Pirate's Hidden Treasure Cupcakes

 

1

box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® chocolate fudge cake mix

3/4

cup water

Vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box

24

miniature chocolate-covered peanut butter cup candies (from 12-oz bag), unwrapped

1

container Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy vanilla frosting

2

rolls (from 4.5-oz box) Betty Crocker® Fruit by the Foot® chewy fruit snack (any red color)

24

pieces Cheerios® cereal or small ring-shaped candies (about 4 teaspoons)

3

tablespoons miniature candy-coated semisweet chocolate baking bits

1

tablespoon semisweet chocolate chips

2

pieces black string licorice (each 34 inches long)

• 1 Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.
• 2 In large bowl, make cake mix as directed on box--except use 3/4 cup water, the oil and eggs. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Place 1 candy in top of batter for each cupcake (candies will sink as cupcakes bake).
• 3 Bake as directed on box for cupcakes. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• 4 Frost cupcakes with frosting. Cut 12-inch piece from 1 fruit snack roll; set aside. From remaining fruit snack, cut 24 (2-inch) pieces; cut crescent-shaped piece from each. Peel off paper backing; add 1 piece to each cupcake for top of kerchief.
• 5 Cut reserved fruit snack into 12 (1-inch) pieces; peel off paper backing. Cut each piece in half lengthwise. Twist each piece in middle; add to 1 end of crescent-shaped fruit snack on each cupcake, forming tie of kerchief. Add 1 piece of cereal under each tie for earring. Use baking bits, chocolate chips and licorice to make facial features and eye patches. Store covered.