Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line 2 12-cup cupcake tins with paper liners.
2. Step
OPTION 1: If using prepared mix, in a medium bowl, whisk together the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs.
3. Step
OPTION 2: If making the cupcake batter from scratch, in a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and boiling water until the cocoa powder is completely dissolved. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, cocoa mixture, baking soda, salt and vanilla extract.
4. Step
Fill the cupcake cups halfway with batter.
5. Step
Bake for 18–21 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before decorating.
6. Step
Using a large piping tip, poke a hole in the center of each cupcake. Discard the scraps or save for another use.Fill each hole with the sprinkles.
7. Step
Top each cupcake with cream cheese frosting, a drizzle of caramel, and 1 maraschino cherry.
