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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52 comments
Michelle says:
Apr 25, 2013
What do mean by 9mm tip? I cannot find anything here in the US listed as that size. Do you have the tip number? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Also, when making mini cupcakes, how long do you bake them compared to regular size cupcakes? Thank you!
Michelle
Louise says:
Apr 27, 2013
By 9 mm I mean the opening of the tip. I don’t have a tip number as I have bought these piping tips in a store here in Denmark. You can find great piping tips for cupcake swirls here: http://www.bakeitpretty.com/best-ever-cupcake-icing-kit/
My baking time really depends on what recipe I use. I find that banana cupcakes takes a little longer than a vanilla even if they are mini. But usually the baking time are 5-10 mins shorter. Remember that ovens also bake differently.