How to Decorate Snowman Cupcakes Reviewed

I always enjoy making special treats during the holidays. These little Snowman cupcakes are perfect for Christmas, or really any winter celebration. 

The snowman cupcakes are pretty easy, and definitely a whole lot of fun, to decorate. You could even let the kids decorate them! 

Lots of family fun with these little guys!

I originally saw a picture of some snowman cupcakes in the Holiday Cupcakes book featured below. I thought they were adorable and when challenged, I couldn't resist making them. However, let me warn you now, I never do anything strictly by the instructions. I have made several changes to the original decorating directions in the book.

My family loves Coconut cake, but if you have a guest who can not eat coconut, I have included an alternative for them too.   

Snowman Cupcakes Couple

How to Begin Your Snowman Cupcakes 

Since this article is about decorating the cupcakes, we are going to start with the cupcakes already baked, cooled and ready for decorating.

One note about cooking your cupcakes, remember the miniature cupcakes for the face only require about 8 min. to bake. Use a toothpick to determine exact length of baking time. When a toothpick poked in the center of the cupcake comes out clean, the cupcake is ready. 

 

Tip for Baking White Cupcakes

When I am baking white cupcakes, I only use the egg whites and discard the yokes. This keeps the cupcake a purer white color. If your recipe calls for 3 whole eggs, use 4 egg whites instead. 

 

Ingredients Needed for Snowman Cupcakes

• Large Cupcakes ~ White
• White Miniature Cupcakes
• White Frosting
• Coconut ~ I used Angel Flake packaged Coconut
• Coconut Milk from a Coconut (See Directions Below)
• Candy for Decoration
• *Chocolate Wafer Cookies for the Hat
• *Melting Chocolate for Top Hat Assembly (I use Make 'n Mold Candy Wafers)
• Ribbon for Scarf
• Toothpicks
• * See Candy and Cookie suggestions under Step by Step Decorating Photos

 

Draining the Coconut ~ Step 1 

Draining the milk from a coconut is easy with the right tools.

Simply use a sterilized Phillips-head screwdriver and a hammer or mallet. Place the screwdriver on the eye of the coconut and hammer through the shell and the fruit to the milk. You will feel the point where you have broken through to the milk. The screwdriver will move easily at that point. 

How to Drain the Milk from a Coconut

Usually, I sit flat on the concrete walk or floor with the coconut between my knees and hammer the holes. However, this morning my dad came over and preformed this task so I could take pictures for you.

You will need to puncture at least two of the three eyes of the coconut.

Turn the coconut upside down over a coffee cup and let it drain. There will be some coconut shell residue that settles in the bottom of the coffee cup. Simply spoon it or strain it out leaving the milk free of debris.

Father of Sylvestermouse Demonstrates How to Puncture the Holes in a Coconut

 

Step by Step Instructions ~ Preparing the Baked Cupcake for Decoration

Step 1: Drain milk from real coconut

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, pour coconut milk on Angel Flake coconut and stir together.* (I actually use my hands to mix together)

Step 3: Frost baked white cupcakes with white frosting.

Step 4: Cover each iced cupcake with prepared coconut and gently press the coconut into the frosting with the palm of your hand. You will want the coconut to be pressed firmly into place when you decorate.

Step 5: At this point, I like to refrigerate the cupcakes for at least 1 hr. before I decorate them. This is not necessary, but it gives me a needed break in the process and allows everything to set before I start playing with it.

 

*If you ask me why I add coconut milk to my Angel Flake coconut, my only answer would be because my mother and my grandmother before her, did it that way and their coconut cakes are exceptional!

 Baker's, Angel Flake Coconut Sweetened, 7 OuncesCheck Price

 

Step by Step Instructions ~ Assembling and Decorating Snowman Cupcakes 

Decorate the Snowman's Face and Body While He is Laying on His Back

Step 1: Join 1 large cupcake to one small cupcake with a toothpick by gently inserting the toothpick into each cupcake.*

Step 2: Tie ribbon around the neck of the snowman

Step 3: Add Eyes, Nose and Mouth. You will need to press the candy pieces into the actual frosting. I cleared the area of coconut to be able to set the mouth in place.

Step 4: Add Buttons down the Body

Step 5: Make Hat, if desired. I made the top hat by adhering the bite size piece of licorice on the York mint with melting chocolate.

Step 6: Set Snowman up and set his hat on his head. You will need to use melting chocolate or half of a toothpick to attach the hat to his head.

*Toothpicks are not always easy to stick through the cupcake liners. I used an embroidery needle to stick through the paper and start the hole for the toothpick.

Displaying Snowman Cupcakes 

When you display Snowman Cupcakes, you will want to use extra coconut around their base, as pictured, to give them stability. 

Eyes: Candy Buttons ~ Nose: Candy Corn ~ Mouth: Sour Cherries Candy ~ Buttons: Mini Choc. Chips ~ Hat: Nonpareil

Eyes and Nose: Mini M&M's ~ Mouth: Sour Cherries Candy ~ Buttons: Mini M&M's ~ Top Hat: York Peppermint Pattie & Licorice

Eyes: Mini M&M's ~ Nose: Orange Slice ~ Mouth: Sour Cherries Candy ~ Buttons: Mini M&M ~ Top Hat: Oreo Cookie & Licorice

 

Candy Selection Suggestions for Face and Buttons

M&M's Candy ~ Regular Size or Mini Size

Mini Chocolate Chips

Candy Corn

Candy Buttons (I found these at Cracker Barrel Restaurant)

Orange Slices Candy

Sour Cherries Candy

Fruit Gems Candy

 Jelly Belly Sunkist® Fruit GemsCheck Price Candy Buttons Strips, Rainbow Buttons on PaperCheck Price M&M'S Minis Milk Chocolate Candy, Sharing Size 9.4 oz BagCheck Price

 

Suggestions for the Snowman's Hat 

Oreo Cookies (Halves ~ You will only want the cookie wafer part) 

York Peppermint Patties 

Chocolate Nonpareils 

Black Licorice (Bite size or cut into bite size) 

 YORK THiNS Dark Chocolate Peppermint PattiesCheck Price Nonpareils Dark Chocolate Candy nonpariels 1 poundCheck Price

 

For Individuals Who Can Not Eat Coconut

Simply Leave the Coconut Off and Decorate the Snowman Cupcake

 

Foil Cupcake Baking Cups 

When I am decorating cupcakes, I prefer to use Foil Cupcake Baking Cups. They come with the white liner cup that you normally see sold separately. I bake the cupcakes in both cups. You do not want to separate the two cups until you have finished decorating the cupcake.

The foil cups gives me stability while I decorate. When I am ready to display or serve the cupcakes, I simply remove the outer foil cup.

 Reynolds Foil Cupcake Liners, 32 Count (Pack of 24) (768 Total)Check Price

 

From Boo Boo to Woo-hoo!

This was my first snowman cupcake of the day. I tried to decorate him while he was standing up. He fell over and the small cupcake broke in half.

I felt so sorry for this brave little snowman, that I scraped off his frosting, set the small cupcake on top of the large cupcake. I frosted him again and re-decorated him. I then placed him in the refrigerator.

When my son came home and saw him, he laughed and declared that he looked like a melting snowman. Then he said, "well, actually, he is my favorite!"

So, I share my "boo boo" turned "woo-hoo" with you.

So, what do you think.  Is the little repaired snowman, oh so cute or still a flop?

 

My Inspiration - Even though I didn't follow the directions in the book

 Holiday CupcakesCheck Price

 

ALL PHOTOS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF SYLVESTERMOUSE 

This recipe article was originally published by me in 2010 on a different site that no longer exists. 

© 2010 Cynthia Sylvestermouse 

 

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Carrot Cake Cupcakes Recipe Reviewed

Carrot Cake Cupcakes are a delicious treat anytime!  

My mother recently made 2 dozen carrot cake cupcakes using the recipe below.  She was generous and thoughtful enough to share them with me and my household.  I was beyond thrilled to receive this gift. I understand the time commitment and work behind making a few dozen cupcakes. Therefore, I can really appreciate receiving a dozen homemade cupcakes.

Cupcakes are a personal favorite since they are made in single serving portions. That saves serving preparation and clean-up.  You can grab a cupcake, toss the paper liner, and eat it without needing to get out a plate or utensils. So fast & easy!

The carrot cake cupcakes are fabulous for breakfast, a special treat, or dessert.  For 3 days straight, I was able to enjoy a carrot cake cupcake with my coffee for breakfast.  I was rather sad when they were all gone.  But, I have the recipe!  And, I am willing to share it with you so you too can start your day with delicious carrot cake.

Carrot Cake Cupcakes Recipe - Yields 36 cupcakes

Cupcake Ingredients:

2 c. shredded julienne carrots
2 c. granulated sugar
1 c. canola oil
4 large eggs
1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ground cinnamon

Frosting Ingredients: 

1/2 c. unsalted butter (softened)
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
4 c. powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 c. chopped pecans

________________________________________ 

 

Instructions for Cupcakes

1. Grate carrots & chop pecans
2. Preheat oven to 350°
3. Line large cupcake pans with cupcake liners (3 pans of 12 each)
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, oil, and eggs. Beat until well-blended.
5. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon. Beat for about 2 to 3 minutes.
6. (Set aside your mixer) Stir in shredded carrots & pineapple.
7. Fill cupcake tins 3/4 full and bake for approximately 22 - 24 minutes (toothpick test)
8. Set cupcakes on cooking racks and allow to cool completely before frosting
9. While the cupcakes are cooling, set out the butter and cream cheese to soften (about 30 minutes)

Instructions for Frosting

1. Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Add vanilla and powdered sugar. Beat until well blended. (Approximately 4 minutes)
3. Stir in chopped pecans (or hold them to sprinkle on top of frosted cupcakes)
4. Frost the Cupcakes

Recipe Substitutions or Additions

I prefer pineapple, but Mom suggests substituting raisins if desired. You may also want to add 1 cup shredded coconut for a more authentic carrot cake consistency & taste.


Baking Notes

I have a double oven, one is a convection oven. My ovens allow me to bake 3 pans of cupcakes at one time. (2 in the convection oven & one in the lower regular oven). 

Mom has one regular oven. Therefore, she makes larger cupcakes divided across two pans, which she bakes separately. Her yield is 24 larger cupcakes that take slightly longer to bake (approximately 26 - 28 minutes). 

Because oven temperatures vary, the toothpick test is required to determine when they are completely baked.

What is the Toothpick Test?

Quickly stick a toothpick down into the center of a cupcake or cake and pull it right back out. If it comes out clean, the cake/cupcake is done. If it has batter on it, you need to bake a little longer. I usually test in 1 – 2 minute intervals. 

Cupcake Baking Needs

There are a few kitchen tools that allow us to bake cupcakes with ease, starting with a large cupcake baking pan & cupcake liners.  Cupcakes are also very hard to transport from place to place.  If you do plan to take them elsewhere, I highly recommend the carrier featured below.

 Wilton Non-Stick Bakeware Cupcake PanCheck Price Wilton Rainbow Bright Cupcake LinersCheck Price Snapware Snap 'N Stack Portable Storage CarrierCheck Price NORPRO Funnel Pitcher, 3.5-Cup, WhiteCheck Price

 

 

Just for Fun! Add Edible Carrot Toppers

Orange & Green Fondant

 Wilton Decorator Preferred Neon Fondant, 4-Pack Fondant IcingCheck Price Wilton Decorator Preferred Primary Colors  4-Pack Fondant IcingCheck Price

 

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Carrot Cake Cupcakes Recipe Review Written by:

© 2021 Cynthia Sylvestermouse
 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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