Cupcake Easter Baskets

[turtle22]

INGREDIENTS


* 1/2 cup butter, softened
* 1 cup sugar
* 1 egg
* 1 teaspoon grated orange peel
* 2 cups cake flour
* 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2/3 cup buttermilk
* FROSTING:
* 3/4 cup butter, softened
* 2 packages (3 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 3 cups confectioners' sugar
* 1 teaspoon water
* 4 drops green food coloring
* 1-1/2 cups flaked coconut
* Red shoestring licorice
* Jelly beans



DIRECTIONS



In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in the egg and orange peel. Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk.
Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
In a small mixing bowl, beat butter, cream cheese and vanilla until smooth. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar; spread over cupcakes. Combine water and food coloring in a large resealable plastic bag; add coconut. Seal bag and shake to tint. Sprinkle over cupcakes.
Using a metal or wooden skewer, poke a hole in the top on opposite sides of each cupcake. Cut licorice into 6-in. strips for handle; insert each end into a hole. Decorate with jelly beans. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.

[Shandon00]

What a cute idea!!! Im trying this!!

[daniellerae]

good idea! thanks for the post!

i'll try it when it gets closer to easter time! ( i guess i'm kinda late! )