Ever wonder how bakeries make those fancy cupcakes? Well you don't have to wonder anymore as I will tell you the secret! It's all about using the right frosting and piping tools. I am going to give you step by step instructions on making the cutest cupcakes.
1. Bake cupcakes (any kind you want) and let them cool for at least 15-20 minutes in the cake pan before releasing them. You don't want them to sit in the pans too long. Allow them to further cool until they are no longer warm to the touch.
2. While your cupcakes are cooling, start to prepare your frosting. I pledge my allegiance to Cake Love's Italian Meringue Buttercream. I was intimidated by this recipe for the longest time and for what reason, I don't know why. PLEASE try it! - I promise you will thank me later! The buttercream is light, not too sweet, stable, super easy to use, and holds it shape for all and any of your creative piping designs. Can I add it's super delicious and easily flavored to your palette's content? Warren Brown has a video on you tube that will take you through the entire process. I've made the buttercream with a handheld mixer and a kitchen aid mixer - either one works and produces equally delicious results! See link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxWmiHRTMz8
Ingredients:
- 5 egg whites
- 4 sticks of butter (softened, room temperature)
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 1/4 cup of sugar (superfine or regular sugar)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Equipment:
- electric mixer (handheld or stand up mixer)
- candy thermometer (worth buying to make this buttercream - you'll use this over and over!)
- saucepan
- rubber spatula
- FAITH - you have to believe you can make this - during the process the buttercream can look curdled but as you continue to mix the buttercream, it will become this wonderfully silky creation that is heavenly. I can't give enough praise can I? :)
3. Once you've made the italian meringue buttercream, you can start frosting your cupcakes. I like to make fancy swirls with the 1M tip. 1M is the size/shape of piping tip from the Wilton cake piping equipment line. I also use Wilton disposable piping bags. A box of 100 disposable piping bags costs $20 at Wilton. But I always buy them using the weekly 40-50% coupon they have online or in their weekly circular. With the coupon, you can easily get a box of them for $10-$12, making each bag cost about 0.10 - $0.12. They are worth every penny.
How to set up a piping bag with the 1M piping tip"
Insert the tip inside the piping bag, with the pointy part of the tip first. Use a scissor to cut around the tip (half way of the tip length). This should expose the tip just enough for the frosting to come out yet not too far out so that the tip stays in place while you are piping.
Fill the piping bag with buttercream about 1/2-2/3 full. Twist the top and hold piping bag with your entire palm and the twist between your thumb and forefinger. Hold the piping bag straight up and down (not on an angle).
Make a swirl starting with the outside edge of the cupcake until you reach the center. As you reach the center, release and pull the piping bag up to make the peak. If you want a more loftier top, you can make another swirl starting further in from the edge and overlapping the frosting below it.
Top the cupcake with pre-made sugar decorations, fondant creations, sprinkles, or whatever you desire. Your decorating options are endless.
Cupcakes are probably one of the most simplest and rewarding desserts to make. They are absolutely versatile and easy to doll up!
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