Frosting tops off cupcakes with a sweet and decorative finish. Two common methods of frosting cupcakes are smooth tops using a spatula or swirled tops using a pastry bag and decorating tip. Buttercream frosting works well with either method. You can also tint the frosting before icing the cupcakes or add sprinkles and other decorations once the cupcakes are frosted. Experiment with different frosting methods to find the technique that looks the best to you.
Smooth
Step 1
Cool the cupcakes completely on a cooling rack. They should be cool to the touch, because as any warmth from the cake melts the frosting and can make it slide off the cupcake.
Step 2
Add a few drops of food coloring to the buttercream if you want colored frosting. Stir the icing until the color mixes in completely without any streaks of darker color.
Step 3
Scoop about 3 tbsp. of frosting onto each cupcake. Adjust the amount if you bake smaller or larger cupcakes, or if you prefer more or less frosting.
Step 4
Hold the cupcake with one hand as you spread the frosting over the top with a knife or offset spatula. Spread the icing smooth out toward the edges of the cupcakes. Make the layer of frosting even in thickness.
Step 5
Add sprinkles or decorations before the frost sets, so they stick.
Swirled
Step 1
Tint the frosting with food coloring in the desired color. Stir thoroughly for consistent coloring.
Step 2
Attach a large round or star tip to the end of a pastry bag. A round tip makes the swirl look smooth. A star tip adds ridges to the swirls.
Step 3
Fill the pastry bag halfway with frosting. Twist the bag just above the frosting so it doesn't squirt out the top.
Step 4
Start with the tip at the outer edge of the cupcake. Squeeze the bag with even pressure to move the frosting onto the cupcake. Move the tip around the outer edge of the cupcake, and gradually move it in toward the middle.
Step 5
Release your pressure on the pastry bag as you reach the center of the cupcake. Move the tip of the pastry bag up to form a peak on the swirl.
Tips and Warnings
- Using a pastry bag and tip takes practice, so be patient.
Things You'll Need
- Cooling rack
- Food coloring
- Buttercream frosting
- Spatula
- Pastry bag
- Icing tip
