Ingredients
1 cup sugar3/4 cup water1/3 cup canola oil2 large eggs1 tablespoon white vinegar1 teaspoon vanilla extract1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour1/4 cup baking cocoa1 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon saltFILLING:1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened1/3 cup sugar1 large egg, lightly beaten1/8 teaspoon salt10 drops neon green food coloring1 cup semisweet chocolate chipsFROSTING:1/2 cup butter, softened4-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract5 drops neon green food coloring3 to 4 tablespoons milkShoestring red licorice, cut into 2-inch pieces1/2 cup miniature marshmallowsAssorted candies of your choice: Gummi Life Savers, Skittles, spice drops, licorice bites, Good & Plenty and Junior Mints
Preparation
In a large bowl, beat the sugar, water, oil, eggs, vinegar and vanilla until combined. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually add to egg mixture until blended. Fill paper-lined muffin cups half full.
For filling, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, salt and food coloring. Fold in chocolate chips. Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls into the center of each cupcake.
Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into cake part of cupcake comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
For frosting, in a large bowl, cream butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and food coloring. Add enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Frost cupcakes.
Poke shoestring licorice pieces into marshmallows to create antennae; insert into cupcakes. Use candies to decorate alien faces. Store in the refrigerator.
