In celebration on of Dr. Seuss’ 109th birthday anniversary today, March 2, blogger-baker Courtney Whitmore created a whimsical recipe inspired by the 1971 children’s story, “The Lorax.”

Just like the kaleidoscopic illustrations found within the timeless book, these “Truffula Tree Cupcakes” combine a sense of nostalgia and playful wonder. The recipe calls for cotton candy leaves and a generous helping of frosted grass — genius.

Truffula Tree Cupcakes

by Courtney Whitmore

Makes 24 Mini Cupcakes

What You’ll Need:

• 1 box Betty Crocker White Cake mix
• 1 stick butter, softened
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 10 drops green food coloring
• 1 package pretzel stick rods
• 1 package Fruit Roll-Ups
• Colored cotton candy

What You’ll Do:

1. Bake white cupcakes in mini-muffin pan according to package instructions.
2. Beat butter for 1 minute and add powdered sugar in 1 cup intervals, beating thoroughly between each addition, until creamy. Add in vanilla and cream. Beat well for 2 minutes. Add in green food coloring until frosting is grass green.
3. Use a fluted pastry tip to pipe grass on top of cooled mini cupcakes.
4. Wrap Fruit Roll-Ups pieces around pretzel sticks. Place tufts of cotton candy on top of pretzel sticks using a bit of extra frosting to help stick the two together.
5. Stick the pretzel rod carefully into the center of the grass green cupcake. Enjoy!

H/T A Bullseye View

Charisma MadarangTwitterFacebook

Charisma has an undying love for gritty literature and drinks coffee like water. She also hails from Toronto, Canada and is a die-hard Maple Leafs fan, sigh.