How To Swirl Icing On A Cupcake
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If you have ever wanted to know how to swirl icing on a cupcake, this tutorial has got you covered. I’ll show you 3 ways to create a two tone frosting and a video to help you master this cupcake technique in no time!
The first time I decided to swirl my cupcake icing I thought it was going to be some difficult thing to do. I mean two tone frosting always looked so pretty, but had to be complicated right?
Let me tell you what, it’s not at all.
And there are different ways you can do it to get the job done depending on what you have and how many colors you want to swirl. I find certain methods are easier when you have multiple colors to swirl.
Now each method I show you can be used for however many you have, but I am going to breakdown these methods for you based on how many colors you have. Again, these are suggestions based on what I have done and what I find easiest.
How To Swirl Your Cupcake Icing Method #1: Using A Spatula
This method I think works great for two or three colors. If you want to make a two tone frosting, I think this method is the easiest. You can try this with more colors, but it can get tricky to get all the colors in the bag evenly. But it can still be done! With this technique you end up with sort of an ombre effect.
This method is easiest, if you know how to fill a piping bag. If you don’t then be sure to read how to frost the perfect cupcake first. I’ll wait here while you do….
You back? Good. So for this, you simply want to fill half of your piping bag with one color, then half with the other by using a spatula or a spoon. I find placing the piping bag over a drinking glass makes quick work of this process. Just fill your piping bag with the colors you need by scraping the frosting along the sides of the bag with either a spatula or spoon.
How To Swirl Your Cupcake Icing Method #2: Double Bag Technique
For this method, you want to first fill two seperate piping bags. But DO NOT put a tip in either bag. Thats super important! You are going to place these inside a large piping bag fitted with a tip.
I use two smaller 12-inch piping bags, inside an 18-inch piping bag for this technique.
How To Swirl Cupcake Icing Method #3: Plastic Wrap
For this method, you are going to use good old plastic wrap. You can even do this without any tips or bag for this technique.
To swirl your cupcake icing using plastic wrap, lay a piece of plastic wrap on your counter. And spoon the different colors next to each other. You can also layer colors on top if you are using more than one color.
For a more controlled look, you can fill your piping bags with the different tips and pipe out long strips of color. This method works great if you have multiple colors, because you can layer all of these colors on top of each other.
Then once you have the frosting on the plastic wrap, you want to roll the icing into a log and peel back one end. You want to then place this bag inside your piping bag, or a freezer bag can be used as well for this.
If you need help making cupcakes then check out these buttercream posts:
The Ultimate Guide To Different Types Of Frosting
6 reasons why your cupcakes are sinking in the middle
#1 Must Have Tip For Perfectly Domed Cupcakes
6 Cupcake Decorating Supplies You Need To Decorate Like A Pro
Ultimate Guide To Baking Cupcakes At Home
Ultimate Guide To Making The Best Buttercream Icing
Ultimate Guide To Decorating Cupcakes For Beginners
Cupcakes 101: 10 Tips To Bake Perfect Cupcakes (Life As A Strawberry)
How To Bake Perfect Cupcakes (Handle The Heat)
10 Tips For Baking The BEST cupcakes (Sally’s Baking Addiction)
You could also do this not with just colors of frosting, but try different flavors as well! For 13 ways to flavor your icing, download my buttercream cheatsheet.
And if you like this tutorial let me know in the comment section!
Until next time, happy baking!
Love this tutorial! It’s so helpful and easy to follow. I’ve been wanting to try swirling icing on my cupcakes for a while now, and this post has given me the confidence to give it a try. Can’t wait to experiment with different colors and designs! 🍰🎨
aw that’s wonderful!! I’m so happy to hear this 🙂
Yr so great and helpful I’ve got the piping and gave it a go yesterday only with 1 shape as was nervous but apart from being bit thin was fine .
aw thank you Gemma! I’m glad you found success with it 🙂 If the frosting is ever too thin I would just try adding a tad more powdered sugar and see how that goes!
Thanks, this post helped me out alot!
Hi Karen! You’re welcome…glad you found it helpful!