Cactus Pretzel Cupcakes in Mini Pots

Right now, I’m OBSESSED with Cactuses.. Or Cacti? Or is it just plain Cactus?

In any case, these guys are high on high my “buy random things I don’t need because they have a Cactus printed on them” list – right alongside pineapples and watermelons. I’ve seen succulent and cactus themed cupcakes made with mounds of frosting but I wanted to bring a salty and crunchy twist to the trend, while also making my Cacti (*Googled* can confirm Cacti is correct) stand high and tall on top of my cupcakes adding height. Taller = better in the cake world.

Behold!! Cactus Pretzel Cupcakes! This is a great treat for beginners, and for those who love to decorate.

To contrast that savory pretzel cactus, you’re going to want a rich and decadent chocolate cupcake. You can find the link to that recipe right here. You’re also going to want a sweet (and bright) buttercream frosting recipe that you can find here. What really brings these cupcakes together are the terracotta pots. They only cost a dollar, and it really makes a difference on the presentation of the cupcake. They can also be reused! Trust me, it’s worth it!

Instructions:

  1. Break up the two curved sides of a large pretzel. These are going to be the arms of the cactus.cactus pretzel
  2. Using your scissors, trim down the flat edge of the broken pretzel piece so that it’s completely flat. Also, cut off any access from the top curve of that pretzel piece. There should still be a slight curve, but not too much. Repeat with the other broken piece.
  3. Lay out a piece of parchment paper. Grab a pretzel rod, and line up the two arm pieces to form the shape of the cactus. One of the sides should be slightly higher, and the other slightly lower (this avoids the cactus from looking more like a trident). Dip one of the curved pieces in a generous amount of candy melts and place it on the pretzel rod. Repeat with the other piece.
  4. Once the candy melts are set, dip your paintbrush into the green candy melts, and begin painting the cactus. Be careful around the curved pieces that were just stuck on!  Paint about ¾ of the pretzel rod. Once that first coat of candy melts begins to set, start a second coat. You should not be able to see any of the pretzel through the candy melts.

    Painting

  5. Place a small flower sprinkle on one of the arms of the cactus before the second layer of candy melts set.
  6. Let the candy melts set. You can place the cactus on a piece of parchment paper, but it will make the back of the cactus flat. It’s recommended that you hold the cactus so that it sets evenly. It should only take a few minutes.
  7. Using another pretzel rod, place it in the center of a cupcake to create a hole. Then, grab your scissors, and carefully push them all the way through the hole in the center of the cupcake to puncture the cupcake liner.

    Scissors

  8. Place the cupcake in the terracotta pot. Break off the unpainted part of the pretzel cactus. Then, place the cactus right through the center of the cupcake.
  9. With your piping bag filled with buttercream, decorate the base of the cupcake. Squeeze the piping bag and pull up quickly to get a tiny, and spiky look. Repeat until the entire base of the cupcake is decorated.

    Frosting Cactus

And there you have it! Your very own delicious desert dessert! 🌵

  For the printable recipe click here: http://bit.ly/2ia0BMC

What You’ll Need:  

-For the printable recipe click here: http://bit.ly/2ia0BMC
-Buy the My Cupcake Addiction Cookbook http://bit.ly/MCAbook
-Subscribe to my YouTube channel for 2 new videos each week!  http://bit.ly/MyCupcakeAddiction
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-Share your sweets with me on Instagram http://bit.ly/134thON Use the #mycupcakeaddiction so I can see them & I’ll re-share some of my favorites!
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