Gnome Cupcakes Recipe

These Gnome Cupcakes are a fun and whimsical treat, perfect for any party or themed event. They feature a colorful, creative design with a gnome hat and beard made from frosting, marshmallows, and other fun decorations. These cupcakes not only look adorable but taste delicious as well!

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Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla or yellow cake mix (or homemade vanilla cake batter)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup water (or milk, depending on the cake mix instructions)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Gnome Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk, for desired consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Blue food coloring (for the hat)
• White food coloring (for the beard)
• Red food coloring (optional, for the gnome’s nose)
• Yellow or orange food coloring (optional, for decoration)

For the Gnome Decorations:

• 12 mini marshmallows (for the gnome’s nose)
• 12 mini pretzels (for the gnome’s arms)
• Black candy eyes (or small pieces of chocolate) for eyes (optional)
• Shredded coconut or white sprinkles (for the beard)
• Small candies or sprinkles for the gnome’s hat

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the cake mix box or use your favorite vanilla cake recipe. Usually, it involves mixing the oil, eggs, water (or milk), and vanilla extract with the cake mix until smooth.
3. Pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
4. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
5. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 2: Make the Gnome Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream (or milk) to achieve your desired consistency for spreading or piping. The frosting should be thick but spreadable.
4. Divide the frosting into three bowls:
   • Blue frosting: Add blue food coloring to one bowl for the gnome’s hat.
   • White frosting: Leave another bowl of frosting white for the gnome’s beard.
   • Red or flesh-colored frosting: Add a few drops of red food coloring (or use flesh-tone food coloring) for the gnome's nose.

Step 3: Frost the Cupcakes

1. Spread a thin layer of white frosting over each cupcake to create the base for the gnome’s beard.
2. Pipe or spread the blue frosting into a cone shape on top of each cupcake to create the gnome’s hat.
3. Use the red (or flesh-colored) frosting to form a small round ball and place it in the center of the cupcake to make the gnome’s nose.

Step 4: Add the Gnome Decorations

1. Marshmallow Nose: Press a mini marshmallow into the center of the cupcake for the gnome’s nose.
2. Arms: Gently insert mini pretzels into the sides of each cupcake to create the gnome’s arms.
3. Beard: Sprinkle shredded coconut or white sprinkles around the bottom of the gnome’s nose to create the beard.
4. Eyes: Place black candy eyes or small pieces of chocolate on the frosting for the gnome’s eyes (optional).
5. Hat Decoration: Add small candies or sprinkles to the gnome’s hat to give it a fun, festive look.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve these adorable Gnome Cupcakes at your next themed party or event. They’re sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face!

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Tips for the Best Gnome Cupcakes

• Cake mix variations: Feel free to use any cake mix flavor you prefer, such as chocolate or red velvet, for a fun twist.
• Frosting texture: If your frosting is too thick to pipe, add a little more heavy cream or milk to reach your desired consistency.
• Creative decorations: Customize the gnome’s accessories like hats and noses using your favorite edible decorations, such as candies or sprinkles, to make the cupcakes unique.

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Storage

• Room temperature: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
• Refrigeration: If you live in a warm climate, you may want to refrigerate the cupcakes to keep the frosting firm. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Enjoy these whimsical Gnome Cupcakes – a fun, creative treat that’s perfect for any occasion! 🍄🎩🍪