Description
Gnome Cupcakes are whimsical, festive treats perfect for holiday or woodland-themed parties. These vanilla cupcakes, tinted with a rosy pink hue, are topped with creamy buttercream frosting and decorated with charming gnome faces made from fondant hats, mini marshmallow beards, and candy features. Fun to make and delightful to eat, they bring a playful spirit to any celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box – usually eggs, oil, and water)
- Red gel food coloring
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Decorations
- Red fondant (for hats)
- Mini marshmallows (for beards)
- Candy eyes or mini chocolate chips
- Pink candy melts or fondant (for noses)
- Optional: sprinkles or edible glitter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners. Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to package instructions, adding red gel food coloring until you achieve a rosy pink color. Divide the batter evenly into the liners.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Bake the cupcakes for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely before decorating.
- Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed, then increase to high once incorporated. Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Using a piping bag with a large round tip or a knife, frost each cooled cupcake to create a rounded gnome face shape.
- Add the Nose: Place a small pink candy melt or fondant ball in the center of the frosting for the gnome’s nose.
- Form the Beard: Attach mini marshmallows or pipe white frosting below the nose to create a beard shape.
- Make and Attach Hats: Roll out red fondant and shape into small triangles or curved cones for the gnome hats. Gently place them on top of each cupcake.
- Add Eyes and Decorations: Position candy eyes above the nose or tuck them under the hat for a classic gnome look. Optionally, decorate with sprinkles or edible glitter for extra festive flair.
Notes
- For a homemade alternative, use your favorite vanilla or chocolate cupcake recipe instead of a mix.
- Store decorated cupcakes in the refrigerator if using perishable frosting like cream cheese-based frosting.
- Perfect for holiday, Christmas, or woodland-themed parties due to their festive and playful appearance.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
