ACTIVE: 1 hr l TOTAL: 1½ hr (plus cooling) l SERVES: 20 to 24
FOR THE CUPCAKES1 cup all-purpose flour2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder½ teaspoon baking soda¼ teaspoon salt¾ cup granulated sugar½ cup vegetable oil½ cup milk1 large egg1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar1 tablespoon red food coloring1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
FOR THE FROSTING4 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature½ teaspoon salt5 cups confectioners’ sugar¼ cup milk1 tablespoon pure vanilla extractRed and green food coloringRed sanding sugar5 whole graham crackers
1. Preheat the oven to 350˚. Line two 12-cup muffin tins with 22 paper liners.
2. Make the cupcakes: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, milk, egg, vinegar, food coloring and vanilla. Add the flour mixture and whisk until just combined. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Bake until the tops spring back when gently pressed, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes in the pans, then remove to a rack to cool completely.
3. Make the frosting: Beat together the butter and salt in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until smooth and fluffy. Reduce the speed to low and beat in the confectioners’ sugar, 1 cup at a time, increasing the speed to medium-high between each addition. Add the milk and vanilla and beat until smooth. Transfer ¾ cup frosting to a small bowl; set aside to keep white. Transfer 1½ cups frosting to a medium bowl and tint green with food coloring. Tint the remaining frosting red.
4. Assemble the cupcakes (see above): Arrange 16 cupcakes in a 4-by-4-inch square on a large platter or baking sheet. Arrange the remaining 6 cupcakes in 2 triangles above the square to make a bow shape as shown. Break the graham crackers into pieces and use them to fill in the gaps between the cupcakes. Pipe the red frosting over the square of cupcakes and smooth with an offset spatula. Sprinkle with red sanding sugar to cover.
5. Pipe the white frosting over the bow-shaped cupcakes and spread evenly. Using a piping bag with a wide flat tip, pipe the green frosting to form a ribbon and bow.
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