Description
These whimsical Gnome Cupcakes combine moist vanilla or chocolate cake with creamy buttercream frosting and charming fondant decorations shaped like little gnome faces and hats. Perfect for parties and special occasions, these cupcakes delight both the eyes and palate with their playful design and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 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 batter according to box instructions or your homemade recipe by mixing the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and optional vanilla extract. Pour the batter into the liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake the cupcakes for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; it should come out clean. Remove from oven and transfer cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, about one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons milk. Adjust consistency with more milk if needed until the frosting is spreadable.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once cupcakes have cooled, use a butter knife or spatula to frost a generous amount on the top of each cupcake, smoothing it evenly to create a base for decoration.
- Make the Gnome Hats and Faces: Dust a work surface with cornstarch. Roll out red fondant and shape it into small cones to form gnome hats. Roll out skin-tone fondant into small circles, flattening slightly, to create faces. Position the face just under the hat on each frosted cupcake.
- Add the Nose: Roll a small ball of white fondant and gently press a mini chocolate chip into it to form the gnome’s nose. Attach the nose onto the fondant face on each cupcake.
- Add Facial Features: Using the edible marker, draw small eyes, smiles, or other facial details on the fondant faces to bring the gnomes to life. Additional fondant can be used to create eyes and eyebrows if desired.
- Finishing Touches: Optionally, sprinkle edible glitter over the gnome hats or entire cupcakes to give a magical sparkle effect.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your charming Gnome Cupcakes are ready to delight guests. Serve at parties, celebrations, or anytime you want a fun, festive treat.
Notes
- Use cornstarch when rolling fondant to prevent sticking.
- You can substitute homemade cake recipe if preferred instead of box mix.
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting the buttercream.
- Edible markers are food-safe and specifically made for decorating; avoid regular markers.
- Fondant can be stored in an airtight container if making decorations ahead of time.
- Adjust the amount of milk in frosting depending on desired consistency for spreading or piping.
- Edible glitter is optional but adds a festive sparkle perfect for holidays or parties.
