Cupcakes are fast becoming the preferred dessert at parties and get-togethers. They’re simple to bake, individually sized and just right for eating on the go. Even so, cupcakes are often lacking in that special something that a towering cake lends to a party, but they don’t have to. Here are five easy ways to dress up your cupcakes for your next party.
Edible Glitter
For receptions, weddings or other fancy parties, try using a bit of edible glitter to lend some sparkle and pizzazz to the top of your cupcakes. A little dab will do for some, but others may prefer a lot. You can place stencils on top of the cupcake before the glitter is applied if you’d like to create letters or a particular design with the glitter.
Cupcake Liners
Decorative cupcake liners are a no-mess, no-fuss way to decorate cupcakes. You don’t need special tools or creative skills. Just assemble the liners and drop the cupcakes in. It’s an easy way to add an elegant or whimsical touch to an otherwise bland cupcake design. TJ Maxx usually has beautiful cupcake liners for a decent price.
Cupcake Picks
You’ve probably seen pictures, characters or words sticking out of cupcakes on picks. These cupcake picks are a popular way to jazz up those tasty treats. Just match the character to the theme of the party or use a monogrammed cupcake pick. Create your own by using stickers and toothpicks. If you’d like black picks instead of wood-colored ones, wrap them in electrical tape first.
Fill the Center
This isn’t decorative so much as it is delicious, but adding filling to the center of your cupcakes will make you and your cupcakes the life of the party. You can purchase a special tool for this purpose or simply scoop or cut out the middle and fill it yourself with jelly or pudding.
Add Toppings
You don’t need professional cake decorating skills to beautify the tops of your cupcakes. This can easily be accomplished by adding and arranging some of your favorite toppings. Do you enjoy fruit? Try placing slices of strawberries, lemon or whole berries on top of the icing in interesting patterns. Not a fan of fruit? Try nuts instead.
Walnuts, almonds, cashews and pecans all make delicious cake toppings. Make sure that none of your party guests have nut allergies before using this method, or simply put out some plain cupcakes without the nut topping. Other yummy toppings include your favorite crushed cookies or chocolate shavings from a decadent chocolate bar.
PS: See more cupcake and cookie fun on our Pinterest board:
Smart and fun! Gotta love pretty cupcakes!!