Description
Whimsical Gnome Cupcakes are delightful vanilla or chocolate cupcakes topped with creamy buttercream frosting and charming fondant decorations shaped like gnomes. These festive treats feature colorful fondant hats, cute facial features, and mini chocolate chip noses, making them perfect for parties and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcakes
- 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
- 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 mix according to the box instructions or your homemade recipe. Pour the batter into the liners, filling about two-thirds full.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Add vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Adjust milk to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting evenly on each cupcake using a knife or spatula.
- Make the Gnome Hats and Faces: Roll out red fondant into a cone shape for hats; place on top of frosted cupcakes. Roll skin-tone fondant into flattened circles for faces and position below hats.
- Add the Nose: Shape a small white fondant ball and press a mini chocolate chip into it. Attach this to the fondant face as the nose.
- Add Facial Features: Use an edible marker to draw eyes, smiles, and other facial details on the fondant faces. Additional fondant can be used for eyebrows and eyes if desired.
- Finishing Touches: Optionally, sprinkle edible glitter on hats or cupcakes for a magical sparkle effect.
- Serve and Enjoy: Present your charming gnome cupcakes at parties or special occasions and enjoy eating them with friends and family.
Notes
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- You can substitute cake mix with your favorite homemade cake batter.
- Use cornstarch to prevent fondant from sticking while rolling it out.
- Edible markers are food-safe and specifically designed for decorating fondant.
- Fondant colors can be customized to create different gnome styles.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
