Do you like cupcakes with a lot of icing, or with a little? Each of us has a different philosophy on the right amount of icing on a cake, but we all agree that a cupcake is not complete without this sweet and sugary decoration. Read on to learn a basic method of frosting a cupcake, how to make the classic spiral decoration or other interesting ideas for garnishing your cakes.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Glaze a cupcake
Step 1. Choose a cupcake - icing combination
Most cupcakes are great with any type of icing, but there are some classic combinations that seem to go very well together. Consider these options when deciding which cupcakes to make:
- Yellow Cupcakes With Chocolate Icing: The classic birthday cupcake combo.
- Chocolate Cupcake With Vanilla Icing: The sweet icing offsets the full-bodied flavor of the chocolate.
- Red velvet cupcake with cream cheese is another party combination.
- Carrot or spiced cupcakes are also usually paired with cream cheese.
Step 2. Make a batch of cupcakes
Depending on your level of knowledge, you can make them starting from a recipe or a mix already prepared.
Step 3. Let the cupcakes cool once cooked
If you try to glaze them while they're still warm, the glaze will run liquid and won't look pretty.
Step 4. Make the icing
Use your favorite recipe, or if you buy it ready-made use a spoon to mix it well.
Step 5. Remove the cupcakes from the pan
Place them on a flat surface so that you have enough space to glaze them.
- If you want to serve them in their cups, leave them. You can also take them out now and serve the cupcakes without them.
- If you decide to remove the cupcakes, be careful not to remove pieces of cupcakes as well.
Step 6. Take some frosting with a knife or spatula
Gently roll it over the cupcake. Create a layer of frosting that covers the entire cupcake. Add all the icing you want.
- Different consistencies of icing will have different end results. The one bought at the supermarket is usually very soft and easy to spread. Homemade ones could be harder. When you smear it, be careful not to carry even crumbs of cake with you.
- You can buy different colored icings at the supermarket if you want to make colorful lettering or designs on the cupcakes. You could draw your initials, age, color or favorite team.
Step 7. Add decorations
Use confetti or other sugar decorations for the finishing touch on your cupcakes.
Step 8. Store the cupcakes
Put them in an airtight container. If you will eat them after a few days, keep them in the fridge. This way the icing won't get too soft.
Method 2 of 3: Make a Classic Spiral Decoration
Step 1. Buy a piping bag with a wide tip
The sac à poche are used to glaze cakes in an elegant and controlled way, through a pointed spout. Depending on the spout you can get a smooth, wavy or star-shaped icing. When you are ready to glaze the cupcakes, assemble the pastry bag by inserting the spout into the bag according to the instructions.
- Look at how many types of piping bags and their spouts are available at the supermarket or in a specialty pastry shop.
- The wide tip spouts are perfect for spiral decoration. The narrower tips are used for writing or making small decorations.
- Make a pastry bag yourself by cutting the tip of a small freezer bag. You can easily put a spout in it.
Step 2. Make a batch of cupcakes and let them cool
Place them on a tray to glaze them.
Step 3. Make the icing
Spirals are most beautiful when done with a thick glaze that holds the shape. Since all ready-made glazes are very soft, you better make it yourself.
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Use this simple recipe to make the classic buttercream, perfect for spiral decorations. Mix the ingredients together with a whisk, and add milk if the cream is too thick. You can use other flavors instead of vanilla and use a few drops of food coloring if you want:
- 225 gr of softened butter
- 500 gr of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons of milk
Ice a Cupcake Step 12 Step 4. Fill the piping bag
It is easier to check it when it is half full. Use a spoon to put the icing in. Roll up the bottom so the icing doesn't come out as you work.
Ice a Cupcake Step 13 Step 5. Practice using the pastry bag by experimenting on a plate
Hold the closed part tightly with one hand and guide the spout with the other, pressing the bag with circular movements. Check that the icing comes out of the spout easily so you can control the amount that comes out.
- If the icing doesn't come out smoothly, check that the spout is fitted correctly.
- Practice until you start mastering it.
Ice a Cupcake Step 14 Step 6. Decorate the cupcakes
Place the spout on the outside edge of the cupcakes. Start frosting the outer edges and then continue in concentric circles until you get a spiral.
- If you don't like the result, take out the icing, put it back in the bag and try again. Be careful not to take out cupcake crumbs as well.
- Finish the spiral with a tip or insert the spout in the center to give it a little more volume.
Method 3 of 3: Decorate the cupcakes
Ice a Cupcake Step 15 Step 1. Write the name of the birthday person
Make a batch of cupcakes with white icing and use different colors to write the name of the birthday boy, a letter for each cupcake. Arrange them and use them as a centerpiece for a birthday party.
Ice a Cupcake Step 16 Step 2. Make ice cream cupcakes
For a summer treat, skip the traditional icing and use ice cream. Let it soften for a few minutes in its container and then use a knife to spread it on the cupcakes, as you would for the icing. Serve immediately.
Ice a Cupcake Step 17 Step 3. Make butterfly cupcakes
Use halved pretzels and chocolate dragees to create mini butterflies on cupcakes. After cooking them, use a line of confetti to create the body of the butterfly, and then attach two pretzel "wings" to the sides.
Ice a Cupcake Step 18 Step 4. Make placeholder cupcakes
Draw hearts, flowers or other things on pieces of construction paper, cut them and glue them to toothpicks. Tuck them into cupcakes and serve them as cute place cards.
