Place cupcake liners in 2 cupcake pans, for a total of 24 cupcakes
Using aluminum foil, tear off a small section and roll it into a cylinder - approximately ½ in diameter.
Place it at the top, in between the cupcake liner and the pan. (It may pop out of place until batter is in the cup.)
Prepare and bake cupcakes according to box directions.
Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
Mix red food coloring into frosting until desired color is reached.
Frost each cupcake.
Place a pretzel stick half into the top (front) of the apple cupcake to create the stem.
Cut the gummy candy in half and place a leaf next to the stem.