CHRISTMAS TREE CUPCAKE STAND RECIPES

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.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/gas mark 4 and line a muffin tin with cases.

  Cream 225g of butter and the golden caster sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one by one, mixing well in between. Finally fold in the flour, cocoa and baking powder until well combined.

  Spoon the mixture evenly into the muffin cases and bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until the cupcakes are springy to the touch and a skewer comes out clean.

  To make the buttercream use an electric or hand mixer and whisk the golden icing sugar and the rest of the butter together until you get a breadcrumb texture. Add the milk and mix on high speed until light and fluffy. Add a few drops of green food colouring to the buttercream and mix until you get a ‘Christmas tree’ green colour.

  Pipe the buttercream onto the cakes in a pyramid shape and top the ‘trees’ with festive sprinkles for the perfect finishing touch.