This Handy Guide Tells You Everything You Need To Know About Frosting Cupcakes

Everyone loves cupcakes. They come in a variety of flavors, shapes and sizes, and there’s something out there to win everyone’s heart. What sets cupcakes apart — besides their moist texture and clean look — is the frosting on it. From fondant art to swirls and flowers, bakers have invented several different ways of decorating a cupcake. And today, we’re going to discuss everything about frosting, from the equipment you need to the type of practice you need to do and everything in between.

Frosting adds elegance and panache to a cupcake. It’s a fun way of being creative and adding individuality to your baked treats. It's also fun and exciting, and something you should definitely try yout hand at, irrespective of whether you're a beginner or a seasoned baker. It's a skill worth acquiring because frosting takes your cupcakes to the next level.

First off, you’ll need well baked cupcakes that have been taken out of the oven and have cooled considerably. You’ll also need some well made, good consistency frosting. It can be buttercream, cream cheese, chocolate or any other flavor, depending on the flavor profiles and combinations you're going for.

Here’s some basic equipment you should have on you to get you started on your frosting journey:

• Piping bag
• Piping tips (star tip, round tip, etc.)
• Offset spatula or butter knife
• Optional: food coloring, sprinkles, edible decorations

The first thing you have to do is prepare your frosting. If you're using store brought frosting, you’ll need to transfer it to a bowl and beat it with a mixer for a few minutes until it's smooth and fluffy. Essentially, it needs to become fresh again, because it loses some of its lustre when sitting in a can. If, on the other hand, you're making homemade frosting, make sure to follow the recipe exactly and ensure you have a good consistency — it should be whippable and shapeable, not too runny, but also not too stiff.

Once you have achieved the desired consistency for your frosting, you have to fill it into your piping bag. First, cut a small triangle out from the edge of the piping bag and place your piping tip of choice in there. Then add the frosting, and be careful not to overfill it. Once the bag is 3/4th way full, twist the top of the bag a few times to secure the frosting inside and remove any trapped air.

Before you start the actual frosting, make sure your cupcakes have cooled completely. If you try to frost on warm cupcakes, the frosting could melt and slide off, not just spoiling the cupcakes but also creating a mess. You can also level the tops of your cupcakes with a knife or cupcake corer, so you have an even surface to work with. This step isn't mandatory but is recommended for beginners who are still getting a grasp of working with frosting. Also, your design might demand a flat surface, in which case don't forget to do this step before adding the frosting.

Now, pipe the frosting. Hold the piping bag at a 90-degree angle against the cupcake. Start with the outer edge and pipe a swirl around the edges, creating a spiral as you go in, until eventually you've reached the centre. Continue swirling in the same rhythmic motion until you've achieved the height you want. Another option is to hold the piping bag straight in the middle of the cupcake and put a dollop of frosting in the center. Then use a butter knife or offset spatula to spread it outwards. For more advanced bakers, you can try creating petals, with a bud in the middle and petals going outward all around it. There are several other frosting options — remember, you're only limited by your imagination. But if you're new to frosting and still trying to master the basics, start with these techniques.

Also try experimenting with different piping tips to create different effects. Common shapes include flowers and petals, stars and ruffles. If your frosting is white, you can also add food coloring to create a more fun and colorful design, especially if you're creating themed cupcakes.

Quick tips:

• Before you go on the actual cupcake, practice your design on parchment paper a few times. This way, your hand will get the hang of the motion it's supposed to carry on, and the frosting on your cupcake will turn out neater and more presentable.
• If the frosting is too stiff, add a bit of milk or cream to loosen it up. If it's too soft or runny, add more powdered sugar to make it thicker.
• When you're working on your cupcakes, keep the bowl with the rest of the frosting covered up with a damp towel or plastic wrap. This prevents your frosting from drying out.

Once your frosting is on, you can add decorations to it. This can include sprinkles, edible glitter, or brown sugar, nuts, cookie pieces, brownie bits, or anything else that you wish to add on top. For more intricate designs, use gum paste or fondant.

Don't underestimate the power of presentation. Once your cupcakes are ready, place them on an elegant platter or a dessert tray, especially if they are mini cupcakes. Pair them with a good beverage and you're sure to impress whoever you're feeding.