Step 1 of 4
Sweet Spider Cupcakes
Prepare cake mix as directed on package, adding vanilla to batter. Tint cake batter orange with 1/4 teaspoon each yellow and red food color.
Step 2 of 4
Sweet Spider Cupcakes
Bake as directed on package for cupcakes. Cool cupcakes on wire rack.
Step 3 of 4
Sweet Spider Cupcakes
Mix desired food color into vanilla frosting (see Tinting Frosting Tip). Frost cupcakes. Place chocolate frosting into small plastic bag. Snip off a tiny corner of the bag. Squeeze out 3 thin circles of frosting onto each cupcake, beginning at the center. Starting at the smallest circle, pull frosting through all three circles using a toothpick. Repeat at even intervals 5 or 6 times around the cupcake.
Step 4 of 4
Sweet Spider Cupcakes
For additional decorations, place purchased plastic spider on top of cupcake, if desired. (For an edible spider, use black gumdrop for spider body, and pipe 8 legs of frosting around gumdrop.)