Christmas Tree Cupcakes
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
1 box of vanilla or chocolate cake mix (or homemade recipe)
3 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water
For the Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Green food coloring
For Decoration:
Mini chocolate chips or candy for ornaments
Red and green sprinkles
Mini star-shaped candies (or a yellow star candy for the top)
Pretzel sticks (for tree trunks)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions (or use your homemade cake batter), mixing the eggs, oil, and water into the dry ingredients.
Fill the cupcake liners 2/3 full with batter and bake according to the package instructions, usually around 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once the cupcakes are done, remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, and continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Add green food coloring to the frosting and mix until you achieve a bright green color.
Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to pipe a swirl of green frosting onto each cupcake, starting from the center and working your way out to form the shape of a Christmas tree.
Decorate each "tree" with mini chocolate chips or candy as ornaments, and sprinkle with red and green sprinkles for extra festivity.
Place a mini star-shaped candy or a yellow star at the top of each tree.
Gently insert a pretzel stick at the bottom of each cupcake to serve as the tree trunk.
Let the decorations set for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Kcal: 220 kcal per cupcake | Servings: 12 cupcakes
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