Save Celebrate the holiday season with a delightful Elf Hat Cupcake Tower, a whimsical and festive dessert centerpiece sure to bring joy to any party. These colorful cupcakes, topped with charming elf hat decorations made of fondant and sugar cones, create a playful and eye-catching display perfect for gatherings and special occasions. The blend of moist cupcakes and creamy buttercream frosting, brightened with vivid colors, makes this tower both a treat for the eyes and the palate.
Save From baking the tender cupcakes to crafting the intricate elf hats, this recipe offers the perfect way to immerse yourself in holiday cheer and creativity. The vibrant buttercream frosting tinted with gel colors pairs beautifully with the sweet, hand-decorated fondant hats. Assembling the cupcakes on a tiered stand completes the magical tower effect that will be the star of any dessert table.
Ingredients
- Cupcakes
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter (softened), 1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk - Buttercream Frosting
1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter (softened), 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar (sifted), 2–3 tbsp (30–45 ml) milk, 2 tsp vanilla extract, gel food coloring (red, green, yellow, blue) - Elf Hat Decorations
24 sugar cones (for hats), colored fondant or modeling chocolate (red, green, yellow, white), edible glitter or sprinkles (optional), mini marshmallows or white chocolate chips (for hat pom-poms), piping gel or melted white chocolate (for attaching decorations)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 12-cup muffin pans with cupcake liners.
- 2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- 3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- 4. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- 5. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners (about 2/3 full). Bake 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
- 6. For the buttercream, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in vanilla and milk, beating until fluffy. Divide and tint with gel food coloring as desired.
- 7. Frost cooled cupcakes with a swirl of buttercream, using a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
- 8. For elf hats, cover each sugar cone with colored fondant or modeling chocolate. Add fondant details (stripes, dots, hat brims). Attach a mini marshmallow or white chocolate chip to the tip with piping gel or melted chocolate. Optionally, add edible glitter or sprinkles.
- 9. Place an elf hat on each frosted cupcake, pressing gently to secure.
- 10. Arrange cupcakes on a tiered cupcake stand to create a tower effect.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Be sure to cool the cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting. Use gel food coloring sparingly to achieve vibrant colors without thinning the frosting. When shaping fondant hats, a rolling pin and silicone mats can simplify working with the dough. Attach decorations carefully with piping gel to ensure they stay secure on the cones.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Experiment with different cupcake flavors like chocolate, spice, or red velvet for a variety of tastes. You can also purchase pre-made fondant to save time on decorating. For a nut-free version, check all ingredient labels to avoid nut-based fondants or sprinkles. Customizing the hat colors can complement your holiday theme or color scheme.
Serviervorschläge
This whimsical cupcake tower pairs perfectly with warm beverages such as hot chocolate, mulled wine, or sparkling cider. Assemble the hats just before serving to keep them looking fresh and vibrant. Store cupcakes without the hats in an airtight container for up to two days if needed.
Save With careful preparation and a touch of creativity, your Elf Hat Cupcake Tower will become a treasured holiday tradition, bringing smiles and festive cheer to all who gather around it. Enjoy the process as much as the delightful result, and watch your guests marvel at this magical, edible display.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I make the elf hat decorations?
Cover sugar cones with colored fondant or modeling chocolate, add decorative details, and top with a mini marshmallow or white chocolate chip using piping gel or melted chocolate.
- → Can I prepare these cupcakes in advance?
Yes, bake and frost the cupcakes ahead, but assemble hats shortly before serving to keep decorations fresh.
- → What flavors can I use for the cupcakes?
Besides the classic vanilla, try chocolate, spice, or red velvet for variety.
- → Are there allergen considerations?
This dessert contains wheat, eggs, and milk; check fondant and decoration ingredients for possible nuts.
- → How should I display the cupcakes?
Arrange on a tiered cupcake stand to create an eye-catching tower effect perfect for festive gatherings.