Do you like cupcakes with a lot of icing or a little bit of icing? Everyone seems to have a different opinion about the best ratio between cake and icing, but we can all agree that a cupcake wouldn't be complete without the sweet, sugary part on the top. Read on to learn basic methods for decorating cupcakes with icing, how to make spiral icing, and ideas for decorating your cake.
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Method 1 of 3: Decorating Cupcakes with Icing
Step 1. Choose a cupcake and icing combination
Some cupcakes taste great without the icing, but there are some classic cupcake and icing flavors that go well together. Consider these options when you're planning what cupcakes you're going to make:
- Yellow cupcake with chocolate icing: This is the ultimate birthday party cupcake mix.
- Chocolate cupcake with vanilla icing: The sweetness of the icing balances the deep chocolate flavor.
- Red velvet cupcake (red) with cream cheese icing, which is also a party favorite.
- Carrot cake or spice cake is usually also paired with cream cheese icing.
Step 2. Make one cupcake pan
Depending on your knowledge, you can make it by looking at a recipe book or by looking at the instructions on the cupcake ingredients box.
Step 3. Allow the cupcakes to cool after baking
If you try to decorate the cupcakes while they are still warm, the icing will be runny and won't stick together.
Step 4. Prepare the icing
Make your icing from scratch using your favorite recipe, or if you are using ready-made icing, use a spoon to stir it.
Step 5. Take your cupcakes from the pan
Place it on a flat and spacious surface so you can decorate freely.
- If you want to serve the cupcakes in wrapping paper, leave the paper alone. Or you can throw away the wrapping paper now if you are going to serve it paperless.
- If you decide to throw away the wrapping paper, be careful not to damage the cupcakes.
Step 6. Take the icing with a butter knife or spatula
Spread gently on the surface of the cupcake. Create a single layer of icing that covers the entire surface of the cupcake. Add as much icing as you want.
- Different icing textures will produce different results. The finished icing is usually a bit tough and sticky and easy to apply. Homemade icing can be stiffer. When you spread it all over the surface, be careful not to damage the cake.
- You can buy icing in different colors from the supermarket if you want to write on cupcakes or create colorful designs. You may want to create your initials, age, favorite color, or favorite team.
Step 7. Add decorations
Use sprinkles or other sugar decorations to add the finishing touch to your cupcakes.
Step 8. Save the cupcakes
Place the cupcakes in an airtight container. If you aren't going to eat it in the next few days, just put it in the fridge, so the icing doesn't get soggy.
Method 2 of 3: Making Icing Spiral
Step 1. Purchase a cake decorating bag and a large funnel tip
Cake decorations are used to spread icing on cakes through their various shaped funnels. The design of the funnel produces smooth, pointed, or star-shaped icing. When you are ready to decorate the cupcakes, attach the funnel to the pouch following the installation instructions.
- Check out our selection of cake decorating pouches and funnels at the supermarket or cookware store.
- A larger icing funnel will result in a better finish for spiral icing. Smaller funnels are used for writing or creating small decorative elements.
- Make your own decorating bag by cutting the end of the plastic bottom of your bread into a small hole. You'll be able to attach the funnel to your homemade pouch.
Step 2. Make a cupcake pan and let it cool
Place the cupcakes on a flat surface to prepare them to be decorated.
Step 3. Make the icing
Spiral icing is more suitable to be made from stiffer icing so that the shape remains strong. Since most store-bought icings tend to be tough, it's best to make your own.
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Use this basic recipe to make classic buttercream icing, which is perfect for swirl icing. Just beat the ingredients below, add a little more milk if the result is too stiff. You can add vanilla or other flavorings and add a few drops of food coloring if desired:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), mashed
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp milk
Step 4. Fill the decorating bag with icing
It's easier to control this bag when the icing is only half full. Use a small spatula to scoop the icing into the bag. Twist the bottom of the bag so the icing doesn't spill as you decorate.
Step 5. Practice decorating with an icing funnel onto a plate
Holding the bottom of the bag with one hand and aiming the funnel with the other, press down on the bag and move the bag in a circle. Make sure the icing flows smoothly and you can control the amount of icing that comes out.
- If the icing doesn't flow smoothly, check to make sure the funnel is in place.
- Practice making loops until you can use the decorating funnel well.
Step 6. Decorate the circular icing on the cupcake
Position the funnel over the center of the cake. Add icing. Now with a little pressure, starting from the outer edge of the cupcake work your way to the center in a spiral. Raise it up at the end. When you get to the top, stop pressing and gently pull to create a fine icing tip.
If you don't like the first result, just scrape off the cake icing, put it back in the decorating bag and try again. Make sure you don't scrape the cake either
Method 3 of 3: Decorating Cupcakes
Step 1. Write the letters of the birthday child's name
Make cupcakes with white icing, and use a different color of icing to write the birthday child's name on it, with one letter above each cupcake. Arrange a cupcake and use it as the centerpiece of a birthday party decoration.
Step 2. Make cupcake ice cream
For food in summer, don't use traditional icing, just use ice cream. Let the ice cream soften in the bowl for a few minutes, then use a knife to spread it over the cupcakes like you would with icing. Serve immediately.
Step 3. Make a butterfly cupcake
Use half a pretzel and chocolate candy to make miniature butterflies on a cupcake. After you bake and decorate the cupcake. Use chocolate candies to make the butterfly's body, and stick pretzels as wings on the side.
Step 4. Make the cupcake flags
Draw a heart, flower, or other design on a piece of heavy paper, then cut it out and glue it to a toothpick. Stick them on cupcakes to serve as party "flags".
Tips
- Store cupcakes at room temperature or colder. If you leave it in direct sunlight, the icing will melt.
- If you don't want to spend money on decorating bags, use a plastic bag and a funnel.
- If you don't want to make your own icing or are having a hard time making it, Betty Crocker's vanilla or chocolate icing would be perfect, don't put it in the fridge if you're making cupcakes that day or the next day.
