Candy Cupcakes
The one thing people say about my cupcakes is that they are not overly sweet. Well…here’s a remedy for that. Top them with candy.
Decorating can be the most fun part of cupcake making, but you don’t have to be an expert with the piping bag or a fondant master. Just buy some super colorful candies and be creative. Maybe it’s all my years of gingerbread house making but I love looking for new candies to use as decor. This is also a great way to get the kids involved too, but don’t blame me for the sugar high…
ingredients:
frosted cupcakes
candies
When it comes to choosing candies think of a type and look for texture and color. Chocolate is always a good topper. While I’ve made Hello Kitty heads and Lego men out of chocolate, you can find some pretty cool store bought ones right off the shelf.
Snocaps are cool because they are TINY enough for cupcake tops, and you can arrange them creatively. The nonpareils give it a really nice textural quality as well.
Japanese markets are GREAT for candies cause they have funky things you’ve never seen. I am a big fan of these cute little pyramid-y chocolate that are half strawberry half chocolate a yummy combo and just the right amount of color.
But you don’t have to buy special ones – ANY chocolate makes a good topper, from shavings, to chocolate chips – to crushed chocolate cookies. Chocolate is king!
Another good go-to is gumdrops. For one thing they are everywhere, so if you are at the drugstore you can pick up a bag for about a buck. They are stunningly colorful and fun and give a lot of height to the cupcake.
Lastly, persue the candy aisle. Go ahead, wander it. Take it all in. You’ll see candy in a whole new light. Flat strips, rolled bits, bean shapes – all work great. And if you can find them sugared – even better, it gives a nice sparkly quality to the cupcake.
You’ll be surprised at what nice display of different colors and textures you can come up with, just like a candy shop!
Sweet tooth – no joke, but decorating cupcakes can be really easy if you just keep your eye out for interesting candy and get creative!
