Cupcake Decorating Ideas

There are many simple techniques that will help you decorate cakes and make them fascinating. Even the most modest-looking cupcakes can be made tempting with some decorating techniques. All that you require are some cake decorating tools, edible colors, chocolate (Candy Melt) and icing pen.

Cupcake Decorating Ideas

Swirl
It is the simplest and easiest form of cake decoration. You need a star-pointed icing pen, decorating bag and buttercream icing.

1. Fill the decorating bag with icing.
2. Hold the pen above the cup cake and pipe in the cream in spiral shape, starting from outer edge to the inner. Ease the pressure and pull the tip away.
3. Now, make a second spiral at the center (not as wide as the previous). Stop, and pull it upwards straight away.

Ganache or Melted Chocolate
Ganache is a frosting made with chocolate and cream.

1. Place your cupcake upside down once it is completely baked and cooled. Pour ganache or melted chocolate over the cupcake, till it is completely covered.
2. Let it set until it is firm. Sketch designs using icing pen.

Center Filling
You will need a round-tipped icing pen, decorating bag and your favorite icing or jam.

1. Fill the decorating bag with icing or jam.
2. Insert the tip, from the top of the cupcake up to its center.
3. Now, squeeze out some icing or jam. That's it! When you cut the cupcake into half or have a bite, you will find a delicious filling in the center.

Chocolate-flavored Cups
You will need melted chocolate, a spatula and baking cups.

1. Take a baking cup and apply a thick coat of melted chocolate using the spatula.
2. Refrigerate it, until the coating is set.
3. Now, take it out of the refrigerator and peel out the paper cup.
4. Your chocolate-flavored cup is ready! You can fill it with chocolate, jam, icing or nuts.

Candy Clay Flowers
For making these flowers, you will need candy clay, flower cutter, icing pen. Candy clay can be prepared by melting 'Candy Melts', as per the directions on the package. Add corn syrup, stir and let it set on a sheet, overnight. You can use different colors to make flowers of various colors.

1. Trace shapes of flowers on candy clay and cut them, using a flower cutter.
2. Stick the flowers on the top of the cupcakes with edible glue and decorate, using icing pens or food writers.

Lace Patterns
You will need an icing pen, colorful icing, decorating bag. The most important factor, here, is the color that you choose. Select attractive colors to make your cupcakes alluring.

1. Fill the decorating bag with icing.
2. With the help of an icing pen, make lace patterns like loops, dots, filets or shells on your cupcakes.

Alternatively,

1. You can trace a lace pattern on a parchment paper. (do not trace complex patterns as it will be difficult to outline them with icing)
2. Outline the pattern with icing and let it set for several hours.
3. Once it is firmly set, carefully remove the paper and place the design on your cupcake.

Fondant
Fondants are made of sugar, water and edible color. The mixture is stirred, cooled and made into a soft-ball stage. It can be rolled into sheets.

1. Cut the fondant in circular shape and draw facial features on it with food writers.
2. Stick the fondant on your cupcake with edible glue.

Alternatively,

1. Cut white colored fondant into circular shape.
2. Fill the decorating bag with black colored icing.
3. Draw lines on the fondant like that on a football (soccer ball). You can make a basketball or even a clock using the same method, but different colors, of course.

Whipped Cream Icing

1. Mix whipped cream with sugar and beat it. Stop beating when stiff peaks form.
2. Allow this mixture to cool in the refrigerator.
3. Put the mixture on top of the cupcake and allow it to cool, once more.
4. When it is cooled, put chopped fruits like strawberries, cherries or nuts on the cream and your decorated cupcake is ready to serve.

Choosing the right color, is the key to make your cupcakes attractive and tempting. Always remember that icing and decoration on cakes should be done only after the cakes are cooled. This way, the color and icing will be perfectly set. Numerous designs can be made using these techniques. Once you master these techniques, you can be creative and make your own designs. Try out these cupcake decorating ideas and have fun!