Bumblebee Banana Cupcakes

SERVINGS
12
Sweet lovers are sure to make a beeline to the kitchen when you bake a batch of these cute-as-a-bug cupcakes. "These treats are perfect to serve for kids' parties or your next garden party," shares Beatrice Richard from Posen, Michigan.

INGREDIENTS:
1 package (14 ounces) banana quick bread and muffin mix

1 cup milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

1 can (16 ounces) vanilla frosting

5 drops yellow food coloring

12 large yellow gumdrops

1/2 cup chocolate frosting

12 semisweet chocolate chips

24 miniature semisweet chocolate chips

12 large white gumdrops

Black shoestring licorice, cut into 1-inch pieces

DIRECTIONS:
In a large bowl, combine the muffin mix, milk, oil and eggs. Fill 12 greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 375° for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a mixing bowl, combine vanilla frosting and food coloring. Frost cupcakes. Cut yellow gumdrops in half widthwise. Use the rounded tops for heads. Flatten remaining portions into ovals for bodies. Place one head and one body on each cupcake.
Place chocolate frosting in a resealable plastic bag; cut a small hole in a corner of the bag. Pipe stripes on gumdrop bodies to resemble a bumblebee. For the stinger, place one chocolate chip at the end of body with pointed end facing out. Position two mini chocolate chips in front of head for eyes. Cut white gumdrops in half lengthwise; position next to bodies for wings. Insert two licorice pieces for antennae.