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    Home » Desserts

    Turkey Cupcakes

    • DF
    • GF
    November 6, 2024, Updated November 6, 2024 by Lauren 1 Comment

    If you're looking for a cute and festive treat to serve this Thanksgiving these turkey cupcakes are your answer! I always see so many cute foods for Christmas, Valentine's Day and Halloween, but the cute treats are seriously lacking when it comes to Thanksgiving, so I decided to make my own! These turkey cupcakes are adorable and delicious! They are also allergy-friendly, kid-friendly and made with no artificial dyes and more wholesome ingredients. They're the perfect dessert for a holiday party or just a fun activity to do at home!

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These easy-to-make cupcakes start with a moist chocolate cake mix and pre-made chocolate frosting. With a little bit of creativity and some simple decorations, you can transform these ordinary cupcakes into adorable Thanksgiving turkeys that your kids (and adults let's be honest) will love to gobble up! This fun project is a great way to get the whole family involved in the holiday spirit. If you love cute recipes, you will also love this DIY edible arrangement, reindeer pancakes and Halloween burgers.

    Why You'll Love These Cupcakes

    They are easy and delicious!

    These cupcakes are a fun project to do with your family or kids.

    They can easily be made gluten free, dairy free and allergy-friendly.

    They do not use any artificial dyes or coloring.

    These turkey cupcakes are so fun to serve at Thanksgiving!

    You can get really creative with them and design them however you want!

    They are made with box mix and pre-made frosting to make them super simple.

    Equipment

    All you need to make these turkey cupcakes is a bowl, mixing spoon, measuring cups and spoons, knife, toothpick and a muffin tin. I love this one from Xtrema because it is non-toxic. You can use my discount code LESSWITHLAUR for 15% off.

    Ingredients

    Cupcake Mix: I use chocolate cupcake mix, but you can also use vanilla. I opted for a gluten free mix because I am gluten free. You will also need any ingredients that the mix calls for on the box.

    Frosting: I used chocolate frosting for these turkey cupcakes. I used dairy free frosting because I am dairy free! This is my favorite chocolate frosting.

    Candies: I used several candies to decorate these turkeys. It's really fun to get creative with it! Grab some colored candies, chocolate chips, chocolate covered nuts and marshmallows!

    Step By Step Instructions

    Step 1: Gather your ingredients.

    Step 2: Make cupcakes according to the instructions on the box.

    Step 3: Let cupcakes cool and then frost them.

    Step 4: Decorate with candies to look like turkeys. Get creative with it!

    How to Decorate A Cupcake Turkey

    I used colored candies for the feathers. I also used half of a mini marshmallow and stuck a mini chocolate chip to it using frosting to make the eyes. The gobble is made by cutting a red candy in half. Get creative with it and make different variations like I did!

    Storage

    Store these turkey cupcakes in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

    Variations

    Cupcake Mix: I used chocolate cake mix but feel free to use vanilla or any flavor you love! You can also use a homemade chocolate cupcake recipe if you prefer! v

    Frosting: I used store bought chocolate frosting, but feel free to switch it up and use a homemade frosting.

    Candies: I used colored candies, marshmallows, mini chocolate chips, chocolate covered nuts and chocolate covered pretzels. Try out any candies you love!

    How to Serve

    These turkey cupcakes are a fun activity to do at your Thanksgiving party! They can also be served for Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving!

    Recipe FAQ

    What other ways can I decorate a cupcake for Thanksgiving?

    You can make a leaf or pumpkin design to decorate cupcakes for Thanksgiving!

    Can I make turkey cupcakes ahead of time?

    Yes, these turkey cupcakes can be made the night before serving!

    Are these turkey cupcakes gluten free?

    Yes, they are gluten free if you use a gluten free mix and candies.

    Is this recipe dairy free?

    Yes, it is dairy free if you use a dairy free mix, frosting and candies.

    How do I make eyes if I don't want to use candy eyes?

    I made these eyes by cutting a mini marshmallow in half and sticking a mini chocolate chip to it using frosting.

    Related Recipes

    Be sure to try these Thanksgiving recipes next:

    Pumpkin Pie Ninja Creami

    Fall Salad with Apple

    Fall Simmer Pot

    Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys

    Turkey Fruit Platter

    If you are looking for more holiday recipes, check out my holiday e-book!

    If you make these turkey cupcakes and love them, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or TikTok.

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    Cute reindeer-themed chocolate cupcake with colorful candy decorations.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Turkey Cupcakes

    If you're looking for a cute and festive treat to serve this Thanksgiving these turkey cupcakes are your answer! I always see so many cute foods for Christmas, Valentine's Day and Halloween, but the cute treats are seriously lacking when it comes to Thanksgiving, so I decided to make my own! These turkey cupcakes are adorable and delicious!
    Prep Time30 minutes mins
    Cook Time25 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert, Desserts
    Servings: 12

    Equipment

    • 1 mixing bowl
    • 1 mixing spoon
    • 1 muffin tin
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • 1 knife
    • toothpicks

    Ingredients

    • 1 box chocolate cupcake mix (and accompanying ingredients) gluten-free if needed
    • 1 jar chocolate frosting dairy-free if needed
    • 1 package colored candies
    • 1 package chocolate covered nuts
    • 12 mini marshmallows
    • 24 mini chocolate chips
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions

    • Gather your ingredients.
    • Make cupcakes according to the instructions on the box.
    • Let cupcakes cool and then frost them.
    • Decorate with candies to look like turkeys. Get creative with it!

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      Dairy Free White Chocolate

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. QPbmCRVM

      August 25, 2025 at 1:33 am

      5 stars
      1

      Reply
    5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




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    Hi, I’m Lauren! I lived most of my life eating anything my heart desired until I was suddenly diagnosed with several food allergies around age 25. I currently manage wheat, dairy, egg, sesame, maple, soy, buckwheat and peanut allergies.

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