The thor cupcakes are a red velvet cake and topped with a red velvet frosting. Thor's hammer is made of pretzels and fondant that's been brushed with luster dust.
Prepare your red velvet cake mix as directed on box. Allow to cool completely before decorating.
In a large mixing bowl, add butter. Beat with hand mixer until creamy.
Add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk in with the butter. Beat on low until the powdered sugar is just incorporated.
Add the red gel paste color and turn mixer on high and begin beating until the butter is thick and whipped. This will take about 1 - 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and beat in any frosting that isn't red. Add in additional red food color if needed.
Add the frosting into a piping bag fitted with the 1M piping tip. Pipe a swirl on each cupcake.
Add the black food color to the white fondant. Work it together using your hands until the fondant is a solid light gray color. Dust your hands with cornstarch if it gets too sticky.
Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Roll your fondant into ½ inch balls and place on the wax paper. You’ll want to make 24 of them.
Shape into rectangles. Place each one back on the lined baking sheet. Dust your fingers with cornstarch as needed to help with the stickiness.
Brush each fondant rectangle piece with silver luster dust. Insert a pretzel stick at the bottom of each one. Break off a piece of the pretzel stick if they are too long. Position on top of each cupcake.