This is the last part of my little “cupcake decorating school”. The final part is about how I pipe my swirls on my cupcakes. Not saying that this is the “right” way, but it is the way that works the best for me. There are many different types of swirls to pipe on cupcakes. Often the final result depend on which type of decorating tip you are using.
Please see Cupcake decorating part 1 where I write about the decorating tips.
If you are new on how to pipe swirls on cupcakes or simply just want to perfecting your swirl techniques. Practice is the only way to do it. With some cupcakes and a batch of buttercream you can pipe swirls, scrape off the buttercream and start over again (of course re-using the buttercream)
I have built up the swirl in three parts, to make it more easy to see and hopefully understand 
So here goes:
Step 1:
I have used a star tip with a 11mm opening and filled the pipingbag with Italian Meringue Buttercream. I always start at the center of the cupcake (holding the bag at a 90 degree angle). Move the pipingbag to the right and go anticlockwise. While piping its important that you make sure to lift the tip slightly or it will ruin the star pattern while you pipe. Pipe close to the cupcake paper edge.
Tip: You can make a more flat swirl by finishing at the center again. Going only 1 round.
Step 2:
After a whole round, pipe a new round on top of the first.
Step 3:
Pipe the final round and finish in the center again. Gently pull back the piping tip.
The next photo shows the “built up” swirl to the left and the “real” swirl to the right, that is piped in one go.
Use the same technique for the mini cupcakes, only piping two rounds. I have used a smaller star tip (9mm)
Remember that practice makes perfect. I can sometimes pipe 10 bad swirls, before I am happy with the results
For those who love the “Wilton roses”. Try this special cupcake flowernail as a helper to pipe the flowers on the cupcake.
If you like to read the other parts about my cupcake decorating, you can find them here:
Cupcake decorating part 1
Cupcake decorating part 2
Cupcake decorating part 3
You can also visit my section all about cupcakes.
Happy Caking
Louise!
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49 comments
Ally says:
Mar 3, 2012
These tutorials are wonderful. They are detailed and easy to understand. Do you have any tutorials for other things such as cookies or cakes?
Louise says:
Mar 6, 2012
You can find more tutorials under tutorials http://cakejournal.com/tutorials/
linda says:
Feb 27, 2012
these tips are just great. i recently start making cakes for my children and they love them
Tonicarpio says:
Oct 7, 2011
love you blog..:)
Kikkas5 says:
Apr 16, 2011
ciao !! complimenti per i tuoi cup cake sono bellissimi!!
come fai quei bellissimi fiorellini c’รจ uno stampino adatto? dove posso comprarlo?
grazie!
Aaghrdien says:
Feb 18, 2011
I love your decorating tips! If only I’d found your site earlier! Your cupcakes look teriffic!!!!
krizza says:
Jan 18, 2011
Hi There! I’m very much interested to learn baking cup cakes. I just want to ask you if I need to go for formal training or I can just learn easily from online videos and tutorials based from your own experience. Also, can you please tell me where can I possible buy baking and decorating tools as well as thge ingredients for baking cup cakes.
Many thanks.
Krizza
krizza-lifestipsandtricks.blogspot.com
Anonymous says:
Jan 19, 2011
You can find lots of free tips on baking cupcakes both from YouTube and from most of the cupcake blogs out there. There are also many great cupcake books on the market. Take a look at my Amazon book store where you can find a list only regarding cupcakes. All cake decorating stores have all what you need for baking and decorating but also more special ingredients. The rest can you get from the supermarket.
sugar and spice says:
Dec 17, 2010
what decorating tip did you use on these