colorful caterpillar recipe

Cupcakes:
1 package vanilla cake mix
1 1/4 cups water
3 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
food coloring

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and mix all ingredients. Bake for 21-23 minutes and let cool.

Buttercream Frosting:
1 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon meringue powder
1 tablespoon milk
1 package powdered sugar
assorted candies, candy-coated chocolate pieces, red string licorice, lollipops, and gummy worms 

Beat butter, vanilla, and salt. Add meringue powder and milk. Gradually add powdered sugar, beat at high speed until frosting is light and fluffy. Stir in food coloring until desired colors are achieved.

Frost cupcakes. Place one cupcake on its side towards the end of serving platter. Place second cupcake on its side next to first cupcake. Arrange remaining cupcakes, reserving two for the caterpillar's head. Decorate one of the reserved cupcakes with assorted candies, licorice and lollipops to create face and antennae. Place the second reserved cupcake upright at the front of cupcake row, top with face cupcake on its side. Cut gummy worms into small pieces, attach to caterpillar body with frosting to create legs.

Recipe and picture via Fun Stuff Cupcakes.

Be sure to used white cupcake liners so the colorful cupcakes can be seen through the liner.