To help you kick off the first week of March Madness, the editors at Kitchen Daily tapped in to their inner Martha Stewart to bring you this craft tutorial for March Madness-themed cupcake toppers along with free printable templates. 

The template makes three different kinds of cupcake toppers: pennants with fun sports-themed chants, basketballs going throw hoops and basketballs on a referee-stripe pattern circle. Have fun mixing up all three designs if you'd like!

You can assemble the toppers with tape, but we strongly recommend using wet glue and glue sticks for a finished look.

Layering the basketball over the hoop or the striped circle creates a nice 3-D effect.

Wouldn't this line-up of pennant-topped cupcakes look cute cheering your team on as part of the party spread?

We liked the look of mixing up where the basketball hits the rim of the hoop.

For a party perfect look, set up your cupcakes on a cake stand with themed linens - we stuck with referee stripes for a team-neutral look.

Enough staring - it's time to eat! If your hands are itching to get their bake on, we've got you covered with our favorite recipes for cupcakes. From classic vanilla to something a little more adventurous, read on to discover these and more delicious baked treats.

Take 5 Carrot Cupcakes

These moist cupcakes have lots of carrot flavor. Make sure to chill them in the freezer to firm them up before frosting.

Get the Recipe: Take 5 Carrot Cupcakes

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Short on time? This easy recipe "scratches the box" by using grocery store quickies like red velvet cake mix and chocolate instant pudding.

Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cupcakes

Vanilla Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

You can't go wrong with this classic flavor combination.

Get the Recipe: Vanilla Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

Golden Gluten-Free Cupcakes

To accommodate guests with gluten allergies, we suggest this amazing gluten-free cupcake recipe.

Get the Recipe: Golden Gluten-Free Cupcakes

Apple Cupcakes with Cinnamon-Marshmallow Frosting

This reduced-oil recipe uses apples to replace the lost moisture and tastes great!

Get the Recipe: Apple Cupcakes with Cinnamon-Marshmallow Frosting

Midsummer Wedding Cupcakes

We think this cupcake is just as appropriate for non-wedding occasions - get decadent flavor with white chocolate cupcakes topped with white chocolate frosting.

Get the Recipe: Midsummer Wedding Cupcakes

Chocolate-Beet Cupcake

Beets are an unusual ingredient for cupcakes. These cupcakes won't taste like beets, but adding beets does enhance the cake's rich flavor and color.

Get the Recipe: Chocolate-Beet Cupcake

Ginger Island Cupcake

This recipe teaches you how to make your own ginger syrup. Brush this syrup on spiced cupcakes and top with maple cream cheese frosting for mouthwatering flavor.

Get the Recipe: Ginger Island Cupcake

Maple-Pumpkin Cupcake

Adding pumpkin puree to your cupcake batter produces moist, flavorful results.

Get the Recipe: Maple-Pumpkin Cupcake

Country Wedding Cupcakes

Don't let the name throw you off - this recipe makes a beautifully simple vanilla cupcake base with icing that can work for any occasion.

Get the Recipe: Country Wedding Cupcakes