Pin A whimsical and festive dessert centerpiece featuring cupcakes topped with colorful elf hat decorations—perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.
This cupcake tower has become a favorite centerpiece at our holiday events, delighting guests of all ages with its charm and taste.
Ingredients
- Cupcakes: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter softened, 1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- Buttercream Frosting: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened, 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar sifted, 2–3 tbsp (30–45 ml) milk, 2 tsp vanilla extract, Gel food coloring (red, green, yellow, blue)
- Elf Hat Decorations: 24 sugar cones (for hats), Colored fondant or modeling chocolate (red, green, yellow, white), Edible glitter or sprinkles (optional), Mini marshmallows or white chocolate chips (for hat pom-poms), Piping gel or melted white chocolate (for attaching decorations)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 12-cup muffin pans with cupcake liners.
- Step 2:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Step 4:
- Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Step 5:
- Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners (about 2/3 full). Bake 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Step 6:
- For the buttercream, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in vanilla and milk, beating until fluffy. Divide and tint with gel food coloring as desired.
- Step 7:
- Frost cooled cupcakes with a swirl of buttercream, using a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
- Step 8:
- For elf hats, cover each sugar cone with colored fondant or modeling chocolate. Add fondant details (stripes, dots, hat brims). Attach a mini marshmallow or white chocolate chip to the tip with piping gel or melted chocolate. Optionally, add edible glitter or sprinkles.
- Step 9:
- Place an elf hat on each frosted cupcake, pressing gently to secure.
- Step 10:
- Arrange cupcakes on a tiered cupcake stand to create a tower effect.
Pin This cupcake tower always brings smiles and joy to our family gatherings during the holidays.
Notes
Try different cupcake flavors (chocolate, spice, red velvet) for variety. Use pre-made fondant for easier decorating. Pair with hot chocolate, mulled wine, or sparkling cider for a festive treat.
Required Tools
Muffin pans, cupcake liners, mixing bowls, electric mixer, piping bags and tips, offset spatula, rolling pin (for fondant), cupcake tower or stand
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, and possibly tree nuts (if using nut-based fondant or decorations). Always check labels on all decorations and fondant for potential allergens.
Pin This Elf Hat Cupcake Tower is a delightful way to impress guests and spread holiday cheer in just a few simple steps.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I make the elf hat decorations?
Cover sugar cones with colored fondant or modeling chocolate, add details like stripes or dots, and attach a mini marshmallow or white chocolate chip on top using piping gel or melted chocolate.
- → What frosting works best for this tower?
Buttercream frosting tinted with gel food coloring is ideal, providing a smooth texture that holds the elf hats securely.
- → Can I prepare the cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, bake and cool the cupcakes in advance, store them airtight without hats up to 2 days, and assemble with decorations just before serving.
- → Are there alternative flavors suggested?
Different cupcake flavors like chocolate, spice, or red velvet can be used to add variety to the tower.
- → What tools are recommended for decorating?
Use piping bags and tips for frosting, a rolling pin for fondant, and an offset spatula to ensure smooth coverage and neat assembly.
- → How should I store the completed cupcake tower?
Assemble shortly before serving to maintain appearance; storing assembled cupcakes for long may affect decorations.