This cute octopus cupcake is one of the easiest recipes with Starburst candy we’ve ever made. Yes, this cute beach-themed cupcake is made with Starburst candy! This super cute cupcake idea will make a splash at any under-the-sea theme party! This summer theme cupcake idea is perfect for a pool party, a beach-themed party, Octonauts, Finding Dory, Finding Nemo Birthday party, or even a Little Mermaid party. We made these beach-themed cupcakes just for fun during summer, but they are such a cute food craft for kids for any time of the year!
Recipes with Starburst Candy
If you’ve never made a food craft, food art, or edible art using Starburst with your kids, you are missing out! Starburst candy can be kneaded and then molded into any shape. They are a bit like edible silly putty, so those little hands can help mold their favorite animals or shapes.
When making edible art with these versatile candies, the bright colors easily fit any summer-themed party. I loved that I used leftover candy from my kid’s birthday to make these summer cupcakes with the kids. It was such a great summer activity!
A Fun Cupcake for an Under the Sea Theme Party
These easy and quick octopus cupcakes are perfect for an under-the-sea theme party. However, you can also make other fun things with Starburst candy. For example, you can change the shapes into crabs or fish with no trouble; your kid’s imagination is the limit!
What Are the Ingredients for These Octopus Cupcakes?
I love this easy food craft because you can play around with the ingredients! From the flavor of cupcakes to the shape on top of them, don’t be scared to switch around to fit any beach-themed party or pool party you are planning this summer.
I went for an under-the-sea party theme because my kids love the ocean, and we were planning a beach party! The Starburst mimics fondant in this fun food craft, but it behaves more like play-dough letting you easily mold it into an octopus. I promise, the kids love making them (just be careful they don’t lick their fingers too much 😉). So for these beach-themed cupcakes, you will need:
- Cake mix, any flavor you prefer (or your favorite cake recipe)
- Red Starburst candy
- Candy eyes
- White frosting
- Blue food coloring
- Blue sanding sugar
- Fish sprinkles
How to Make These Easy Octopus Cupcakes for your Under the Sea Theme Party
- Bake the cupcakes according to the directions on the cake mix. Let cool.
- You will start by kneading the piece of Starburst in your hand until it becomes soft enough for you to model it.
- Shape each of the octopus tentacles using the softened Starburst candy.
- Continue by shaping the octopus’s head and body.
- Press the top part of each tentacle into the backside of the octopus’ body.
- Add the candy eyes pressing into the softened candy. Repeat for each octopus.
- Mix white frosting with the blue food coloring until you get the desired blue hue.
- Add the blue frosting to the cupcakes using a spatula. You want the frosting only to cover the top of the cupcake, so don’t use a piping bag.
- Sprinkle the blue sanding sugar on the cupcake to give it a sparkly water feel.
- Place one octopus on top of each cupcake and press lightly into the frosting.
- Add the fish sprinkles one at a time, placing them around the octopus.
Tips For Making This Super Cute Cupcake Idea
- Too hard to mold? No problem! Although I prefer to use my hands to soften and shape the Starburst candy, you can place the Starburst in a microwave-safe dish and microwave it for 7 seconds. Be careful as the candy dries quickly, so you might have to re-microwave the scraps.
- Different shapes, double the fun: Take out your cookie cutters and see what other decorating cupcake ideas you can whip up! First, place the softened Starbursts between two sheets of wax paper and roll them flat with a rolling pin. Next, firmly press down your cookie cutter, jiggling it to get a clean edge. Finally, decorate using funny eyes, sprinkles, colored sugar, and frosting.
- Time-saving shortcuts: Although I always prefer to cook everything from start to finish, sometimes you don’t have the time. So, I usually go for store-bought cupcakes or a cake mix box and frosting. Of course, you can make the cupcakes from scratch, out of the box, or buy them at your local bakery, whatever fits your lifestyle better.
How to Store Starburst Cupcakes
These under the sea-themed cupcakes are one of my favorite go-to summer food crafts! Not only can I make them ahead of time for our summer parties, but the kids have a blast decorating them.
You can keep them in the fridge for about 4-5 days in an airtight container. And when it is time to serve, microwave them for about 20 seconds, and they come out as good as if you just baked them!
Other Summer Ideas and Recipes You Will Love
- Simple And Delicious Recipes for A Backyard Summer Party: These easy and delicious recipes are perfect for a summer backyard party. Made with fresh ingredients, they’re the ideal menu for any summer party.
- 15 Tropical Flavor Popsicle Recipes for A Cool Summer: Cool, luscious tropical flavor popsicles are a quick way to refresh on a humid summer day. Here are 15 quick and easy popsicle recipes that the whole family can enjoy.
- Fun Summer Breakfast Ideas: Great ideas for making breakfast time exciting! From changing the routine to having a breakfast picnic, check out how you can make summer breakfasts unforgettable!
- Piña Colada Split Ice Cream Sundae: This Piña Colada split is bursting with tropical flavors perfect for summer! It brings together the sweet, tangy taste of pineapple, the tropical touch of toasted coconut, and the creamy deliciousness of vanilla ice cream.
There is no better way to celebrate the warm weather than creating a fun and delicious octopus cupcake recipe with Starburst candy! And this adorable octopus is a fun beach cupcake idea to celebrate summer! It is a super easy summer party food idea perfect for any under the sea theme party, beach-themed party, or birthday pool party. We’re looking forward to making more summer-themed food crafts, with the kids using Starburst candy. Have you ever made a food craft with Starburst candy?
Under the Sea Theme Party: How to Make An Octopus Cupcake
These super easy octopus cupcakes are made with Starburst candy. They’re a great summer activity to do with kids!
Materials
- Cake mix, any flavor you prefer (or your favorite cake recipe)
- Red Starburst candy
- Candy eyes
- White frosting
- Blue food coloring
- Blue sanding sugar
- Fish sprinkles
Instructions
- Bake the cupcakes according to the directions on the cake mix. Let cool.
- You will start by kneading the piece of Starburst in your hand until it becomes soft enough for you to model it.
- Shape each of the octopus tentacles using the softened Starburst candy.
- Continue by shaping the octopus’s head and body.
- Press the top part of each tentacle into the backside of the octopus’ body.
- Add the candy eyes pressing into the softened candy. Repeat for each octopus.
- Mix white frosting with the blue food coloring until you get the desired blue hue.
- Add the blue frosting to the cupcakes using a spatula. You want the frosting to cover the top of the cupcake, so don’t use a piping bag.
- Sprinkle the blue sanding sugar on the cupcake to give it a sparkly water feel.
- Place one octopus on top of each cupcake and press lightly into the frosting.
- Add the fish sprinkles one at a time, placing them around the octopus.
Notes
- Too hard to mold? No problem! Although I prefer to use my hands to soften and shape the Starburst candy, you can place the Starburst in a microwave-safe dish and microwave it for 7 seconds. Just be careful as the candy dries quickly, so you might have to re-microwave the scraps.
- Different shapes, double the fun: Take out your cookie cutters and see what other decorating cupcake ideas you can whip up! First, place the softened Starbursts between two sheets of wax paper and roll them flat with a rolling pin. Next, firmly press down your cookie cutter, jiggling it to get a clean edge. Finally, decorate using funny eyes, sprinkles, colored sugar, and frosting
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
- Guatemalan Dulce de Chilacayote Recipe (Crystalized Chilacayote Candy) - February 26, 2024
- Guatemalan Naranjas en Miel Recipe (Candied Oranges Recipe) - February 25, 2024
- Traditional Guatemalan Candy - February 25, 2024
What a clever idea!!! will try it this summer with the kiddo