These instructions will assist you in the step by step process of making duckling shaped cupcakes. This project is a fun and cute way to make a treat for special occasions, parties, or even every day. Anyone can complete this project. It requires very little baking experience, and the process itself can be very entertaining. Making these cupcakes is an excellent group project. The process in full will take about 1 ½ to 2 hours, but that time can be drastically shorten with help from friends or family. By simply following these simple steps, you will soon have a sweet snack that is as fun to eat as it was to make!

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Gather all the materials you will need to make and assemble
your cupcakes.

Materials Needed:
• Boxed Cake mix
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Water
• Mixing bowl
• Mixer
• Muffin pan
• Baking cups
• White frosting
• Yellow food coloring
• Tooth pics
• Donut holes
• Mini M&Ms
• Starbursts (specifically orange and red starbursts)
• Marshmallows
• Mixing Spoon
• Measuring cups

Tip: It is always a good idea to prepare a clean working space before starting any baking project.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cupcakes

1.) Following the steps on the back of the cake mix box, prepare your batter.
2.) After batter is made, line your muffin pan with baking cups.
3.) Fill baking cups 2/3 full with batter.
4.) Bake at the instructed time and temperature, according to instructions on the back of the cake mix box.
5.) Allow cupcakes to cool.

Tip #1: Choose your favorite cake mix; these cupcakes can be any flavor you desire.

Tip #2: It is absolutely necessary for the cupcake to cool completely before you start constructing your ducklings. If the cupcakes are not completely cool the ducklings will fall apart.

CAUTION: Always take caution when removing baked goods from a oven.

Step 3: Mix Your Frosting

Add a few drops of yellow food coloring to one can of frosting. Mix together with a spoon until frosting is the desired shade of yellow.

Tip: Less is more when it comes to food coloring. It only takes a few drops (2-3) of yellow food coloring to create a nice light yellow color. When mixing your frosting, it also helps to move your frosting, from the can it comes in, to a small bowl. This can created more space and allow you to mix more freely.

Step 4: Prepare Duckling Mouths and Tails

For the tail, simply cut one marshmallow in half diagonally. For the mouths, separate out all the orange and red Starbursts. Take an orange starburst and cut it in half. Using one half, work the starburst with your fingers. Flatten it out, and fold it in half till it resembles a duckbill. Cut a small corner off a red starburst. Perform the same action to make the corner resemble a tongue. Place the tongue inside the duckbill.

Tip: The heat of your hands makes the starburst more pliable. Keep working it with your fingers until it’s soft enough to mold.

Step 5: Frost Your Cupcakes

Apply a layer of frosting to your cupcakes

Step 6: Attach the Head and Tail

Using a toothpick, attach one donut hole the front area of the cupcake. Cover the donut hole with frosting. This will be the duckling’s head. Using another toothpick, attach half a marshmallow to the back area of the cupcake. Cover the marshmallow with frosting.

Tip #1: The frosting acts like glue to hold the duckling together. So, be sure to put it everywhere that two different parts of the duckling cupcake meet.

Tip #2: Do not worry if the frosting is not completely smooth. Differences in frosting texture help to create the illusion of feathers. This is also an opportunity to add character to your ducklings.

Tip #3: The donut hole will make your duckling top heavy. Be sure to place the donut hole with enough cupcake area underneath it to hole it steady (visually divide your cupcake in half and place it on the front half).

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches

Using another tooth pic, attach the mouth to the head part of the duckling. Add two mini M&Ms for eyes

Step 8: Enjoy!

Your duckling is now complete! Repeat steps 4 through 7 for all your cupcakes and enjoy!

CAUTION: Remember to be careful to eat around the toothpicks when enjoying your cupcakes. Please caution all those who consume cupcake of all toothpics and ingredients.