Gnome Cupcakes Recipe
If there’s one treat guaranteed to spark smiles at any celebration, it’s Gnome Cupcakes. With their playful hats, fluffy coconut beards, and bright bursts of color, these whimsical cupcakes are as much fun to decorate as they are to eat. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a woodland-themed birthday, or just craving a unique baking adventure, you’ll fall in love with every bite — and every giggle as your guests meet their adorable gnome faces for the first time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple but essential pantry staples can come together to create these showstopping Gnome Cupcakes. Each ingredient brings something unique, from the comforting flavor of vanilla cake to the irresistible decorations that turn ordinary cupcakes into magical little characters.
- Vanilla cake mix: This simple shortcut ensures perfectly light, moist cupcakes every time (plus, you can swap in chocolate for a twist!).
- Eggs, oil, and water: Use whatever your cake mix calls for; together, these guarantee structure and rich texture.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The base for a smooth, creamy buttercream that pipes like a dream.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Brings sweetness and structure to your frosting, so it holds every swirl and swoop.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds warm, bakery-style flavor to the buttercream.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons): Loosens the frosting just enough for the perfect consistency.
- Red and green gel food coloring: Gel colors offer vibrant, festive hues without thinning the frosting (a key to great decorating!).
- Mini marshmallows: The perfect “nose” for each gnome — adorable and sweet!
- Mini chocolate chips: Pressed in as tiny chocolate eyes for extra personality.
- Shredded coconut: Instantly transforms into a fluffy beard — don’t skip this for the full gnome effect.
- Large and small round piping tips: Essential for neatly swirling frosting and adding cute details.
- Ice cream cones: These crispy hats are the showpiece of every Gnome Cupcake.
- White candy melts or white chocolate (optional): Melt these for whimsical hat decorations or a snowy touch.
How to Make Gnome Cupcakes
Step 1: Bake the Cupcakes
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin tin with bright, festive cupcake liners. Prepare your vanilla cake mix according to the box instructions (remember to add the eggs, oil, and water). Divide the batter evenly among the liners, filling each about two-thirds full so they rise just enough for a sturdy base. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let those golden cakes cool completely — this step is key for fuss-free decorating!
Step 2: Whip Up the Buttercream
While your cupcakes cool, it’s time for frosting magic. In a large bowl, beat your softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing continually until you have a thick, fluffy mixture. Pour in the vanilla extract and a bit of milk, beating everything until perfectly smooth. The buttercream should be just loose enough to spread, but not runny. Now, divide the frosting into two bowls for the fun part: coloring! Add red gel food coloring to one and green to the other, mixing well until the shades are rich and vibrant.
Step 3: Frost and Decorate the Gnome Hats
Grab your piping bags and fit one with a large round tip for bold, swirly hats. You have two options here: either pipe tall, whimsical hats directly onto the cooled cupcakes using alternating swirls of red and green, or frost your ice cream cones separately before placing them atop the cupcakes for delightful 3D gnome hats. If you want ultra-stable hats, chill your frosted cupcakes for about 15 minutes before adding the cones.
Step 4: Assemble the Gnome Faces
Now for the cutest step: bringing each gnome to life! With a bit of extra frosting, attach an ice cream cone “hat” to the top of each cupcake. Next, press a fluffy line of shredded coconut right below the hat’s brim for the classic snowy beard. Nestle a mini marshmallow in the center as the nose and add two mini chocolate chips for the twinkling eyes. If you like, use melted white chocolate or candy melts to pipe polka dots or stripes onto each hat for a snowy, festive finish. If your cone wiggles, a toothpick can help anchor it in place.
How to Serve Gnome Cupcakes
Garnishes
Gnome Cupcakes are a visual treat all on their own, but a sprinkle of edible glitter, extra coconut flakes “snow,” or a dusting of powdered sugar adds another level of magic. If you’re feeling fancy, dot their hats with tiny sugar pearls or candy stars for sparkle. Simple, sweet, and sure to make everyone ooh and aah!
Side Dishes
Balance the sweetness and whimsy of your Gnome Cupcakes with a platter of fresh fruit, or set out a pot of steaming cocoa for the ultimate cozy pairing. For holiday parties, these cuties look fabulous alongside a tray of gingerbread cookies, spiced nuts, or cheerful holiday candies.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your Gnome Cupcakes steal the show by grouping them on a rustic wooden board or a tiered cake stand decked with greenery and fairy lights. Arrange them in little “gnome villages” with edible mushroom candies, or send kids home with their very own gnome in a clear bakery box for the perfect party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply store your Gnome Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The buttercream helps lock in moisture, but try to keep them out of direct sunlight to preserve those vibrant colors.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze unfrosted vanilla cupcakes for up to 2 months — just let them cool fully, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. For frosted and decorated Gnome Cupcakes, freeze uncovered on a sheet tray for an hour, then transfer to a container. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature (just note that candy decorations may lose a little shine).
Reheating
These cupcakes are best enjoyed at room temperature, so simply let them sit out for about 30 minutes if chilled or after thawing. Avoid microwaving, as this can melt the buttercream and decorations.
FAQs
Can I make Gnome Cupcakes with chocolate cake mix?
Absolutely! Swap out the vanilla cake mix for chocolate if you want an even richer, more decadent version. The gnome decorations shine just as brightly on a chocolatey base.
What if I don’t have piping bags or tips?
No worries — simply use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off for simple piping, or “frost” the tops with a butter knife and focus on the fun of decorating the hats and faces.
How far in advance can I decorate Gnome Cupcakes?
You can frost and decorate Gnome Cupcakes up to 24 hours in advance. Just store them in a cool, dry place and wait to add any delicate decorations (like marshmallows) until closer to serving if you want them extra fresh.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Definitely! While homemade buttercream tastes amazing, store-bought vanilla (tinted with gel food coloring) works beautifully if you’re short on time.
How do I secure the ice cream cone hats so they don’t fall off?
A generous swirl of thick frosting creates a sticky “glue” for the cones, but if you need extra support, use a toothpick through the tip of the cone into the cupcake. Just let your guests know before they dig in!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you get as much joy from these Gnome Cupcakes as I do. They’re impossible not to love, and the decorating process turns any kitchen into a wonderland. Grab your supplies, invite a friend or two, and let the gnome magic begin — you’ll be amazed how quickly they disappear!
Print
Gnome Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These whimsical Gnome Cupcakes are perfect for holiday celebrations or kids’ parties. With a vanilla cake base, colorful buttercream hats, and adorable decorations, they are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus required eggs, oil, and water)
Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- Red gel food coloring
- Green gel food coloring
Decorations:
- Mini marshmallows
- Mini chocolate chips
- Shredded coconut (for beards)
- Large round piping tip
- Small round piping tip
- Ice cream cones (for hats)
- White candy melts or white chocolate (optional for hat decorations)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin. Prepare and divide cake batter into liners. Bake and cool cupcakes.
- Make Buttercream: Beat softened butter, add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Color frostings red and green.
- Decorate: Pipe swirled hats or frost cones. Attach ice cream cone hats, add coconut beard, marshmallow nose, and chocolate chip eyes. Optional: decorate hats with white chocolate.
Notes
- Use a toothpick to secure cones if needed.
- Refrigerate frosted cupcakes before decorating for stability.
- Chocolate cupcakes can be used as a base.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
