How to Dip Cupcakes to Frost Them

Making a cupcake can be simple but frosting one is a little tricky. The tops of the cakes can sometimes tear or crumble when frosted with a knife or a spatula. Dipping a cupcake is an easier method of getting the sweet stuff on top and it opens up frosting options. The cakes can be dipped into ganache, glaze, store-bought frosting and fondant. Melted frosting or fondant can also become a quick dip. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Ganache

Chop the semi-sweet morsels into fine bits on a cutting board.

Pour the heavy cream into a saucepan. Bring the cream to a boil on the stove top.

Remove the saucepan and set it on a trivet. Stir in the chopped chocolate morsels until they melt.

Glaze

Measure a cup of confectioner's sugar into a bowl.

Add a few drops of lemon juice.

Stir the mixture until it is smooth. Add additional drops of lemon juice if necessary.

Melt Frosting or Fondant

Spoon the frosting or fondant into a microwave-safe bowl.

Add 1 tsp of water.

Melt the frosting or fondant in the microwave for 20 seconds. Stir it and add a few additional drops of water if the mixture is thick. Microwave for an additional few minutes as needed until the frosting or fondant runs off the spoon.

Dip

Grip the bottom half of the cupcake.

Turn the cupcake upside down. Lower the top into the "dip" for two seconds.

Lift the cupcake out of the "dip" and set it right side up on wax paper. If the liner prevents the cupcake from being fully frosted, spoon the topping on the top to complete the frosting.

Tips

- Add any candies and sprinkles to the top of the cupcake before the cupcake dries.

- Ganache, glaze, melted frosting and fondant will thicken as they dry. Some cupcakes will need to be dipped twice.