Cupcakes are a much-loved dessert that mimic your favorite cakes in a smaller size. Cupcakes come in endless flavors and varieties, but one of the most important aspects of any cupcake recipe is the frosting. The frosting is what gives your cupcake its character, and how you frost it determines how eye-catching it turns out to be. Smooth frosting is one of the best ways to create a cupcake that looks professionally decorated, and learning how to achieve this look is often the first step in creating new and exciting cupcake designs.
Step 1
Line your baked cupcakes up on your work surface or on a large baking sheet.
Step 2
Transfer your white frosting into a small bowl.
Step 3
Stir the frosting several times with your butter knife to get it ready to spread.
Step 4
Scoop a small amount of frosting out of the bowl using your butter knife and scrape it onto the surface of one of the cupcakes.
Step 5
Spread the frosting over the entire surface of the cupcake using your butter knife.
Step 6
Place your butter knife sideways on end of the cupcake and gently drag it across the frosting, smoothing it as you go.
Step 7
Repeat with each of the remaining cupcakes, placing them on your work surface or baking sheet as you go.
Step 8
Add decorations, if desired.
Tips and Warnings
- Warm your frosting in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to make it slightly melted and a bit easier to spread evenly and smoothly. A small rubber spatula may help you smooth your frosting better than a butter knife. Smooth the flat surface of the rubber spatula over the frosting to even it out and make it smooth. Some kitchen supply and craft stores sell cupcake knives or pastry knives designed specifically for frosting cupcakes and cakes. Decorate your cupcakes with your favorite toppings. Sprinkles, tiny candies or piped on frosting can all add to the appearance of your smoothly frosted cupcakes. Tint your frosting a color using food coloring, if desired. Liquid food coloring is simple to use and gel food colorings come in a large array of colors to match the event you are frosting cupcakes for.
- Do not line the frosting cupcakes up close to each other as you frost them. Leave a small amount of space between each frosted cupcake so the smooth surface frosting does not get ruined by being touched by other cupcakes.
Things You'll Need
- 24 cupcakes baked in paper wrappers
- Large baking sheet
- 1 canister of white frosting
- Small bowl
- Butter knife
References
- "Hello, Cupcake!: Irresistibly Playful Creations Anyone Can Make"; Karen Tack and Alan Richardson; 2008
- "Betty Crocker Big Book of Cupcakes"; Betty Crocker; 2011
- Culinary Institute of America; Piping Icing and Decorating Cupcakes
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