Handmade Conversations — How to Decorate Cupcakes

Posted by on Aug 20, 2013

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Today, we're excited to interview cupcake baker and author Bridget Thibeault about her new book, "Cupcake Decorating Lab: 52 Techniques, Recipes, and Inspiring Designs for Your Favorite Sweet Treats!"

You can also find her baking away at Luna Bakery Cafe.

Bridget, congrats on your book Cupcake Decorating Lab! What are your favorite frosting tips/advice for working with basic buttercream?

The recipe for Swiss Meringue Buttercream in the book is a favorite of mine. It is light, not too sweet and very easy to make. It needs to be at room temperature to enjoy, so be sure to let your cupcakes sit out for a few minutes before eating. When working with this buttercream, it can get very soft, like butter, if it's a hot day or very cold and hard to pipe if it's too cool. You can easily adjust the temperature by popping it in the refrigerator or warming it in the microwave or double boiler.

I've seen how sugared fruits and flowers can make really pretty cupcakes for weddings or showers. What are some other unique cupcake ideas for special events?

There are 52 great ideas in the book! Weddings and showers have gotten so creative — I love our peanut butter & jelly cupcakes in a Mason jar, as a fun favor. Some of my favorites for kids' parties are placing decorated sugar cookies on top of frosted cupcakes or making animal shapes using candy and cookies. We also show you how to make fun movie night cupcakes with caramel corn and chocolate covered soft serve cupcakes baked in an ice cream cone.

Your book is filled with cute cupcake ideas for working with fondant. How can I get started working with fondant as a beginner?

I always tell people that if you have used play dough, you can work with fondant. It is a very similar consistency. Fondant is also a fun activity for kids and you don't have to worry about them eating it. As a beginner, you want to start with a clean surface, dusted with corn starch or powdered sugar to prevent sticking. I have a separate small plastic rolling pin that I use only for fondant, because it does pick up every last bit of lint or excess dough that might be on your wood rolling pin. Knead your fondant until pliable and you are ready to roll out or sculpt into any design. Keep excess pieces of fondant wrapped tightly with plastic wrap so it doesn't dry out.

What do you love most about decorating cupcakes?

I love decorating cupcakes because they are quick to make and much less intimidating than frosting a large cake. And I always bake extra because then you can practice on a few and eat those — a good chef always tastes before serving! Cupcakes are also a great activity for a group of kids or adults to make together. I like the interaction and to see what creative ideas others have for their cupcakes.


If you were to put together a beginner's cupcake decorating kit, what supplies would you definitely include?

I'd include these items:
- pastry bag
- small offset spatula (4")
- big plain round pastry tip (Ateco #806)
- star tip (Ateco #826)
- sprinkles
- colored nonpareils
- gel or paste food coloring
- fun colorful or patterned cupcake liners

Do you love to cook new recipes, bake appetizing desserts or whip up healthy snacks for your family? Snap a pic of your most delicious kitchen creation and upload it as a project at CraftFoxes! We’ll pick our favorites from each week to feature, and we’ll be back next Tuesday with more appetizing inspirations.



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