Kitchen Tip: Cupcake Piping Tricks
You’ll see in the recipe index that I’ve only featured a few cupcake recipes. Cakes in general kind of overwhelm me. Especially layer cakes and it’s only recently that I’ve gotten more into making and frosting cupcakes.
This post should probably be titled “The Kitchen Tip Most People Probably Already Know.” But even a year ago this info was new to me. I was never too happy with how my cupcakes looked in the end, but I’ve recently put just a little more effort into the frosting and it’s totally paid off.
First of all: I started using a disposable pastry bag to pipe the frosting rather than trying to spread the frosting with a knife (or worse – putting it into a ziplock bag and squeezing it on top). I think pastry bags offer so much more control.
How to Fill a Pastry Bag with Frosting:
- Place your preferred piping tip inside the bag (with the end snipped off so that the tip fits through the hole).
- Place the bag inside a tall cup or glass.
- Fold the excess bag that doesn’t fit inside the cup over the edges of the cup.
- Spoon the frosting inside the bag, leaving a few inches of space so that the frosting doesn’t fill the entire bag.
- Remove the bag from the cup and squeeze any air bubbles out of the bag.
- Twist the top part of the bag and proceed with piping.
For bags I like CIA Masters Collection 12 Inch Disposable Pastry Bags or Wilton Disposable 12 Inch Decorating Bags, Pack Of 24.
It’s all in the Right Tip
Getting that big, pretty swirl on top of a cupcake was a mystery to me for many years. I tried and tried, but it never looked right.
The other important trick when it comes to cupcake decorating is really in the tip you choose. From my friend Jamie I learned that the type of tip you are using is actually what makes the difference. For a long time I had a few really small tips but nothing really suited to getting that big, pretty swirl on top of a cupcake. For big swirls, you need BIG openings.
After you’ve got the right kind of tip, really all you have to do is swirl the frosting around the top of the cupcake, starting on the outside edge and working your way in. Top things off with a few sprinkles for extra pretties and you’re all set!
If your frosting is having trouble holding it’s shape I’ve found that refrigerating for about a half hour or so prior to piping helps with that. Or if the frosting isn’t too sweet you can add extra powdered sugar to thicken it up.
My Tip Recommendations
For the Chocolate Cupcakes with Raspberry Buttercream I used a Closed Star Giant Pastry Tip from Bake it Pretty. This is probably my favorite. I also have their French Giant Pastry Tip.
I have been wanting to get a Giant Round Tip too because I think those are nice when you don’t want something that comes across as too pretty or feminine. The Wilton Open Star #32 Tip is also a fun choice. I used that for Logan’s Solar System Cupcakes for his Solar System Birthday Party
Best tip I found when starting was when piping on cupcakes keep the bag straight, I was always tempted to tilt it thinking I could see better. But it straight gives you much more control and keeps the swirl more even. Also don’t forget to get the air bubbles out from the bottom and the top! π
This is a great tip…the piping bags make it look so easy. And your cupcakes look AWESOME!
Thank you for these useful decorating tips. I have always wanted to decorate pretty cupcakes. The way you explain things, I think I will be able to it. Thanks again.
I LOVE my giant round tip π You should totally buy one!! I do fun twists as well as cute blobbs topped with cute sprinkles π
Where did you get the giant round tip? It looks like it’s only available sold in a set now on Bake it Pretty and I already have some of the others in a set.
Awesome tips – thanks!
I somehow always end up with icing coming out of the other end of the bag and me getting my hands messy π
Hi,
You mentioned that the frosting comes up out of the bag? Well, Wilton sells these small rubber things that goes around the top of the bag and they DO NOT allow the frosting to come up out of the bag. They are available at Michaels, which is where I bought mine and I just love them. Try them, you’ll love ’em!
Katie
Great tutorial! A post liek this is exactly what i needed. And I love the tip about filling your bag in a glass. Very handy!
Perfect looking frosting on cupcakes! So talented with your food styling and photos!
Love, love, love your blog. Your pictures are beautiful and this post is no different. Love the piping bag tips and tricks. I still resort to the ziplock disaster.
I feel the same way about cupcakes but maybe i’ll give them another shot.
Thanks! Michael
I actually didn’t know about the cup trick! brilliant! Thank you for enlightening me!
Beautiful cupcakes – they look too good to eat! We’d love to feature your photos on kitchenartistry.com
you are so talented in baking, my dear! that swirly, swoopy frosting thing is beautiful.
So pretty!
I’ve always used a knife! So I’m thrilled that you gave such wonderful directions. Also, thanks for the links. I’m going to be ordering some supplies so I can make pretty cupcakes like yours!
Katie, gorgeous pictures! Piping cupcakes is really fun and the result is so pretty.
You can also use re-usable piping bags. I like Wilton featherweight ones because they’re light and you don’t need a coupler (yay).
Yes you have to clean them but it doesn’t take long.
The glass tip is awesome. I always make a huge mess!!
those look beautiful! i agree about filling the pastry bag inside a cup…solves the problem of it flopping and sliding all over the place while you’re trying to fill it! thanks π
This is precisely what I needed! I am doing a bunch of cupcakes for an upcoming birthday party for my husband and his cousin (one of my best friends!), so I really needed a good tip that wouldn’t be too feminine OR too masculine! Going to check out that giant round tip now!
Okay, the tip about filling the pastry bag inside a glass was one I didn’t have and needed! Thank you!
I agree completely. Thanks!
My friend and I are taking cake decorating classes. Your swirls looks fabulous!
Perfect timing for me, considering I have to make a lot of cupcakes for my nephew’s birthday party this weekend. Never piped before, so I’m hoping this will help me π Thanks!
I always remind people to make sure they squeeze the pastry bag from the top so you don’t end up with frosting oozing out of the top of the bag. Great tip!
Frosting sounds SO easy, but it can be difficult depending on what you have to work with, and the temp of the frosting… I learned the hard way!