Pirate's Hidden Treasure Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate cake mix 
• 0.8 cup water 
• 24  peanut butter candy pieces miniature (from 12-oz bag)
• 16 oz vanilla frosting 
• 2  snack peppers red (from 4.5-oz box) (any color)
• 4 teaspoons corn flakes/bran flakes ring-shaped
• 3 tablespoons bittersweet chocolate miniature
• 1 tablespoon semi chocolate chips 
• 2 pieces licorice rounds black (each 34 inches long)

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• oven
• wire rack
• muffin liners

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans).
2. Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.
3. In large bowl, make cake mix as directed on box--except use 3/4 cup water, the oil and eggs. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
4. Place 1 candy in top of batter for each cupcake (candies will sink as cupcakes bake).
5. Bake as directed on box for cupcakes. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
6. Frost cupcakes with frosting.
7. Cut 12-inch piece from 1 fruit snack roll; set aside. From remaining fruit snack, cut 24 (2-inch) pieces; cut crescent-shaped piece from each. Peel off paper backing; add 1 piece to each cupcake for top of kerchief.
8. Cut reserved fruit snack into 12 (1-inch) pieces; peel off paper backing.
9. Cut each piece in half lengthwise. Twist each piece in middle; add to 1 end of crescent-shaped fruit snack on each cupcake, forming tie of kerchief.
10. Add 1 piece of cereal under each tie for earring. Use baking bits, chocolate chips and licorice to make facial features and eye patches. Store covered.