Category "Cakes"

Learn just how easy it is to frost a batch of beautiful cupcakes in just minutes! I’m sharing my biggest tips and tricks for how to decorate cupcakes with big swirls of icing.

If you’re anything like me, you have wondered time and time again how others seem to decorate cupcakes so effortlessly. Twirls and swirls of buttercream piled high on a soft little cake, resulting in cupcakes that look like they’ve stepped out of your favourite bakery.

For a long time, I struggled to decorate beautiful cupcakes until I found out a few little tips and tricks.

So say goodbye to those cupcakes slathered with messy dollops of frosting with these simple tips and tricks.

THE PIPING NOZZLE.

First things first – the piping nozzle is SUPER important. Strangely, in Australia at least, it seems most piping kits come with a selection of nozzles that are all really really small.

I couldn’t understand why my icing always squirted out in small worm-like shapes, while others were getting these generous rounds of icing. Turns out, it’s all about the nozzle.

As soon as I found a large nozzle, it made all the difference. I really can’t stress this enough. So if you are having trouble, make sure you get hold of a nice big nozzle – around 1.5cm in width.

I’ve had luck finding them in kitchen or cake stores just sold loose – rather than in a cake decorating kit.

Check out how easy it is to pipe cupcakes when you have the right nozzle in the video below

THE PIPING BAG.

Good piping bags can also make a big difference. In my experience, some fabric piping bags are too rigid which makes it harder to get a smooth run of icing but rather results in air bubbles.

Plastic or disposable piping bags are fantastic as they are easy to use and have a lot of ‘give’, making it easy to get those swirls of beautiful frosting.

THE FROSTING.

You need a frosting with the right consistency in order for it to hold its shape. When I’m using buttercream icing, you could literally turn the bowl upside down and nothing would come out – that’s how thick it is.

On the other hand, if it’s too thick, it may be hard to squeeze out of your piping nozzle. So play around with the consistency.

Be careful when adding milk or liquid to your buttercream – just add 1 tablespoon at a time until it’s smooth and creamy but still thick enough to hold its shape.

And remember practise makes perfect!