Have you ever wondered how bakeries make those perfect pretty swirls on top of their cupcakes? Or how the swirls look so unique and different from each other? Well we’ve baked up a big batch of cupcakes and set out to find our favorite swirls. See our picks for our favorite pastry tips below!
Here’s how the swirl looks when using the open star tip:
We found that the large open star tip makes the classic cupcake swirl. It almost looks like the top to an ice cream cone! If you’re feeling adventurous, the smaller open star tips can be used to create delicate star and shell borders on cakes and confections.
Here’s our swirl effect when using the open round tip:
This is a great tip to use for a smooth and elegant swirl. We also use an open round tip for border dots and decorations.
Now for a fun swirl! The large flower drop tip:
This fun tip makes a flowery and whimsical swirl on top of a cupcake, almost like a flower petal. The smaller tips are used to make different flowers borders and intricate blooms on cakes.
We love the effect that the closed star tip makes on the swirls:
This tip has more tines than the open star tip, and the tines arch in towards the center. It creates a more sophisticated swirl with deeper, exaggerated grooves and ridges. The smaller tips can be used for intricate rosette borders.
Now that you know which pastry tips to use, here are some more tips on making that perfect swirl!
- The “Classic Cupcake Swirl” starts with a nice steady even pressure. Pipe from 12 o’clock all the way around to 11 o’clock before you go up a tier and pipe again all the way around. After a few turns you’ll create a tiered tower of frosting. Pull up once you reach the top for that pretty finishing touch. The bigger the tip, the easier it is for a beginner.
- While cream cheese icings are easy and delicious, they are not great for piping. We preferred a basic butter cream.
- Be sure to completely cool your cupcakes before frosting. If not, the residual heat will melt the frosting.
- Pick out some cute cupcake liners to bake the cupcakes in. They add that little something extra.
- We like to use gel food coloring in the frosting for the most vibrant colors. Luckily, they’re available in most groceries stores.
- You’ll need a piping bag. You can either buy them at your craft store or you can use a large plastic zip top bag if in a pinch by cutting a small hole in the corner of the bag.
- To fill the pastry bag, place your tip inside the pastry bag and drop through to the opening and secure. Place the pastry bag inside a tall glass to hold it steady. Fold down the bag over the glass then spoon in your frosting. Unfold the bag and twist the top and press the frosting firmly down to the tip. This ensures that no air bubbles will be trapped and ruin your swirl.
Now get going and start frostings! Decorating is so much fun that eating the sweet treats is just icing on the cupcake.
So tell us, which swirl is your favorite?
