Cupcake Bouquet

Steps

1. With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Mix on low until it begins to come together, then increase to high speed and beat for 3 full minutes. Add another Tablespoon of cream if frosting is too thick. Add a pinch of salt if frosting is too sweet. (I add 1/8 tsp salt.)

2. Spoon 3/4 cup of frosting into a separate bowl. Stir in a drop of green food coloring. Add to a piping bag fitted with the 352 leaf piping tip (see note). This will be for the stems and leaves. Set aside.

3. Divide remaining frosting up evenly depending how many colors you are using. Tint frosting your desired colors.

4. Fit a piping bag with a 1M piping tip or 2D piping tip. Add spoonfuls of frosting to the bag, alternating colors. Your piping bag will be marbled with different colors. Twist the open end shut and squeeze the frosting down to the tip. Squeeze some frosting onto a plate until you begin to see more than 1 color. (Or just pipe this onto a cupcake!)

5. Place the piping tip on top of the edge of a cupcake. Using steady and medium pressure, begin piping stars all around the edges, then fill in the center. For some flair, add a few white sugar pearls to the hydrangeas!

6. Place the piping tip on top of the center of the cupcake. Using steady and medium pressure, pipe a tight spiral around the cupcake. Lessen some pressure as you come to the end. If the end looks a little messy, add some leaves using the 352 leaf piping tip.

7. Arrange cupcakes in a circular shape on a serving platter or food-safe tray. Use any extra cupcakes as decor around the bouquet or serve separately. Pipe leaves around any edges of cupcakes to fill the gaps. Pipe the stems coming out of the bottom of the bouquet. If desired, top the stems with green sprinkles. Using the 1M piping tip or 2D piping tip and any color frosting, pipe a bow on top of the stems.

8. Your bouquet is ready to serve! Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.