Hanukkah Activity for Kids that Doubles as Dessert

Adapted from a recipe by Renee Chernin 

I think this Cupcake Menorah as a Hanukkah activity for kids is such a cute and easy idea. You can start with any boxed cake mix recipe and use ready made frosting or make your favorite basic cake and frosting recip.

Here's how to make this easy Hanukkah dessert:

Take any frosted cupcake or muffin, decorate with colorful shaped sprinkles.

Place eight of the cupcakes on a long platter, on a board covered in foil or around the edge of a round platter. In the center of the row or circle, place a pretty inverted drinking glass or small bowl. Set the "shamash" cupcake here.

Place a real candle in the center of each cupcake. A Cupcake Menorah makes a creative, easy Hanukkah centerpiece and the kids will really enjoy watching their dessert flicker away throughout the meal. They may even stay at the table a bit longer!

For a fire-free edible candle, place a chocolate covered wafer stick such as Twix, Pirouline, or even. Twizzlers lengthwise in the center of each cupcake and make a "flame" with a dab with white or yellow frosting on top. Another suggestion is to simply place a Hershey’s Kiss in a color that contrasts with the icing in the center.

More ways with Hanukkah cupcakes:

• for an adult version you can make the cupcake menorah using mini bundts and place a mound of frosting in the center to anchor the candle

• unfrosted cupcakes, muffins and even the bundt cakes freeze wonderfully, so make a batch now to have on hand for the holiday

• a simple elegant touch is to thread shimmery matching ribbons through the cupcakes on your platter