Spiced Spider Cupcakes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cupcake pans with paper liners. (5 minutes)

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, combine the water, canola oil, vinegar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter will be thin, which is perfectly normal. (10 minutes)

Carefully pour or scoop the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. A measuring cup or pitcher makes this easier and less messy. (5 minutes)

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. (25 minutes)

Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. (30 minutes)

While the cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the sifted confectioners' sugar, beating until the frosting is creamy, smooth, and of spreading consistency. Add more confectioners' sugar if needed to achieve the desired thickness. (15 minutes)

Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting. (10 minutes)

To create the spiderweb design, use the black decorating gel to pipe a small circle in the center of each cupcake. Continue piping concentric circles around the center, leaving about 1/4 inch of space from the edge of the cupcake. Aim for about 5 rings. Then, using a toothpick, drag it from the center of the cupcake outwards through the circles to create the spiderweb effect. Repeat around the entire cupcake. (20 minutes)

For the gumdrop spiders, cut the black licorice strings into approximately 1 1/4-inch pieces for legs. Poke four licorice legs into each side of the gumdrops. Use the black decorating gel to create eyes and a spooky smile on each spider. (15 minutes)

Carefully place a gumdrop spider in the center of the spiderweb on each cupcake. Serve and enjoy your Spiced Spider Cupcakes! (5 minutes)