Popcorn buckets

So these are just ridiculously cute.  I can't get enough of them.  I just keep looking at the picture and showing anyone I can find.  They really do look like popcorn!

The original idea came from Hello Cupcake!  But theirs were mini cupcakes and I didn't like the main kernel design as well; it was just a mini marshmallow without altering the top.  I'll show you later...

I made these cupcakes with a regular boxed mix cause I was very pressed for time.  But because I can hardly tolerate the store-bought mixes, I altered it slightly to make it taste more homemade.  When the boxed mix asks for water, I added soy milk instead.  When it asked for oil, I added unsalted butter.  I kept the amounts the same.  

For the "popcorn" you need a bag of white mini marshmallows and 2 bags of colorful mini marshmallows.  (Note: There were not enough yellow marshmallows in one bag of the colorful; we were only able to top 9 or 10 with the amount we had; so buy at least 2 bags if you need to do more cupcakes.)

Separate the yellows from the colorful (or you can make colorful popcorn, I guess). 

We snipped the marshmallows into 3 thin disks that kind of curled up on the edges.  That's the part that will be used for the lower part of the popcorn kernel as shown below.

Then we took the uncut 'mallows and snipped the top in an X.  I think that the x-cut promotes these cupcakes from "oh-aren't-those-neat?" to "omg!-these-are-so-freaking-adorable!"  But that's just my opinion.  :) 

We arranged the little smushy discs in 3 points and placed the main kernel in between.  Sometimes a little frosting helps it stick better. 

After we placed several "kernels" on the cupcake, I filled in the empty spaces with scraps of snipped marshmallow to give it a very full and fluffy experience.  

I downloaded a template for the popcorn bin wrappers, printed them out in color and cut them out.  This particular template is a bit short.  I would recommend enlarging it slightly before printing it out. The edges won't fit on your paper, but it's fine cause it's the back anyway. 

Now as far as how they taste?  I couldn't tell you but the kids seemed to enjoy them, but then again, they also love eating the little marshmallow straight out of the bag.  

I highly recommend this design for an easy cupcake topper.