Love Bug Monster Valentine Cupcakes

Cupcakes

• Preheat oven to 350 F degrees and line cupcake pan with the liners.
• Using a hand mixer, beat together the cake mix, butter, milk, and vanilla and mix until combined.
• Using a medium ice cream scoop, scoop the batter into the cupcake liners and fill about 3/4 of the way full.
• Bake in the oven for about 18-20 minutes.
• Allow to cool completely.

Heart Ears

1. Sprinkle the 1/2 C of powdered sugar and roll the red fondant out to 1/8th inch thick.
2. Cut out 44 hearts for the ears.
3. Set aside to dry.

Eyes

1. Using the circle cookie cutter, cut out 22 rounds from the marshmallows for the eyes.
2. Pipe a dollop of chocolate frosting onto the center of the marshmallow.
3. Place a M&M onto the frosting.

Frosting

1. In a standing mixer, combine the butter, powder sugar, vanilla, and the heavy whipping cream.
2. Mix on medium speed until stiff and creamy.
3. If you still see powdery pebbles, add in 2 more tbsp heavy whipping cream.
4. Continue to mix until stiff and creamy.
5. Beat in a few drops of pink food coloring and mix until fully combined and frosting is a dark pink color.
6. Scoop some frosting into each piping bag.
7. Pipe squiggly lines all over the top of the cupcake.

Decorating the Monster Love Bug Valentine Cupcakes

1. Place a “eye” in the center of the frosting.
2. Please two red hearts into the top sides of the frosting for the ears.
3. Place a mustache into the lower center of the frosting.