Cupcakes, formerly seen as rather mundane and simple treats, have become a huge party and event trend. It seems as if everywhere you look, a new cupcake bakery, cupcake tree stands, book or design ideas for birthday parties is popping up.
Today's cupcakes are fun, but can also be gorgeous, gourmet, and delicious. Say goodbye to bland whipped frosting with tasteless sprinkles and hello to an incredible assortment of flavors, colors, and designs to delight guests at your next birthday party.
Match Cupcakes to Your Party Theme
There seems to be no limit to themed cupcake ideas. Decorators today use frosting and rolled or molded fondant icing to make little edible works of art to delight kids of any age.
A few easy cupcake design suggestions include:
- Baseballs: Decorate white frosted cupcakes with red piped-on baseball "stitching."
- Garden party: Try pretty flower or cute ladybug cupcakes (see pro design photos)
- Jungle party: Tiger stripe designs are simple or make fun animal face designs
- Letters are easy to "draw" on individual cupcakes and can spell out a name or greeting
- Shapes can be cut from rolled fondant icing with cookie cutters; Set cut-outs on cupcakes
For many more ideas in pictures (as well as links to designers) see the flickr photo group Cupcakes Take The Cake.
For licensed characters, "cupcake rings" are often available at party stores or online. These are cute plastic rings children can wear, featuring such popular animated characters as Hello Kitty, Sesame Street, Star Wars and Thomas the Tank Engine. The round ring section is easily placed into the top of a cupcake, leaving the character exposed. Kids enjoy taking home the rings as party favors.
If a quick solution is needed, check grocery stores near you. Many now offer pre-decorated themed cupcakes and cupcakes with character rings on top.
Advantages of Serving Cupcakes
Why change from a traditional cake?
- Cupcakes help with special diet issues. Many cupcake bakeries offer vegan, wheat free, gluten-free, and/or sugar free goodies. This is wonderful for those with allergies. Hosts and hostesses (and restaurants) can offer these special-diet cupcakes to kids at birthday and other parties without awkwardness.
- Cupcakes are easy to serve without fights about who gets "the biggest slice."
- Cupcakes are faster to pass out to hungry guests.
- Cupcakes are little enough for toddlers (or older babies) to handle.
- Single portions are a healthy choice.
- A cupcake is easier to take home to a sibling than a slice of cake or pie.
- Cupcakes are just fun!
Cupcake Stands & Display Ideas for Birthday Parties & Events
Cupcakes may be displayed on trays or cookie sheets with no special purchases needed. A covered cake board will work, as well.
Also available are upright reusable cupcake stands or temporary cardboard displays printed with themes. These make cute centerpieces before the treats are served.
Wilton (famous for their cake decorating items) and other companies offer cupcake stand designs through party stores and Amazon online. A couple stands for cupcakes are pictured on this page. These are also called cupcake tree stands.
More Party Inspiration
- How to Decorate a Birthday Cake Quickly with Colorful Candy: Find easy cake-decorating ideas using favorite candies like M&Ms, Tootsie Rolls & Spree to make simple frosted party cakes fun for kids, tweens & teens.
- Beginners Topsy-Turvy Cake Decorating & Baking: Ideas for Fondant Decorated Birthday Party Desserts: Birthday Party or wedding guests will be thrilled by a Topsy-Turvy Cake decorated with a unique theme. These unusual desserts with fondant icing are fun for entertaining.
- Sweet & Easy Preschool Kids Birthday Party Ideas: Cheap Activities, Food & Games - 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th B-day Parties
However you decide to bake, decorate, display and/or purchase your special party treats, your celebration is sure to be a hit with delicious and versatile cupcakes.
Janienne Jennrich - Janienne Jennrich, Topic Editor for Kids & Teen Parties and for Hair, is an award-winning freelance writer & webmaster.
