Skip to main content

Lion Cupcakes

Ingredients

24 Yellow Buttermilk Cupcakes (page 26)
Swiss Meringue Buttercream (page 304)
Pink gel-paste food color
2 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled (see page 323)
48 mini brown candy-coated chocolates, such as M&M’s
24 white gumdrops, halved crosswise
1 small bag (about 5 ounces) black licorice laces, cut into 1-inch long pieces
1 package (7 ounces) sweetened shredded coconut, toasted (see page 323)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Tint 1/2 cup buttercream pale pink with gel-paste food color. Transfer to a pastry bag fitted with a small plain tip (#4). Add melted and cooled chocolate to remaining buttercream, and stir until combined with a flexible spatula.

    Step 2

    Using an offset spatula, spread cupcakes with chocolate buttercream in a smooth, even layer. Attach two candy-coated chocolates for the eyes and two gumdrop halves, cut sides down, for the cheeks. Arrange three licorice pieces in the buttercream on each side of gumdrop cheeks for whiskers. To make the nose, pipe a dot in the center with pink buttercream. Gently press toasted coconut around the edge of cupcake to resemble a mane. Refrigerate 30 minutes to allow frosting to set. Cupcakes are best served the same day they are decorated; keep at room temperature.

Martha Stewart's Cupcakes
Read More
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Chicken breasts reach their full potential in this spicy, saucy stir-fry with blistered green beans.
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like carrot farro salad and chicken paella.
The secret to extra-fluffy stack? A splash of cold, bubbly seltzer.