Cute Easter Cup Cakes

by Amber Harrod
(Chico, CA, USA)

Cup cakes are easy to make and decorate for Easter. Kids can come up with their own decorations. Be creative this Easter!

Cup Cake Ingredients:

chocolate cake mix
3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cocoa
3/4 cup oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 Tablespoons vinegar
2 cups water

Mix the wet ingredients into the dry, mix well until smooth.

Bake at 350F (180C) degrees, for 20-30 minutes.

Icing:

1/2 cup Crisco shortening (highest grade)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla or other flavoring
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 Tablespoon water
1 pound powdered sugar, sifted

Mix shortening, flavoring, salt thoroughly together. Add powdered sugar and water and mix with an electric mixer at top speed to whipped cream consistency, 5 minutes. Keep sealed and in the refrigerator. Add more water as needed. This is decorator quality icing from a cake decorating class.

Toppings:

jelly beans
sprinkles
food coloring
any other decorating tools

Bake and cool the cup cakes into regular size, minis, or giant cupcakes. After cooled completely, lightly or heavily frost the cupcakes with a dollop of frosting. Use the candies to make bunny faces, colorful swirls and spelling out words, like "Happy Easter!"