One topic that I often receive questions on, is how to frost cupcakes. I’ve been wanting to post on this topic for some time, but wanted to do a nice complete post, something that would be a nice reference for you to come back to. I hope this post will be a good resource for you. I remember when I first started decorating cupcakes I too was very interested in (and intimidated by) creating a beautiful swirl on cupcakes. After doing it only a few time I found that filling a piping bag and adding a nice swirl of frosting on cupcakes is actually much easier and quicker than spreading frosting!
A few tips to get you started…
In order for the frosting to have enough body (be thick enough) to hold up, you need a good frosting to start with. Make sure not to add to much liquid, or allow your ingredients to be too warm. I would not recommend using canned (pre-made) frosting to pipe on cupcakes, it’s usually not firm enough to hold up. I have heard of people adding powdered sugar to canned frosting to thicken it… but if you are going to do that, it’s just as easy to make it yourself.
I’ve posted recipes for American Buttercream, and Cream Cheese Frosting, the two frostings I use most of the time. Swiss Meringue Buttercream (explained beautifully by Rosie of Sweetapolita) also makes a beautiful frosting for piping.
(Left to Right) Large round tip, Open star (Wilton 1M), Closed star (Wilton 2D), French tip
To frost cupcakes, you’ll want to use a large (sometimes called jumbo) decorating tip. The four most common shapes (openings) are shown above. The Wilton 1M and 2D are often available at craft stores, the others you may have to buy on-line. I like to use a coupler to hold my tips in place, for these large tips you’ll need a large coupler as well. Large tips can also be used without a coupler, by simply setting the tip inside the bag, then filling with frosting.
Sources-
And for a grand finale… my first ever video! Simple and to the point, but I think it’s sometimes helpful to just see something done from start to finish. Enjoy!
P.S. No, my counters are not dirty, yes the grout is brown… that is the color of the grout. My kitchen (and counters) are original to my house, which was built in 1958. They’re old.
Have fun experimenting with different tips and frostings. Use concentrated gel coloring to color your frosting (like Americolor or Wilton). Add some sprinkles, and you’ve got a beautiful and delicious treat!
Several other posts you may find helpful as you learn to make beautiful cupcakes…
How to Bake Cupcakes (tips to help you bake beautiful and delicious cupcakes)
Cupcake Liners (answers to common questions, and my favorite liners)
Happy decorating!
I never did anything in cakes always bought them well i started working in a bakery about 2 yrs ago and have learned soo much , I made roses but with the rose tips and the little platform did pretty well but could never do it for cupcakes I ran across your web site and you made it look way fun and easy so now I can't wait to get back to work and try the rose one for mothers day on cupcakes thank you soooo much have a blessed day
This is such a great post! I've search online before for tips about how to front cupcakes and haven't found anything really useful. Thank you so much for sharing this!!
You are such an inspiration!! Since I found your blog and found you on facebook I follow you and check everyday to see what you are up to. Since I started I haventbought either cupcakes or cookies for my 3 year old daughter and my 9 year old son. I have had very successfull parties and the kids keep telling my kids specially my son tell your mom to send cookies to school..lol yes they ask for my cookies on special ocasions and all thanks to you!!! Thank you very much Glory!!
Thank you Gloria!!!!
Thanks for the tips and tricks I am going to test them out and try your american frosting icing recipe too.
So cute! You make it look so easy breezy. I'm making cupcakes today and for some reason I can never get the decorating quite right. I love the whole putting the bag in the cup to fill it thing. I know that's silly but it just made so much more sense then going through the aggravation of trying to fill it while it's falling all over the place. Haha! I'm easily impressed…what can I say?
What a beautiful collection of Frosting, colours and cup cakes, could eat a few now. Thanks for sharing with us.xx
I have looked for hours at cupcake decorating. Thank goodness I found your site. Thank you ssoooooo much and I will keep looking xx UK
How helpful is this post! So cool! Thanks for sharing this. And look at all those cupcakes in that top shot. Yummmm.
Thanks for the twist on the frosting recipe(cream cheese). It was both tasty and workable. It's now my standard of excellence.