Prepare your favorite cake mix according to the package instructions.

Line muffin pan with cupcake liners. Divide the cupcake batter into liners, filling ⅔ full.

Bake the cupcakes according to the package instructions and let them cool completely.

Make the frosting.

Add teal gel food coloring to achieve the desired shade of teal. Start with a small amount of food coloring and gradually add more until you reach the color you want, mixing well after each addition.

Fit your piping bag with a star tip and fill with frosting. Once the cupcakes are cooled to room temperature, frost them.

Decorate with sprinkles or sugar pearls.

To make the edible mermaid tails, melt your chocolate or candy melts in 30 second intervals in the microwave, stirring in between.

Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, carefully pour it into your mermaid tail mold, filling each cavity to the top.

Gently tap the mold against the countertop to release any air bubbles and ensure that the chocolate fills the mold completely.

Place the mold in the refrigerator or freezer and allow the chocolate to set completely, usually for about 15-30 minutes.

Once the chocolate has set, gently flex the mold to release the chocolate mermaid tails.

The mermaid toppers should pop out easily if the chocolate is fully set.

If desired, you can decorate each chocolate mermaid tail with edible luster dust or edible glitter to add a shimmery effect.

Allow the tails to dry completely before placing them on top of your cupcakes.

Once they’re dry, carefully insert them into the top of the cupcake, positioning them at an angle to create the illusion of a swimming mermaid.

Repeat the process until you have enough chocolate mermaid tails to decorate all of your cupcakes.