Sweet flavors, colorful icings, and all those pretty candy toppers. There’s certainly a lot to like about cupcakes, but everyone agrees that the best part is decorating them to suit one’s tastes. From flowers and animals to holiday-themed decorations, there’s no shortage of cupcake ideas for every occasion. In fact, the reason they’re quickly taking over cakes in American kitchens is that they’re so versatile—you can personalize them to suit the occasion and make your guests feel truly appreciated. But how can you come up with new cupcake ideas every time?
Like any kitchen project, decorating cupcakes is all about using your own creativity and following your own tastes. You can get ideas from local bakeries, magazines, or even previous parties you’ve had. It also helps if you have a theme going for your event, as you can simply decorate your cupcakes accordingly. When properly made and decorated, cupcakes can set the tone for your party and even serve as your main attraction. If you’re not sure how to start, these quick tips can give you a few ideas.
Start with basic recipes.
Cupcakes don’t have to be elaborate to be appreciated. Even simple flavors can become the star of the party with the right presentation. And by sticking to the basics, you spend less time making the cakes themselves and more time perfecting your decorations. So ditch the fancy cookbooks, grab your favorite chocolate cupcake recipe, and start baking right away. There’s a chocolate lover in everyone, so you can be sure they’ll be a great hit no matter how they’re made.
It’s not just chocolate, of course. Since cupcakes are basically just smaller cakes, you can take any cake recipe and just recreate it as a cupcake. Plain chiffon cupcakes are really easy to make and can be adjusted to suit anyone’s tastes. So if you’re baking for someone with a sweet tooth, go ahead and add more sugar. Or if you’re watching your weight, you can do the opposite and make a guilt-free version. No matter what you’re into, there’s a classic cupcake recipe that’s sure to fit.
Top off with frosting.
Some people call it frosting; others say it’s icing. In the baking industry, the main difference is that frosting is spreadable while icing is usually piped on. Whatever you call it, it’s a vital part of cupcake decorating. Not only does it add flavor to your cake, it also helps you customize each piece and make them look more appetizing. You can make basic icing with egg whites, sugar and cream, but if you’re in a real hurry, you can also just use store-bought frosting and add in some food color.
It’s also important to use the right frosting for your cupcake. For example, a lemon cream cheese frosting might go well on a carrot or gingerbread cupcake, but not on richer flavors like chocolate. One thing you can do is go for contrast: if the cupcake is rich and heavy, balance it out with a lighter icing, and vice versa. That way, they’re never too rich or too bland, and there’s a nice bit of contrast in every bite.
Stick to a theme.
As we’ve mentioned above, cupcakes are easier to decorate when you have a theme going. Try including cupcakes in your party planning so you can better plan out your cupcake decorations. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate theme—sometimes even just a dominant color or pattern can really set your event apart. Look for a theme that suits the occasion. Most cake shops carry seasonal decorating sets, so you shouldn’t have much trouble finding the right decorations.
One thing that always seem to work are animal cupcakes. Cute and colorful, these are perfect for setting off an animal party theme. Kids are sure to enjoy the little critters adorning your table, and adults will definitely appreciate your creative effort. It’s especially ideal for children’s parties, as they suit both girls’ and boys’ themes and will appeal to every child. If you’re not feeling too creative, just get some frosted cupcakes and use animal toppers to decorate them. Use a dab of frosting as glue and simply stick them on top of the cake before serving.
Use decorative liners.
You’ll notice that cupcakes usually come with paper liners at the bottom. These are not just to hold them in place—they also keep them from sticking to the pan and make them much easier to remove. Some people just use butter or oil, but cupcake liners are much neater and often double as decorative holders.
Besides the plain white cups, you can also find liners in all colors and materials, including metallic ones. Most stores also carry seasonal patterns, so you can use liners that really fit the occasion. Just arrange those colorfully lined cupcakes on a platter or cake board, and you’ve got the perfect finishing touch for your party.