CAKE SHAPED LIKE A CUPCAKE RECIPES

Steps:

• Line 2 12-cup cupcake tins with brown cupcake liners. Divide the cupcake batter between the cups and bake according to the package instructions. Let cool completely.
• In a large bowl, use an electric hand mixer on medium speed to cream the butter until smooth, but not fluffy. Add the milk, vanilla, and salt and beat to incorporate.
• Sift in the powdered sugar. Beat until incorporated and smooth. Do not overmix, to avoid air pockets in your frosting.
• Divide the frosting evenly between 2 medium bowls (you should have a little over 3 cups (345 G) of frosting per bowl).
• To one bowl, add the golden yellow food coloring and stir to combine. To the other bowl, add the cooled melted chocolate and cocoa powder. Stir to combine.
• On a large tray, arrange the cupcakes in the shape of a lion’s paw: From the bottom, make a small arc with 4 cupcakes. Place 1 cupcake on the top center of the arc. Add 5 more cupcakes in a small arc over the bottom cupcakes. Next, make an arc of 6 cupcakes, and finally arrange the remaining 8 cupcakes in a larger arc over all of the cupcakes.
• Dollop the yellow frosting onto each cupcake. Carefully spread the frosting, filling in the spaces between the cupcakes. Try to push the frosting out from the center to make crisp lines on the outer edges. Smooth the top.
• Fit a piping bag fitted with a medium star piping tip, then fill with the chocolate frosting. With an up and down motion, pipe the outline of a paw onto the cupcakes, starting with the bottom pad of the paw, then continuing with 4 smaller pads. Fill in each outline.
• Enjoy!

Steps:

• Prepare cake batter mix according to package directions for cupcakes; fold in chips. Fill foil-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. , Bake at 350° for 18-24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., For frosting, in a large bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in milk and extracts until blended. Transfer 2 tablespoons to a small bowl; stir in cocoa. Stir green food coloring into remaining frosting. , Frost 21 cupcakes with green frosting; arrange in a pyramid to form a tree. Decorate all but the top cupcake with miniature kisses for lights. Frost two cupcakes with chocolate frosting and place at base of tree for trunk; top each with a chocolate star. Save remaining cupcake for another use., With a rolling pin, roll two yellow Starburst candies flat; cut with 2-in. and 1-1/2-in. star-shaped cookie cutters. Press smaller star onto larger star; place on cupcake at top of tree. , For presents, roll five Starburst candies into 3x3/4-in. rectangles; cut each rectangle into four 3-in.-long strips. Place two strips widthwise on one whole Starburst candy; press together at base to attach. , For bow, form two strips into figure eights; press together in center and press onto wrapped candy. Repeat with remaining strips and remaining four whole Starburst candies. Place presents beneath cupcake tree.