Step 1 : Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place 24 paper liners in the cupcake pans. Prepare the cake mix according to package directions. Divide evenly between the prepared pans. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean; 18 to 21 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool 5 minutes. Invert and cool completely.

Step 2 : Line two cookie sheets with wax paper. Place the Diego Cupcake template under the wax paper. Melt the chocolate candies in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring frequently, until melted. Spoon into a resealable bag. Snip a small corner from the bag. Pipe an outline of Diego’s hair onto the wax paper and fill in with the chocolate. Repeat with the remaining chocolate, reheating for a few seconds if necessary to make 24 pieces. Refrigerate until firm, about 5 minutes.

Step 3 : Spoon 1/4 cup of the vanilla frosting into a resealable bag; set it aside. Tint the remaining frosting a pale tan color and cover the tops of the cupcakes with the tinted frosting. Peel the chocolate from the wax paper and place the “hair” at the tops of the cupcakes.

Step 4 : Snip a small corner from the bag of vanilla frosting and pipe small ovals for eyes. Place the brown candies in the center. Pipe eyebrows and pupils with the black frosting tube. Cut out the mouth shape from the fruit leather and place on the cupcakes. Add the cereal pieces as Diego’s ears. Repeat with the remaining cupcakes.