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  Decorating Ideas for Cupcakes

  Chocolate Faux-Bois Topper

  Fancy flourishes and pretty piping really are the icing on these cupcakes. Faux bois, or imitation wood grain, is a favorite motif of Martha's; it can be applied to chocolate using a wood-graining rocker, found at paint-supply stores.

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  Next: Piped Face

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  Piped Face

  A head of curly hair is actually a bunch of small rosettes made with a No. 16 tip -- if you like, add more for a different hairstyle. The nose is piped with a No. 12 tip, and the eyes and mouth with a No. 4.

  Learn More About Piping

  Next: Piped Flower

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  Decorating Ideas for Cupcakes

  Piped Flower

  Start with a No. 4 tip for the flower's stem, then make the leaf and petals with a No. 352. Go back to a No. 4 to add the flower's center. When using the same tip for more than one color, be sure to wash it out well.

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  Next: Crisscross Piping

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  Crisscross Piping

  Use a No. 4 tip for lines and dots; with the tip just above the cake's surface, squeeze, and let the icing fall into place across the cupcake.

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  Next: Sugared Flowers

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  Sugared Flowers

  Sugared pansies and violas form a glittering crown for the little cakes.

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  Next: Candied Orange Slices

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  Candied Orange Slices

  Candied orange slices fit perfectly atop a frosted cupcake.

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  Next: Marzipan Starfish with Graham Cracker Sand

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  Marzipan Starfish with Graham Cracker Sand

  Marzipan starfish make the perfect cupcake-topper for a beach-themed party.

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  Next: Marzipan Bumblebees

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  Marzipan Bumblebees

  Miniature marzipan bees are right at home atop piped buttercream dahlias.

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  Next: Mouse Cupcakes

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  Mouse Cupcakes

  Transform a basic cupcake into a mouse using buttercream frosting, black licorice, and chocolate wafer cookies.

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  Next: Nesting Baby Bluebird Cupcakes

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  Nesting Baby Bluebird Cupcakes

  Buttercream bluebirds and a coconut nest are perched atop cupcakes frosted with chocolate buttercream.

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  Next: Sprinkling of Gold Petal Dust

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  Sprinkling of Gold Petal Dust

  Gold petal dust adds shimmer to our Mexican Chocolate-Pudding-Filled Cupcakes.

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  Next: Baked Meringue Bouquet

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  Baked Meringue Bouquet

  Exquisite meringue "flowers," are first piped onto parchment-lined baking sheets, then baked until firm and dry.

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  Next: Edible-Flowers Cupcakes

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  Edible-Flowers Cupcakes

  Adding a few fresh edible flowers on top is an easy way to decorate cupcakes.

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  Next: Piped-Buttercream Sunflower

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  Piped-Buttercream Sunflower

  Chocolate-covered sunflower seeds create the centers, while the petals are piped with bright-yellow buttercream.

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  Next: Chrysanthemum Cupcakes

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  Chrysanthemum Cupcakes

  Although these buttercream chrysanthemums may look difficult, a steady hand and a bit of practice is all it takes to produce a whole bunch of them.

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  Next: Spring Chick Cupcakes

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  Spring Chick Cupcakes

  To hatch one of our chick cupcakes, you don't have to be an expert baker. Making a batch them is a perfect task for novices, and kids will love to help.

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  Next: Piped Shells and Pearls

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  Piped Shells and Pearls

  This easy motif is a perfect way for beginners to practice their piping skills.

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  Next: Candy Bow Tie

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  Candy Bow Tie

  Dress up your cupcakes with a bow tie shaped out of fruit leather.

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  Next: Corn-on-the-Cob Cupcake

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  Corn-on-the-Cob Cupcake

  Jelly beans form the kernels of these summertime cupcakes, and Laffy Taffy is the finishing pat of butter on top.

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  Next: Double Dose of Frosting

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  Double Dose of Frosting

  Three waves of piped frosting is the signature topping on the cupcakes sold at the Manhattan bakery Sweet Revenge and a great way to get an extra dose of frosting on your cupcakes.

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  Next: More Cupcakes

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  More Cupcakes

  • Classic Cupcakes
  • Our Easiest Cupcakes
  • Martha Stewart's Cupcakes
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