Pin It A whimsical and festive dessert centerpiece featuring cupcakes topped with colorful elf hat decorations—perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.
This fun cupcake tower was a hit at our holiday party, sparking joy and compliments from all our guests who loved the colorful elf hats.
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.
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This cupcake tower brought our family together with smiles as everyone enjoyed decorating and sharing the festive treats.
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.
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This elf hat cupcake tower is sure to delight guests and add holiday cheer to any celebration.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → 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 to the tip using piping gel or melted chocolate.
- → Can I use different cupcake flavors?
Yes, you can try chocolate, spice, or red velvet cupcakes to vary the flavors and customize the tower to your taste.
- → How should I store the cupcakes before assembling?
Store cupcakes without the hats in an airtight container for up to two days, then add the decorations just before serving to maintain freshness and appearance.
- → What tools are needed to assemble the tower?
You will need muffin pans, cupcake liners, mixing bowls, an electric mixer, piping bags, spatulas, a rolling pin, and a tiered cupcake stand.
- → Are there any allergen concerns with this treat?
This dessert contains wheat, eggs, milk, and possibly tree nuts if using nut-based fondant or decorations. Always check ingredient labels carefully.
- → What beverage pairs well with this dessert?
Hot chocolate, mulled wine, or sparkling cider complement the festive flavors and enhance the celebration experience.