TUTORIAL: ICE CREAM CUPCAKE TOPPERS

Looking for a quick but creative cupcake topper idea with plenty of wow factor? These cute ice cream designs are just the thing! Make different "flavours" and stack them high on a brightly coloured stand to create a stunning display for any summer party.

A little background to the video:

A friend of mine had a bit of a cake disaster, just before a birthday party. She called me in a panic, asking what could be done at short notice to satisfy her cake-expectant guests.

After a quick chat and some calming words from yours truly, she got going on the cupcakes, while I made a few dozen of these easy ice cream toppers — and managed to squeeze in a quick demo while I was at it.

I only mention this in case you're wondering why there are so many cherries on my worktop, or why I roll the sausage shape so long, (didn't want you to think I'd lost the plot... completely).

Not just cupcakes: These toppers also work brilliantly for decorating round sugar cookies — ideal for sweet treat-themed dessert tables or party favours.

All the Flavours

In the short video below, I show you how to make the strawberry version, but as you can see from the image above, it’s possible to create an entire ice cream parlour’s worth of flavours with just a few tweaks.

Watch The Demo

What I used for this project:

Edibles:

• White sugar paste (Add CMC if you want the bases to firm up faster.)

• Saracino modelling paste in:

  • Rose (Light Pink)

  • Red

  • Brown

• Rainbow Dust ProGel in Caramel (now Ochre / Caramel)

• Colour Splash Pearl Dust in Petal Pink

• Dust mix for the caramel bases:

  • Rainbow Dust Rust & Milk Chocolate

    I used a tiny amount of each of these — then mixed with lots of cornflour to get a much paler tone. You may already have a lighter shade that works, without needing to mix one.

• Edible glaze

Tools & Equipment:

• Rolling pin

• PME Small Diamond Design Impression Mat

• Circle cutter (approx. 7cm)

• Smoother

• 2 x fluffy brushes

• Small paintbrush

• Size 0 paintbrush for glaze (Don't use one of your best ones!)

• Tin foil

• Drying foam

• FMM Drip Icing Cutter

• FMM Fluffy Cloud Cutters (use the smallest one in the set or a small flower cutter can be used)

Storage Tip:

If you're making these in advance, store them flat in a non-airtight container (cardboard cake boxes work fine). Keep them in a cool, dry place (not the fridge) to avoid any softening or colour fading.

Let me know what other cupcake topper tutorials you’d like to see:

Drop your requests in the comments!