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 have of this little cakes in my home because I love to eat one every afternoon with my coffee
thanks for the inspiring post! they look so pretty. can i ask what colors you used for that picture with the cupcake assortment? i'm just starting out and wanting to buy a few starter colors from americolors but am unsure which few to get. what would be your top few colors from americolors if you had to choose? thanks!!
Fantastic recipe. I'll never buy that digusting frosting from the grocery store again! Made neon green cream cheese frosting w/ dinosaur sprinkles for my 4 yo's birthday.
BEAUTIFUL, I Hope I can get some of those nozzles. Love the patterns. I always look around 4 large size nozzles without much luck. These are picture perfect & the colours, just what I like. Many thanks for sharing. GoD Bless, Lotsa love:-}
Great info! I've had trouble finding couplers to fit my large tips, so I will try to use them without.
I saw this on pinterest and I'm glad I stopped over here so I could admire all the cute cupcake photos! I love the color icing and this is SOOO helpful for knowing how to frost cupcakes and get cute patterns. Thanks for posting.
My children are now grown but I've made all of their birthday cakes for as long as I can remember. Everyone would oh and ah over the finished results but really I'm not a cake decorator. It is amazing how finished a cake looks with just a couple of frosting tips to 'trim' the bottom edge and put some decoration on the top isn't it?
Love the cupcakes…and even this old dog learned a new trick. Thanks!
It looks so easy when you do it! I'm planning a baby shower soon and will use this technique. Do you have any suggestions on how to color the frosting without food coloring? I want to keep it as natural as possible.
That was an awesome post. U r a great teacher. Thank u so much.xoxo
Thank you for the perfect explanation about frosting cupcakes.