Save to Pinterest 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 holiday tradition in our home, bringing smiles and joy to every gathering.
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.
Save to Pinterest Gathering around this cupcake tower always brings back warm family holiday memories.
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
Save to Pinterest This delightful cupcake tower is sure to be the star of your holiday celebrations every year.
Recipe FAQs
- → What flavor are the cupcakes?
The cupcakes have a classic vanilla base made with all-purpose flour, butter, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract for a tender texture and balanced sweetness.
- → How are the elf hat decorations made?
Elf hats are crafted from sugar cones covered with colored fondant or modeling chocolate, finished with marshmallow or chocolate pom-poms and optional edible glitter.
- → Can I use different frosting colors?
Yes, the buttercream frosting is divided and tinted with gel food coloring, allowing for a variety of vibrant hues to customize the hats.
- → How long should the cupcakes bake?
Bake the cupcakes for about 18 to 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until a toothpick comes out clean, ensuring moist and fully cooked centers.
- → What is the best way to store these cupcakes?
Store cupcakes without hats in an airtight container up to two days. Assemble the elf hats shortly before serving to keep decorations fresh and intact.
- → Are there any common allergens present?
Yes, these cupcakes contain wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, and may include tree nuts depending on the decorations used.