Page 238 - Cupcakes

MAKES 22 TO 24 CUPCAKES (2½ INCHES EACH)
PREPARATION TIME: 15 TO 20 MINUTES

BAKING TIME: 16 TO 20 MINUTES

COOLING TIME: 30 MINUTES

ASSEMBLY TIME: 10 MINUTES

24 paper cupcake liners (2½-inch size)

CUPCAKES:

1 package (18.25 ounces) plain yellow cake mix
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature

½ cup water
½ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup granulated sugar

4 large eggs
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

½ teaspoon pure almond extract
2 to 3 pecan halves (optional)

GLAZE:
2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted

2 to 2½ tablespoons milk

GARNISH:

Purple, green, and yellow or gold sprinkles
Chocolate gold coins (optional)

Gold dragées (optional)

1. Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 24
cupcake cups with paper liners. Set the pans aside.