Summer Fun with Kids--Making Tanning Teddy Bear Cupcakes

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

22 Jun 2008 11:56 PM

It could be sunny and 100 degrees outside, yet my young daughter would opt to help out in the kitchen than play in the sprinkler. She is a culinary whiz (with a butter knife) and loves to whip up tasty treats regardless of the season.

If your kids love to cook (or at least lend a hand to the cook) then this next recipe will keep them entertained for hours. It is a perfect rainy day activity or one that could be made the night before a summertime picnic, a family potluck or a Fourth of July party.

It features items that make kids drool: cookies, candy and cupcakes.

The recipe itself is a breeze to make---just standard cupcakes---the fun part comes in the decorating. Your kids can let their imaginations run wild while placing Teddy Grahams on cupcakes that mimic beach scenes. The edible decorations include gummy candies, fish crackers, fruit roll ups, or any of your children's other favorite snacks.

Make the recipe as a family. But don't be surprised if your kids are reluctant to taste their culinary masterpieces---most will look too good to eat.

TANNING TEDDY BEAR CUPCAKES

Ingredients:

1 box Betty Crocker Supermoist Cake mix (any flavor) water, oil, and eggs as called for on box.

24 baking cups for cupcakes

4 drops blue food color

12 oz. container Betty Crocker whipped vanilla frosting 2 Rolls Fruit by the Foot fruit snacks

24 Teddy Graham cookies

1 cup Teddy Graham cookies crushed

1 tablespoon blue sugar

12 paper drink umbrellas

12 ring shaped gummy candies

12 multicolored fish shaped crackers

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Place baking cups in muffin tins.

In large bowl make cake mix as directed on box. Divide evenly among muffin cups.

Bake as directed on box or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, at least 30 minutes.

Stir blue food color into frosting until blended. Frost cupcakes.

Place one Teddy Graham on each cupcake.

Cut 1 1/2 inch pieces from fruit snack roll, peel off paper backing and use as Teddy's beach towel.

Used crushed graham snacks (as sand), blue sugar (as water), umbrellas, gummy candies and fish crackers to decorate.

Makes 24 cupcakes.

Related Articles:

Animal Cupcakes

Birthday Cake Ideas for a Tea Party

Keeping Toddlers Busy in the Kitchen

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger

ljb (3939) 23 Jun 2008 07:34 AM

Can't wait until DS is old enough to help decorate cupcakes, cookies, etc! This looks like a great idea. I'll try to hold on to it until he gets to that stage. Right now, he just stirs the 'batter' or 'dough', while I stir the real stuff.

Michele Cheplic (37236) 23 Jun 2008 12:43 PM

ljb thanks for the comment and BTW your son is cute enough to sit on top of a cupcake himself!