Jungle Cupcakes with Black Frosting

For the Cupcakes:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Black Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 3-4 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Black food coloring (gel works best)

For Jungle Decorations:

• Green coconut flakes (toss shredded coconut with green food coloring)
• Animal crackers or fondant animals
• Chocolate rocks or crushed chocolate cookies
• Green candy leaves or mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Make cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients alternating with milk. Fill cupcake liners ¾ full and bake 18-20 minutes.
2. Make black frosting: Beat butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add cream, vanilla, and black food coloring until desired darkness is achieved.
3. Decorate: Pipe black frosting on cooled cupcakes. Top with green coconut “grass,” place animal crackers, and add chocolate “dirt” around the base.

These make great summer party treats with their wild jungle theme!