Frost the cupcakes with your favorite butter cream recipe.

Here are some tips for making your Cupcake Tree:

Cake is easier to handle, and less crumbly when baked a day ahead and refrigerated.

Tint and flavor the frosting for your party theme.

Dip your knife in hot water before frosting for a smoother look.

Decorate the cupcakes with fresh berries.

Using a tiered pastry tree, work from the inside out stacking your cupcakes.

If you don't have a pastry tree you can make one using platters and fabric-covered tin

cans placed in the middle of the platters.

Fill in the holes between the cupcakes with chocolate dipped and plain strawberries.