Description
These whimsical Gnome Cupcakes combine classic vanilla or chocolate cake with creamy buttercream frosting and charming fondant decorations. Perfect for parties and special occasions, each cupcake is topped with a handmade gnome hat, face, and adorable details like a mini chocolate chip nose and edible glitter for a magical touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla or chocolate cake mix (or homemade recipe)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water (or as per box instructions)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
Frosting Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Decorations
- 1/4 lb fondant (white, red, and skin tone colors)
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch (for rolling the fondant)
- 1 small edible marker (for facial features)
- 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips (for gnome noses)
- Edible glitter (optional, for extra sparkle)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cupcakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Prepare the cake batter according to the box instructions or your homemade recipe. Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full with batter.
- Bake: Bake the cupcakes for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons milk. Add more milk if needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting evenly over each cupcake using a spatula or butter knife.
- Make the Gnome Hats and Faces: Roll out red fondant into small cones to form gnome hats and place on top of each frosted cupcake. Roll skin-tone fondant into small flattened circles to create faces and position them just below the hats.
- Add the Nose: Roll a small ball of white fondant and gently press a mini chocolate chip into it to form the nose. Attach the nose to the fondant face.
- Add Facial Features: Using an edible marker, draw eyes, smiles, or other facial details on the fondant faces. Additional fondant pieces can be used to create eyes and eyebrows if desired.
- Finishing Touches: Optionally, sprinkle edible glitter onto the hats or cupcakes for a magical sparkle.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your charming Gnome Cupcakes are ready to serve as a delightful treat for children’s parties or festive occasions.
Notes
- You can customize frosting color or flavor by adding food coloring or extracts.
- Fondant can be prepared ahead and stored wrapped tightly to retain moisture.
- The edible marker is food-safe; do not use regular markers.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Edible glitter is optional but adds a beautiful finishing touch perfect for celebrations.
