Description
These charming Gnome Cupcakes combine fluffy vanilla or chocolate cake bases with creamy vanilla buttercream frosting, decorated with adorable fondant gnome hats and faces for a whimsical and delightful treat perfect for parties or special occasions.
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)
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 mix according to the box instructions or your homemade recipe. Pour the batter into the liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake: Bake the cupcakes for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing until smooth. Add vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons milk. Adjust milk to reach spreadable consistency.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once cupcakes are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting evenly on each using a knife or spatula.
- Make the Gnome Hats and Faces: Roll out red fondant into small cones for hats and place atop each frosted cupcake. Roll skin-tone fondant into flattened circles for faces below the hats.
- Add the Nose: Form small balls from white fondant, press a mini chocolate chip into each to create noses, and attach these to the fondant faces.
- Add Facial Features: Use edible marker to draw eyes, smiles, or other features on the fondant faces. Alternatively, add fondant shapes for eyes and eyebrows.
- Finishing Touches: Optionally sprinkle edible glitter on hats or cupcakes for a magical sparkle effect.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your whimsical Gnome Cupcakes are ready to be served and enjoyed at any festive gathering or special occasion.
Notes
- Use cornstarch on your surface when rolling fondant to prevent sticking.
- If frosting is too thick, add milk gradually to achieve desired consistency.
- Fondant can be tinted with food coloring if you want to customize colors.
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
