Ingredients
1
box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ chocolate fudge cake mix
3/4
cup water
Vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box
24
miniature chocolate-covered peanut butter cup candies (from 12-oz bag), unwrapped
1
container Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy vanilla frosting
2
rolls (from 4.5-oz box) Betty Crocker™ Fruit by the Foot™ chewy fruit snack (any red color)
24
pieces Cheerios™ cereal or small ring-shaped candies (about 4 teaspoons)
3
tablespoons miniature candy-coated semisweet chocolate baking bits
1
tablespoon semisweet chocolate chips
2
pieces black string licorice (each 34 inches long)
Preparation
Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.
In large bowl, make cake mix as directed on box–except use 3/4 cup water, the oil and eggs. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Place 1 candy in top of batter for each cupcake (candies will sink as cupcakes bake).
Bake as directed on box for cupcakes. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
Frost cupcakes with frosting. Cut 12-inch piece from 1 fruit snack roll; set aside. From remaining fruit snack, cut 24 (2-inch) pieces; cut crescent-shaped piece from each. Peel off paper backing; add 1 piece to each cupcake for top of kerchief.
Cut reserved fruit snack into 12 (1-inch) pieces; peel off paper backing. Cut each piece in half lengthwise. Twist each piece in middle; add to 1 end of crescent-shaped fruit snack on each cupcake, forming tie of kerchief. Add 1 piece of cereal under each tie for earring. Use baking bits, chocolate chips and licorice to make facial features and eye patches. Store covered.
