I don’t have a pyjamas, so I don’t have that issue to think about. I were yoga pants at home, or shorts during the summer… I need to re-think my wardrobe: maybe I do need to by a pyjamas just to join the club!
Am I a procrastinator? hehehe! yes, dear! Why to do a task today if I can do it tomorrow? or day after tomorrow? But at work I am known for time management and organisational skills. I guess, I balance it at home…:)
Today morning I had completely forgotten that I had the pest control guy coming in. When he rang the door, I was in a total dishabille state. So I somehow cleaned myself up,tightened the robe and opened the door, praying he wouldn’t notice my comfy pjs.
Those cup cakes look so adorable!
That was totally me as a kid. Chocolate all over my face!
Those are so gorgeous Lorraine. So cute. The girls must have loved them. There is something missing in my house and now I know what it is. I don’t have a repository of eyes! I’ll need to fix that! xx
Ok, not what I was expecting when I read hedgehog cupcakes in the title … fantastically cute and simple idea though!
Too cute
Evie’s def enjoying them!
I can understand having emergency stash of chocolate – that is quite normal isn’t it? But an emergency stash of googly eyes – now that is impressive! Lovely cupcakes
Such a fun idea! The cupcakes are adorable and the girls even more so. I am not a procrastinator and haven’t had to entertain in my pjs
xoxo Mum
i love the cross eyed one! so cute! i will eat him first
Too cute. Wish I was young enough to get away with chocolate all over my face. I am a procrastinator looking at hair tutorials and travel sites when I am avoiding work.
They look amazing! The closest I get is wearing my duck down slippers when we have guests
Firstly, emergency decorating items are essential in any pantry! I’ve saved many a birthday with my emergency stash
Secondly, they look divine! I was salivating reading that.
And although I was ready to protest that I never let guests see me in my pjs I realised i’d be lying! Though usually its in the evening when I’m freshly showered and not in the mood for clothes.
Be careful Lorraine. All the children of the neighborhood will be hanging out with you. These are so cute so you.
I cannot imagine you in your pyjamas Lorraine! In public you’re always so well groomed.
That chocolate sour cream icing looks amazing. I think it will have to go on top of all my baked goods from now on!
Very cute cupcakes and even cuter girls. Yes I waste way too much time on the computer, yes I have worn my pajamas out in public and yes I also have a stash of ready made eyes and other assorted bits for decorating emergencies
How adorable!!! I mean both your god daughter Evie and these hedgehog! My kids will be exclaiming when they see these cute hedgehog.
I don’t procrastinate but I sometimes don’t know how the time passed by without doing anything. I think I must daydream… I don’t have patience to watch Internet videos… =P
So cute!!! Oh my goodness! Haha such a good idea
Such a simple way to make cupcakes look like hedgehogs. Love it!
Sometimes my friends and I get together for a pot luck dinner on Sunday night with movies after. I think we are pretty comfortable around each others home and some wear PJs.
Seriously ADORABLE! The first thing that came to my mind was.. that I am hoping to be one of those lil girls. Crazy I know, but I would do anything for chocolate and these chocolate mud cake is making melt in my seat right now. Looks like this weekend project has to be chocolate
.. have a good week ahead!!
so cute! i hope that maybe you can make a duck version some day.
or domo version.
My Five year old Anais is “reading” over my shoulder at the moment and in awe at your cupcakes!! She just loves them!
Yes I have decided not to get out of my jammies before. Usually for the same reason as you, I am working and I don’t want to stop to do something menial like dressing which achieves nothing.
My best friends have all seen me looking less than my best
. But like you, bellies are always satisfied 
that is so freaking adorable!! <3
Seriously cute and delicious photos! Well done
Sounds like heaven to me – chocolate cupcakes, pyjamas (it’s a funny word isnt it?) and a cute little Evie (just like mine!)
I have committed many fashion crimes but no welcoming guests wearing pajamas for me. I simply wouldn’t feel comfortable.
Loved the pictures of the kids eating the cupcakes
Hi Lorraine, as a teenager there was a time when purple was fashionable. I discovered clothing dye and yes you guessed it proceeded to dye most of my wardrobe purple…my sister brings it up now and then to make fun of me!!
I love when you make cupcakes for your young friends. These are adorable and we have a personal history with hedgehogs which could give me a reason to make these.
OMGOSH! these are the cutest. I might actually steal this idea for the RSPCA cupcake drive
Well, it looks like you indeed had a fan with these! I don’t think your niece minded what you used to make it look like a hedgehog, chocolate is chocolate! But props for thinking of Flake!!
Too cute for words. How I love hedgehogs. They are the cutest things on the planet and sweet as could be… just not cuddly! I would be as big as a house if I had a plate of these nearby… great dessert idea.
They are just so gorgeous!! Almost too cute to eat.
I love your conversation with Mr NQN, lol! I’ll admit, I’ve made trips to the grocery store in my pjs a couple times…mostly when I was mid-recipe and needed something ASAP!
These cupcakes are super cute…I think they’d be a big hit with both kiddies and adults. (Mike is a HUGE Flake fiend — it’s his fav! 
)
Completely adorable!!
These are so cute. I loved so much that I made them last night for my daughter’s birthday- she is turning 22 but she also loves cute. They were very easy and the mud cake could be become a favorite recipe without the decoration.
Hi Karen! That’s great! There’s no age barrier for cuteness is there?
I’m so pleased that you liked them and the mud cakes too!
Delicious cupcakes, just made a batch, although haven’t bothered to decorate.
Yay! I have a reason to drop back and smile at these cuties! Just wanted to let you know I’m featuring this post in today’s Food Fetish Friday (with a link-back and attribution). I hope you have no objections…
Hi Leanne! I’m glad that you like them and I agree, they are rich and don’t really need decoration if you don’t have time or the urge to
Can you make one large mud cake with this recipe? Nicest mud cake I’ve ever had.
Hi Leanne! Absolutely, I think it’s best to either double or triple the recipe depending on how large a cake you want. I’ve never tried it myself though, only made cupcakes with it so if you do give it a go, I’d love to know what is best for cooking times etc. Mud cakes do take a while to cook though especially large ones. Good luck!
omigosh!! No wayyy!! That is just waaaaaaaaay too cute Lorraine!! haha.. I used to make lots of creative cupcakes too but haven’t been doing so lately. Thanks for the lovely inspiration!! This is just sooooo cute! I wouldn’t even bare to eat them! <3 <3 Love, Sam
I’m smitten! These cupcakes are over-the-top adorable!
These are so cute! I just love them!
Now I want a flake.
Damn you
Waw! Your god-daughter is a cute one! Your chocolate hedgehog cupcakes look so cute, pretty & apart!
A lovely post too! I was smiling a lot!:)
YES, i go gallivanting in my pajamas, and YES, i’m a procrastinator, and YES, i waste hours of time on the internet. LOVE the cupcakes!
Oh. My.
These would be great for the RSPCA cupcake day!
And if people are at my house in the evening, chances are they’re going to see me in my PJ’s
That is VERY cute.
I made them over the weekend and every one just loved them. But how you managed to get that many equal length quills out of only 2 flake bars is magical. Thanks for another wonderful, easy to follow recipe(except for the flake bits).
Hi Jenny! I’m so glad that you liked them
I’ve had lots of emails and tweets about the cake and people have said that they like the cake by itself too which is nice.
Those cupcakes look adorable. Everytime my parents invite family over for lunch, I’m usually in my PJ’s, because I’ve been rushing about trying to prep before that
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