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
Mariel says:
Feb 2, 2010
Hi Louise, I have a question. Does this IMBC frosting withstand heat and humidity? Sounds delicious but I live in Hawaii and am afraid it’ll melt down. Any tips? Thanks! Your blog is AMAZING!!!!
Louise says:
Jan 28, 2010
Samantha: Try and read the part 1 http://www.cakejournal.com/archives/cupcake-decorating-part-1 there are more info regarding large tips. Also try a see this online shop: http://www.bakeitpretty.com/category_58/Top-Sellers.htm
Samantha says:
Jan 28, 2010
Omg, I can’t find the tips online anywhere. Is there any other one i could use for large swirls, or does the tip go by another name perhaps? pls help
sp_jide@yahoo.com
Mary Sanavia says:
Jan 25, 2010
Thank you so much for your very clear tutorial! Now I now how to “swirl”perfect cupcakes.
Louise says:
Dec 26, 2009
elma: Ohh I dont know sorry. I just know of the baking cups that I use and I only know that they are: 50mm base x 35mm wall (2″ x 1 3/8″)
Chetana says:
Dec 19, 2009
Hv been following ur site since sumtime, must say u hv a yummy site here.Beautifull…simple yet soo elegant.
Cheers.
elma says:
Dec 15, 2009
hi, just want to ask you what is a 3/4 oz,1 oz, 2 oz, and 3 oz baking cups? i was looking for medium size baking cups but the store staff told me that they sell by the ounces and does not know what a medium size baking cup is? do you have any idea? they were the only store that sell grease-proof baking cups.
Didi says:
Dec 15, 2009
Hi Louise – I’m so glad you’re back!
Thanks for the icing tutorial – those cupcakes looked so delicious! I’ve got the biggest craving but I don’t think I’ll be able to locate a cupcake with yummy swirly icing at this hour. LOL!