DIY Bloody Glass Cupcakes

Directions

1. In a large pot, stir together the water, corn syrup, sugar, and cream of tartar.
2. Heat the pot over medium heat until the liquid begins to bubble.
3. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pot and continue cooking the syrup until it hits 300 degrees.
4. While the syrup heats, lightly coat a baking sheet with nonstick spray.
5. Once the syrup reaches the target temperature, carefully pour it onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Let the sugar sheet sit undisturbed until it has completely cooled and hardened, which may take overnight.
7. In a separate bowl, whisk together the second portion of corn syrup, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
8. Stir in the red food coloring until the mixture is evenly tinted.
9. Set your oven to 350 degrees to warm up.
10. Place paper liners into the wells of your cupcake pan.
11. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract, stirring until just blended.
12. Add the red food coloring to the batter and mix until the desired shade is reached.
13. Divide the batter among the liners, filling each about three-quarters full.
14. Bake the cupcakes for approximately 21 minutes, then remove them from the oven.
15. Let the baked goods cool completely before applying any frosting.
16. Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream together on medium speed.
17. Continue mixing until the frosting holds stiff peaks.
18. Transfer the frosting into a disposable piping bag fitted with a star tip.
19. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.
20. Gently tap the hardened sugar sheet with a hammer to shatter it into various sizes of glass-like pieces.
21. Scatter the sugar shards randomly over the frosted cupcakes.
22. Drizzle the prepared red syrup mixture around the shards to complete the bloody effect.