A filled cupcake might seem out of your league or too refined for home baking, but actually filling cupcakes is a simple process that requires neither too much effort nor too much time. You will get some cupcakes that will really impress! By adding the filling you will not only surprise the guests, but you will also enrich the flavor of these treats. Experiment with different types of toppings.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Fill Cooked Cupcakes
Step 1. Let the cupcakes cool to room temperature
Cupcakes that are filled too soon after being baked will be too hot and most of the filling will melt. The result will not be pleasant. Let the cupcakes cool before proceeding.
Step 2. Prepare the filling
You can use pudding, whipped cream, ice cream, ganache, vanilla cream, or fruit fillings to add to cupcakes. Some types of toppings are more versatile, like lemon curd, because they can be put into cupcakes before or after baking.
Step 3. Choose a way to fill the cupcakes
There is more than one method of filling cupcakes. Choose the one that works best for you. The filling you choose may not work with a given method. For example, a thick or lumpy filling will not go through a pastry bag. For these fillings, or solids such as ice cream, the method of filling cone cucakes works best.
- Fill the cupcakes with a pastry bag. Pour the filling into a pastry bag with a narrow tip on the opening. The hole in the tip should be large enough for the filling to pass through. A star tip can also be used. Insert the tip into the cupcake to a depth of about 2.5cm. Crush the pastry bag by pressing 1 or 2 tablespoons of the filling into the cupcake.
- Add the filling to the cupcakes with the cone method. Insert a kitchen knife on top of the cupcake, angling the blade towards the center. Cut a circle from the top of the cupcake, removing a cone-shaped piece from the cupcake. Similarly, you can partially slide a nut remover into the cupcake. There will be some space left in the treat. Add some filling into the cavities with a spoon. The filling should not emerge from the top of the tart, but be just below the rim so that you can put the piece back in place. Cut the tip from the cone-shaped piece you removed earlier. Return the remaining piece to the cupcake.
Step 4. Decorate the cupcakes
Finish the process by adding frosting to the cupcakes. This will cover any holes or cuts on the surface of the cupcakes.
Method 2 of 2: Fill the Cupcakes Before Baking
Step 1. Choose the filling
If you try to fill the cupcakes before baking, most of the fillings will melt. There are some fillings, however, that can be added before baking. Good fillings to consider are chocolates, jellies, and cream cheese. Almost any type of chocolate can be used. Try with eggs or cremini, kisses or pieces of chocolate. You can also use fresh or frozen fruit, shortbread balls, bits of donut or a cake of another flavor.
Step 2. Spoon the cupcake batter into the molds until 1/3 or 1/2 full
Step 3. Add the filling
If you're using a non-solid filling, add a teaspoon or two in the center. For a solid filling, just place it on the dough.
