Chocolate pinata cupcake: cherrystein’s monster

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line 2 12-cup cupcake tins with paper liners.

Step 2

OPTION 1: If using prepared mix, in a medium bowl, whisk together the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs.

Step 3

OPTION 2: If making the cupcake batter from scratch, in a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and boiling water until the cocoa powder is completely dissolved. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, cocoa mixture, baking soda, salt and vanilla extract.

Step 4

Fill the cupcake cups halfway with batter.

Step 5

Bake for 18–21 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before decorating.

Step 6

Using a large piping tip, poke a hole in the center of each cupcake. Discard the scraps or save for another use.Fill each hole with the sprinkles.

Step 7

Top each cupcake with cream cheese frosting, a drizzle of caramel, and 1 maraschino cherry.

Step 8

Enjoy!