Most cupcakes are decorated with a piping bag, but what if you don't have one, or just want to try something simpler and a bit different? Here's how to frost cupcakes with a spoon.
Using a spoon is easier for little hands and first time bakers to master, it's also a perfect option if you're baking in a kitchen with very limited kit.
Below, I'll take you through how to frost cupcakes a couple of ways using only a spoon. First, I'll show you a cheat's way to get a swirly top to your cupcakes without a piping bag.
Next, I'll show you a dipping method you can use to create really cool, sprinkle coated buttercream tops for your cakes.
Let's get started decorating our cupcakes with just a spoon!
Ingredients
- 500 g (1.1 lb) vanilla frosting
- 12 cupcakes
- 4-6 tbsp (4 tbsp) sprinkles
- 1-2 squares chocolate
Equipment
- Cutlery spoon
Instructions
The basic swirl method
Spoon a large dollop of frosting on top of a cake.
Pick up the cupcake and use your spoon to smooth around to the edges.
Run the tip of your spoon from an edge to the centre to create a swirl effect.
With a bit of practice, you can achieve a bit of height.
Repeat for the remaining cupcakes. You can then leave as they are, or scatter some sprinkles on top
You can even use a couple of squares of chocolate and a vegetable peeler to make chocolate curls.
The spoon and dip method
Put the sprinkles in a small bowl.
Spoon a dollop of frosting on top of a cake and spread to the edges.
Place the cupcake upside down into the bowl of sprinkles and roll around a little to cover thoroughly.
Turn right side up and repeat with the remaining cupcakes.
Print this guide to frosting cupcakes with a spoon
How to Frost Cupcakes with A Spoon
Ingredients
- 500 g (1.1 lb) vanilla frosting
- 12 cupcakes
- 4-6 tbsp (4 tbsp) sprinkles
- 1-2 squares chocolate
Equipment
- Cutlery spoon
Instructions
The basic swirl method
- Spoon a large dollop of frosting on top of a cake.
- Pick up the cupcake and use your spoon to smooth around to the edges.
- Run the tip of your spoon from an edge to the centre to create a swirl effect.
- With a bit of practice, you can achieve a bit of height.
- Repeat for the remaining cupcakes. You can then leave as they are, or scatter some sprinkles on top
- You can even use a couple of squares of chocolate and a vegetable peeler to make chocolate curls.
The spoon and dip method
- Put the sprinkles in a small bowl.
- Spoon a dollop of frosting on top of a cake and spread to the edges.
- Place the cupcake upside down into the bowl of sprinkles and roll around a little to cover thoroughly.
- Turn right side up and repeat with the remaining cupcakes.
Nutrition
Pin this guide to frosting cupcakes with a spoon
Cupcake recipes to try this technique with
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thebeesleybuzz says
I never even owned a piping bag until recently and i just usually make a huge mess! Loved the videos. My icing always turns out too runny and so it kinda goes everywhere before i even get it into the piping bag! Must try your recipe for the icing. x
Penny says
So weird seeing my kitchen stuff on your blog, it was lovely to have you over, not just because you make amazing cakes, you also make amazing fun!
Emily Leary says
We must do some more again soon - it is SO MUCH fun :) Thanks for making these vids - they are brilliant.
Amanda says
They look amazing!! I've never tried frosting like this (I'm not a huge fan of sweet things myself) but I am sure my husband and toddler would adore this kind of frosting and I may have to try it because it looks like so much fun :)
Emily Leary says
I'm going to blog about cake decorating parties soon which is basically where I get all of my baking gear out, make up a ton of frosting and just let the kids go wild with it all. It's amazing fun and everyone gets to take cakes home :)
Alison Perry says
BRILLIANT. This looks soo simple even I could do it. Did the dog eat the lot? ;)
Penny says
He would have done!
Emily Leary says
He's so well behaved though!