by Linda Cann Pearson

Created on: August 28, 2009   Last Updated: March 09, 2012

Cupcakes make the perfect dessert for most any occasion, from an after-dinner treat to an easy and delightful dessert served at parties. The cupcake has made a huge comeback recently, prominently featured in bakeries, at curbside stands, even hunted down as a decadent lunch or afternoon snack. Kids and adults alike are begging for cupcakes and are loving every bite of every cupcake that comes their way.

Kids have always been big fans of cupcakes and are usually very easy to please. With sophisticated palates yet to be developed, they don’t need pricey cupcakes from the bakery or the trendy cupcake cart. They are ok with cupcakes made from a cake mix, just as they are ok with orange packaged macaroni and cheese instead of mom’s homemade. As long as their cupcakes have lots of gooey stuff piled on top, they will be satisfied.

Following are some fun ideas for creating the most perfect and easiest cupcakes going, great for any occasion, bound to please most kids and even some adults!

You will need:

1 box of Pillsbury Funfetti cake mix
1 cup water
3 eggs
1/3 cup oil
1-2 cans of prepared frosting

1)     Making the cupcakes

Although any cake mix can be used for your cupcakes, Funfetti cake mix comes highly recommended by kids. It is a white cake filled with small confetti pieces that melt when baked, making the cake extra moist, extra delicious and extra colorful. Prepare the cake mix per package instructions. If you prefer a sheet cake to cupcakes, the same ideas and tips apply.

2)     Frosting the cupcakes

Cool cupcakes completely, then slather generously with frosting. Betty Crocker Creamy Vanilla is my favorite. For a full batch of cupcakes you may need more than one can of frosting. For a 10” by 13” cake pan, one can is usually enough.

3)     Decorating the cupcakes

As prepared frosting tends to harden rather quickly, frost a few cupcakes and decorate immediately. Sprinkles, beads and sugar crystals tend to roll off if the frosting has hardened. For added color, divide the frosting into separate bowls and add several different food colorings.

4)     Holiday decorating ideas

Part of the fun of cupcakes, especially for kids, is what is added on top. Use your imagination. Top your cupcakes with all kinds of goodies that will delight your kids. Below are some ideas, all easy and inexpensive, that will make your cupcakes extra special. You may already have most of the items in

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