Gnome Cupcakes Recipe

These Gnome Cupcakes are perfect for a whimsical, fun celebration! Whether for a party or themed event, these adorable cupcakes feature cute little gnome faces made from frosting and candy, sitting on top of a delicious homemade cupcake.

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Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar (to taste)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (for desired consistency)
• Red, white, and beige food coloring (or colors of your choice for the gnome’s hat and face)

For Decorating the Gnomes:

• 12 mini marshmallows (for gnome noses)
• 12 small pretzels (for gnome arms or beard)
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or candy eyes (for eyes)
• 1/4 cup candy (for hats – optional, can use gummy candies or other colorful candy)
• Additional sprinkles or decorations as desired

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Make the Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and mix well after each addition.
3. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream (or milk). Continue to beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth.
4. Divide the frosting into separate bowls and tint each with your desired colors:
   • Use red for the gnome's hat.
   • Use beige or skin tone for the gnome’s face.
   • Leave a portion of frosting white for the beard and arms.
5. If you need extra smoothness, add more milk or heavy cream to adjust the frosting consistency.

Step 3: Decorate the Cupcakes

1. Frost the cupcakes: Spread a base layer of white frosting over the top of each cupcake for the gnome’s beard and face.
2. Create the gnome’s hat: Use a piping bag or knife to add red frosting on top of the cupcake, forming a cone shape for the gnome’s hat.
3. Make the gnome’s face: Place a mini marshmallow in the center of the cupcake for the gnome’s nose.
4. Add the gnome’s eyes: Place mini chocolate chips or candy eyes above the nose for the eyes.
5. Add a beard and arms: Use small pretzels for the gnome's arms (placed on the sides of the gnome's face), and pipe additional white frosting under the nose to create a beard.
6. Optionally, decorate the hats with colorful candy or gummy candy for a fun look.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once decorated, serve your adorable Gnome Cupcakes for any special event. These cupcakes are perfect for kids' parties, themed events, or just for fun!
2. Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

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Tips for the Best Gnome Cupcakes

• Make ahead: Bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them at room temperature. Frost and decorate them on the day of serving to keep the decorations fresh.
• Use a piping bag: For more precise decoration, especially for the gnome hats and beard, using a piping bag with different tips can help.
• Customization: Feel free to get creative with your gnome’s accessories, such as using different colored candies for the hats or additional fun features for the faces.

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Storage

• Room temperature: Keep the cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: If it's hot or humid, refrigerate the cupcakes to keep the frosting fresh. Let them come back to room temperature before serving.

Enjoy your fun and whimsical Gnome Cupcakes – a delightful and adorable treat for any occasion! 🧙‍♂️🧁🍄