Campfire Cupcakes

Prepare cake mix according to package directions for cupcakes (you’ll typically need water, eggs, and oil, as directed in mix package).

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or in a large bowl with a hand mixer), beat butter and extracts until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar and beat until smooth and creamy. Beat in marshmallow cream.

Divide frosting into 3 small bowls. Tint frosting red, orange, and yellow.

Place a blob of frosting in the center of the cupcake. Break 3 thin pretzel sticks in half; it does not need to be exact. This will be your base. Place the pretzel halves, broken end in the frosting, and space them evenly around the cupcake, like a pinwheel.

Using the tinted frosting, place “flames” in a random pattern over the pretzels on the cupcake, alternating the colors. Be sure to leave ends showing (they are your logs).

Once you have the desired flames, sprinkle the flames with sparkly flakes just for a little something extra. Sanding sugar would be great, too.

Use thin pretzels to create a tee-pee like effect over your flames. The frosting will hold them in place.

For your toasted marshmallow garnish, place 2 mini marshmallows on a wooden toothpick and use a lighter to toast them to your desired doneness. Let them rest for a minute (or they will fall off the toothpick), then garnish your campfire.