Creative Cupcakes

I only wish I had some creative talent to pull something like this off on my own. These cupcakes caught my eye from Glorious Treats. I couldn't wait to try them and I am still waiting to hear how they went over with my critics...the faithful coworkers of Doug. I took help from the store with some Duncan Hines, Double Chocolate Fudge cake mix. I made a double batch because I wanted to have enough to give a few away too, pending the outcome that is. I stuck with the frosting I have been making for a few months now, a simple American Butter cream. I figure with the store bought box mix it would be nice to add something homemade, however store bought frosting would work if you really want to save some time!

Here are all the cupcakes lined up and ready for "Reconstruction". I like that the chocolate is a good contrast with the frosting color, so I would stick to the chocolate, however vanilla or any other flavor would also work! After they cool it is time to get the assembly line started.

When the cupcakes are cooled use a serrated knife to cut the tops off, using the muffin liner as a guide. When I was making the cupcakes, I filled the batter almost all the way to the top, leaving about a half inch, you want a dome on these cupcakes.

After you have the cupcake split, using a small heart cookie cutter, cut out the center of the cupcake top and remove the heart.

After cutting the tops off, I sprinkled them with powdered sugar. Then spread icing over the base of the cupcake. Finally, replace the top and press together gently.

These are adorable and for the most part, easy. I will say a few of my tops broke, but overall, I think they turned out pretty well! Now what do do with all those heart cut outs???

I had some left over icing, and trust me these are nothing pretty, but they are bite size and perfect for the kids to eat, rather than an entire cupcake.....Also, I didn't feel as bad washing out all the left over icing in the bowl, since I used most of it to fill between the hearts.