BIRTHDAY PARTY CUPCAKE CENTERPIECE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (12 cup) muffin tins with white paper liners.
• Make the cake mix according to package instructions, substituting the milk for water. Pour the batter into the lined muffin tins and bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 12 to15 minutes. Remove the tins from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
• In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the frosting with enough confectioners' sugar to create a stiff consistency. Divide the frosting among 4 bowls. Color 1 with blue, 1 with red, and 1 with green, leaving 1 white.
• When the cupcakes are cool, drop each into a picket fence liner.
• Fit 4 pastry bags with large star tips and fill each with a different color. Pipe a swirl of frosting onto 6 cupcakes with 1 color. Repeat with remaining cupcakes and colors. Arrange them on the cupcake tree, alternating colors and top with nonpareil sprinkles.