How to Make Delicious Turkey Cupcakes for Thanksgiving

Turkey cupcakes are a fun and creative way to celebrate Thanksgiving. These adorable cupcakes are shaped and decorated to look like miniature turkeys, making them perfect for your Thanksgiving dessert table. Though they may seem complicated, turkey cupcakes are surprisingly easy to make. With just a boxed cake mix, candy decorations, and frosting, you can whip up a batch of turkey cupcakes in no time

In this simple guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process of making turkey cupcakes, from baking the cupcakes to decorating them. Whether you’re a novice baker or cupcake pro, you can master these cute turkey cupcakes. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Bake Chocolate or Vanilla Cupcakes

The first step is to bake a batch of chocolate or vanilla cupcakes. I recommend using a boxed cake mix to make the process fast and foolproof. My personal favorite is a moist chocolate cake mix. But a classic vanilla mix would be tasty too.

To bake the cupcakes:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a cupcake pan with 12 liners. I like to use festive orange liners for Thanksgiving.

• Make the cake batter following the instructions on the box. This usually involves adding oil eggs and water to the dry mix.

• Fill the cupcake liners about 2/3 full with batter.

• Bake for 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean

• Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

That’s it for the cupcake baking! The cake mix makes it so easy. Now onto the fun part – decorating the turkeys.

Step 2: Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, you can start building your turkeys. First, frost each cupcake. I prefer a chocolate frosting, but you can use vanilla too.

For convenience, just use a pre-made canned frosting. Spread a smooth, even layer on each cupcake. Try to get the frosting as flat as possible, without mounding it too high.

The frosting will act as “glue” for the candy decorations. If the cupcakes are still warm, the frosting and candy will melt. So be patient and wait for them to completely cool!

Step 3: Add Candy Feathers with Reese’s Pieces

To create the turkeys’ feathers, use Reese’s Pieces candies. Arrange them in rows on the upper half of each frosted cupcake.

I put an orange row on the bottom, then brown, then yellow, to mimic real turkey feathers. Use 8 orange pieces, 7 brown pieces, and 5 yellow pieces.

Gently press the candy pieces into the frosting so they adhere. You’ll need about 3-4 rows per cupcake. Stack the rows closely together, overlapping just slightly.

Step 4: Attach Candy Features for the Turkey’s Face

Now for the fun part – using candy to create the turkeys’ cute faces! Here are the candies I use:

• Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – This makes the turkey’s head. Place one in the center of each cupcake.

• Candy corn – For the beak, cut candy corn in half. Adhere it to the peanut butter cup with frosting.

• Candy eyes – Add googly eyes above the beak.

• Red licorice – To make the wattle, cut Twizzlers or red vines into pieces. Attach below the beak.

• Reese’s Pieces – Use these to create the tail feathers by arranging them in a half-circle behind the peanut butter cup.

Take your time decorating the faces. Use a small amount of frosting to “glue” each candy piece in place. The faces are so cute once all the features are added!

Turkey Cupcake Decorating Tips

Here are some tips for decorating your turkey cupcakes:

• Use a toothpick to apply small amounts of frosting when attaching candies. This gives you more control.

• Work over a sheet of wax paper to catch any fallen candies for re-use.

• Keep extra frosting nearby to re-apply if your candies start to detach.

• Refrigerate candy before using to prevent melting from heat.

• Stack candies close together and slightly overlapping for full feather coverage.

• Get creative with different candies like M&Ms, sprinkles, or pretzels for feathers.

• Let kids help with decorating – it’s a fun project for little hands!

How to Serve and Store Turkey Cupcakes

Once your turkey cupcakes are decorated, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Display them on a festive platter at your Thanksgiving dessert table.

If you need to store them, place the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for 2-3 days this way. Refrigeration can make the frosting harden and candies loosen.

The turkey cupcakes also make great Thanksgiving favors or gifts. Package them up in cupcake boxes or cellophane bags tied with ribbon. Share the turkey love with friends, family, teachers, or neighbors!

Fun Alternatives for Decorating Thanksgiving Cupcakes

While candy turkeys are my favorite, you can also decorate cupcakes for Thanksgiving with these fun ideas:

• Use orange and brown sprinkles for simple fall-colored cupcakes

• Pipe on swirled buttercream feathers instead of candy

• Press mini marshmallows into the frosting for “feathers”

• Top with pilgrim hats made from fondant or modeling chocolate

• Decorate with maple leaves, acorns, or autumn flowers

• Pipe on “Give Thanks” messages for nice table placards

• Shape cupcakes into mini pumpkins for added fall flair

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Turkey Cupcakes

What if I don’t have candy corn for the beaks?

No problem! Just cut small orange peanut butter candies in half instead. Or use pieces of orange fruit chews.

Can I use muffin liners instead of cupcake liners?

Yes, the turkey design will work on standard size muffins or jumbo muffins. Just adjust sizing of the candies.

How do you make homemade frosting for the cupcakes?

My favorite frosting for chocolate cupcakes is a creamy chocolate buttercream made with butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and milk.

Can I make turkey cupcakes with vanilla cupcakes?

Absolutely! The turkey design will be just as cute on vanilla cupcakes with vanilla frosting.

What candies can I use for the feathers besides Reese’s?

Good options are M&Ms, candy corn, crushed peppermint, sprinkles, shredded coconut, or candy pumpkins.

How far in advance can I make the cupcakes?

You can bake the cupcakes 1-2 days before decorating. But wait to add frosting and candies until you’re ready to serve.

Celebrate Thanksgiving with Adorable Turkey Cupcakes

Whipping up a batch of cute turkey cupcakes is such a fun way to celebrate Thanksgiving. Kids of all ages will love helping decorate the cupcake turkeys. And they make a colorful dessert for any Thanksgiving feast.

With just a simple boxed cake mix and store-bought candies, you can easily create these adorable edible turkeys. Follow the step-by-step decorating guide to assemble the candy features. Let your creativity run wild with different candy coatings.

Serve the turkey cupcakes proudly on your Thanksgiving dessert table. Or gift them to family, friends, and teachers during this season of giving thanks. No matter how you choose to share them, these cheeky turkeys are sure to gobble up lots of smiles and add a memorable touch to your Thanksgiving!