Ingredients

1 box chocolate cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box

1 tub white buttercream frosting

1 package Jell-O (pineapple casts the brightest glow)

1 c. water

1 c. chilled tonic water

Preparation

Step 1Follow the instructions on a box cake mix—or use your favorite recipe—to make chocolate cupcakes. (We love these recipes, if you want to make some from scratch.)Step 2Let cupcakes cool, then frost with vanilla buttercream. Freeze cupcakes, 30 minutes or up to overnight, so frosting can stiffen.Step 3Make the glowing glaze: Bring water to a boil, then whisk in Jell-o mix until dissolved and remove from the heat. Whisk in chilled tonic water and let cool to about room temperature without setting. (Wiggle the pot every few minutes to make sure it’s not thickening; this process will take about 10-15 minutes.)Step 4Dip the frosting of each cupcake into the glaze. Once all are dipped, put them back in the freezer for a few minutes to harden. Repeat dipping process four more times for optimal glow, then serve.