Fondant Wedding Cupcakes: A Step-By-Step Guide To Perfection

DIY wedding cupcakes can be a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your special day. Fondant is a great way to decorate cupcakes, and with a few simple tools and techniques, you can create elegant and professional-looking cupcakes. In this guide, we'll cover everything from choosing flavours and colours to simple fondant techniques and display ideas, so you can wow your guests with beautiful and delicious wedding cupcakes.

Flavours and fillings

If you want to make cupcakes from scratch, use a tried-and-true recipe that you know will work, or choose a favourite recipe. If you don't have a go-to flavour, it's a good idea to bake samples of different cake and cupcake flavours to ensure you can scale up the recipe successfully for a large batch. Most cake recipes can be turned into cupcakes, and it's important to fill the cupcake wrappers only 2/3 of the way full.

Fondant is a versatile option for decorating wedding cupcakes, as it is easy to work with and creates an elegant finish. It can be used to create "ribbon" stripes across the top of the cupcake or shaped into flowers and leaves for a cute and natural look. Fondant is also a great way to personalise the cupcakes, as it can be coloured and embellished to match the wedding dress or theme.

Buttercream is another popular choice for icing cupcakes and can be piped into tall peaks or used to create roses with a piping bag. Other frosting options include cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, ganache, or a simple sugar glaze. For a simple yet elegant finish, consider topping the cupcakes with fresh flowers, chocolate shavings, or dragees.

Icing techniques

Fondant is a great option for wedding cupcakes as it is easy to work with and looks elegant with minimal effort. Here are some icing techniques to create beautiful wedding cupcakes with fondant:

Rolling and Cutting Fondant

Start by rolling out the fondant to the desired thickness. You can use a fondant roller or a regular rolling pin. If you want to add colour to your fondant, you can knead in food colouring before rolling it out. Use a circular cookie cutter to cut out a piece of fondant that will cover the top of your cupcake. Place the fondant over the buttercream or icing and smooth it out gently with your hands or a fondant smoother.

Creating Fondant Ribbons

To create fondant ribbons, roll out a small amount of fondant and cut strips in your desired thickness. Use a biscuit cutter to cut the strips to the perfect length. Attach these strips across the top of each cupcake using a tiny bit of buttercream or a drop of water. You can also use fondant ribbons to create a "ribbon" rose by cutting a long strip with a slight "D" shape and rolling it up.

Adding Fondant Flowers

Roll out some pink fondant and cut it into a long strip. Shape the strip into a slightly convex "D" shape to create the petals. Press down the edges of each petal to give them a natural look. Attach the flower to the centre of the cupcake with water or buttercream. You can also add leaves by cutting out small leaf shapes from green fondant, either by hand or using a miniature leaf-shaped cutter.

Using Fondant Cutters and Tools

Fondant cutters and tools can help you create more intricate designs. For example, you can use a ruffled fondant cutter to create a wedding dress design. Cut out the dress shape from rolled-out fondant and attach it to the cupcake with a dab of icing. You can also use various fondant tools to add embellishments and details to your design.

Combining Fondant with Other Decorations

Fondant can be combined with other decorations such as dragees, fresh flowers, or chocolate shavings. If your decorating skills are minimal, these simple additions can elevate your cupcakes and make them look professionally done. Fondant provides a smooth base for other decorations and can be easily customised to match any wedding theme.

Fondant decorations

Fondant is a great way to decorate cupcakes for a wedding. It is easy to work with and can create elegant decorations with minimal effort. Here are some ideas for fondant decorations for wedding cupcakes:

Fondant-covered cupcakes: Roll out fondant and cut out circles that are slightly larger than the top of the cupcake. Place the fondant circle on top of the cupcake and smooth it down, pressing gently to ensure it sticks. You can use a fondant smoother or your hands to achieve a neat finish. This creates a simple and elegant base for further decorations.

Fondant ribbons: Roll out a small amount of fondant and cut strips to create "ribbon" stripes across the top of the cupcake. Use a biscuit cutter to cut the strips to the perfect length. Attach the strips to the cupcake with a tiny bit of buttercream or a drop of water. You can also use this technique to create a "D"-shaped strip for a more natural, petal-like effect.

Fondant flowers: Cut out a long, thin strip of fondant and roll it up to form a flower shape. Slightly press down on the edges to give the "petals" a more natural look. Attach the flower to the top of the cupcake with water or buttercream. You can also add leaves by cutting out small leaf shapes from green fondant, either by hand or using a miniature leaf-shaped cutter.

Fondant cut-outs: Use miniature alphabet cutters or other small shape cutters to cut out designs from fondant. Attach these cut-outs to the cupcakes with a small amount of buttercream or water. This is a great way to add a personal touch or incorporate wedding themes into your decorations.

Fondant ruffles: Roll out a thick piece of fondant and fold it over a popsicle stick. Cut out your desired design, such as a wedding dress top. Use a ruffled fondant cutter to create ruffles or petals for the skirt. "Glue" the ruffles in layers on your cupcakes using a paintbrush and water, starting at the bottom and working your way up.

Embellishments: Personalize your fondant decorations by adding embellishments such as shimmering sprinkles, edible pearls, or fresh flowers. You can also add colour to match the wedding theme or the bride's dress.

Display ideas

Displaying wedding cupcakes with fondant is a fun way to showcase your treats and can even be used to incorporate your wedding theme. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Round Cupcake Tower

This simple and easy display option can be found in various options, from DIY cardboard towers to more formal structures. It's a classic choice that will elegantly showcase your cupcakes.

Modern Square Tower

For a modern twist, opt for a square cupcake tower. This unique shape offers a contemporary look while still serving as a functional display for your treats.

Assorted Cupcake Display Table

Instead of a tower, why not use a variety of smaller cupcake stands and lay them out on a large table? This option creates a stunning visual display and allows you to showcase multiple flavours and designs.

Asymmetrical Design

Get creative by rearranging the levels of a traditional cupcake stand using bowls and platters of various shapes and sizes. This approach adds interest and can even evoke a theme, such as a coral reef, as mentioned in one couple's unique display.

Mini Cake and Cupcake Tiered Display

Combine the traditional tiered cake with cupcakes for the best of both worlds! This idea allows for the cake-cutting ceremony while still offering the convenience and variety of cupcakes.

Rustic Wedding Cupcake Display

For a rustic charm, consider a wooden cupcake display. This is perfect for a barn or outdoor wedding, adding a natural and whimsical touch to your dessert presentation.

Monochromatic Display

Keep it simple and elegant with a monochromatic colour scheme. Use cupcake liners, flowers, and decorations in the same colour family to create a cohesive and stylish display.

Garden Party Chic

Bring the outdoors in with a garden party-themed display. Use a mix of small cakes, an abundance of florals, and cupcakes in soft colours like pink and white to create a whimsical and romantic atmosphere.

Statement Shelf Display

Think outside the box and use a shelf to display your cupcakes. This unique approach will make a bold statement, especially when paired with coordinating mini cake stands.

Beach Wedding Cupcakes

If you're having a beach wedding, incorporate seaside elements into your cupcake display. Use chocolate starfish instead of sprinkles, or add other ocean-themed decorations to your treats.

Experiment with Colour

Make a statement with a colourful cupcake display. Fill an entire table with cupcakes in various shades, such as pink, yellow, and white, for a vibrant and eye-catching presentation.

These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. Get creative, incorporate your theme, and have fun displaying your wedding cupcakes with fondant!

Planning and preparation

Firstly, decide on the flavour of your cupcakes. Consider the season of your wedding and choose accordingly. For spring or summer weddings, opt for light and fruity flavours like strawberry, lemon, or other citrus fruits. Autumn calls for spices and warmth, so pumpkin or cinnamon cake are excellent choices. Winter weddings are perfect for indulgent red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. Alternatively, a classic chocolate cupcake is always a crowd-pleaser and can be decorated with colourful fondant to match any wedding theme.

Next, consider the quantity. Calculate the number of guests attending your wedding and plan to make at least one cupcake per person. It is a good idea to make a few extra in case of any last-minute additions to the guest list or to satisfy guests who would like a second helping!

Now, source your ingredients and supplies. Create a comprehensive list of everything you will need, including baking staples like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, as well as any special ingredients for your chosen flavour. Don't forget the fondant and any colouring or flavouring you wish to add to it. You will also require cupcake liners, a muffin tin, and any tools you plan to use for shaping and decorating the fondant.

Before you begin baking, it is a good idea to do a test run. Bake a small batch of cupcakes to ensure your recipe works and that you are happy with the flavour and texture. This is also an opportunity to practice your decorating skills and experiment with different fondant techniques. If you are satisfied with your test batch, you can confidently proceed with making a larger batch for your big day.

Finally, consider enlisting some help. Making wedding cupcakes can be a fun group activity, so invite your bridal party or close friends to join you in the kitchen. They can assist with mixing, baking, and decorating, making the process more enjoyable and efficient.

By following these planning and preparation steps, you will be well on your way to creating beautiful and delicious wedding cupcakes with fondant.

Frequently asked questions