Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray or line a standard muffin tin.

Step 2

Add cake mix to a large mixing bowl. Using a hand or stand mixer, add in your oil, eggs, and soda, and mix on medium until well incorporated. Mix in 1 cup of cocoa powder.

Step 3

Add batter into the muffin tin until each is about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, using an electric hand or stand mixer, cream the butter, and beat until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

Step 5

Mix in the cocoa powder and chocolate syrup.

Step 6

Mix the half and half or milk and Dr. Pepper soda together. (If you don’t, the soda on its own will break your frosting)

Step 7

Slowly mix in the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, while adding a bit of the liquid mixture from Step 6 in between each cup. Continue to mix for 1-2 minutes or until creamy, but don’t over mix!

Step 8

Prepare a piping bag and fill the bag with frosting and frost your cupcakes. Add your red sanding sugar and straw if desired. Enjoy! Makes 24 cupcakes.