Gnome Cupcakes Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cupcakes are a fun and creative way to add a whimsical touch to your celebrations. With a soft vanilla base and creamy buttercream frosting, they’re not just visually appealing but delicious too. The decorating process is easy and allows for a lot of creativity, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• ½ cup whole milk

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 3 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)

• Food coloring (various colors for gnome hats and beards)

For Decoration:

• Round white candy pearls (for noses)

• Small fondant flowers or sprinkles (optional, for extra charm)

• Piping tips (star and round tips for beards and hats)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Cupcakes
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Stir in vanilla extract. Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with milk until just combined. Fill cupcake liners ⅔ full and bake for 18-20 minutes. Cool completely.

2. Prepare the Buttercream Frosting
   Beat butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Divide the frosting into separate bowls and color each with different food colorings.

3. Decorate the Gnome Cupcakes
   Pipe a zigzag beard with star tip, and create a pointed hat with a round tip. Place a candy pearl for the nose, and add extra decorations if desired.

4. Serve and Enjoy!
   Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 cupcakes

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 18-20 minutes

• Total time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Flavored Cupcakes: Swap the vanilla base for chocolate or another flavor to fit the theme of your celebration.

• Different Frosting Colors: Customize the colors of the gnome hats to fit specific occasions or themes.

• Use Fondant: For a smoother, more refined look, use fondant instead of frosting for the hats and beards.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 1 week, but let them come to room temperature before serving. For longer storage, freeze the cupcakes without frosting for up to 3 months.

FAQs

1. Can I use a cake mix for these cupcakes?

Yes, you can use a cake mix if you prefer a quicker option. Just follow the instructions on the box and proceed with the frosting and decoration.

2. Can I make these cupcakes in advance?

Yes, you can make the cupcakes a day or two ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.

3. Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes without frosting. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

4. Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, store-bought frosting can be used as a shortcut, but homemade buttercream gives a fresher taste.

5. How do I prevent the frosting from melting?

Make sure your cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting them, as warm cupcakes can cause the frosting to melt.

6. Can I make these cupcakes without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a flaxseed mixture or another egg replacement if needed.

7. Can I make different sized gnome cupcakes?

Yes, you can use mini cupcake liners for smaller versions of the gnome cupcakes.

8. How do I color my frosting evenly?

Add food coloring gradually to avoid making the frosting too dark. Mix well after each addition.

9. What can I use for the gnome hats instead of frosting?

You can use colored fondant to create a smoother look for the hats, especially if you’re aiming for a more polished appearance.

10. How do I decorate if I don’t have piping tips?

You can use a Ziploc bag with the tip cut off or create simple beards and hats by spreading frosting with a spatula.

Conclusion

These Gnome Cupcakes are a delightful and whimsical treat that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to enjoy. The creativity involved in decorating makes it fun for both kids and adults, while the rich vanilla cupcakes and buttery frosting are sure to please your taste buds. Make these adorable treats for your next party or celebration and watch them steal the show!

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