Preparation:

Step 1: Bake the Cupcakes

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (fan-forced) or 190°C (conventional).
2. Line a 12-hole or 24-hole cupcake tray with paper liners.
3. Prepare the vanilla or lemon cake mix according to the package instructions, adding eggs, oil, and water as listed.
4. Fill each cupcake liner about ¾ full and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
5. Remove from oven and let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 2: Make the Yellow Buttercream

1. In a large bowl, beat softened butter with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
2. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low to start, then increasing speed to high.
3. Add vanilla extract and 2 tbsp cream or milk, continuing to beat until smooth and spreadable.
4. Add a few drops of yellow gel food colouring and beat until evenly tinted. Add more milk for a softer frosting or more sugar for thicker texture, as needed.

Step 3: Decorate Like a Chick 🐣

Option A: Fluffy Swirl Look (Simple)

1. Use a butter knife or spatula to frost each cooled cupcake with a generous swirl of yellow buttercream.
2. Roll the top lightly in yellow sanding sugar or dyed shredded coconut to mimic fluffy chick feathers.
3. Press candy eyes near the top and an orange M&M or Starburst triangle just beneath for the beak.

Option B: Piped Feathered Look (Advanced & Cute)

1. Fill a piping bag fitted with a grass or open star tip with yellow buttercream.
2. Pipe small tufts or stars in a circular pattern to create a textured, chick-like feathered appearance.
3. Place candy eyes and beak pieces as above for a lively chick face.