There’s something undeniably charming about gnomes. Whether they’re adding a whimsical touch to your garden or making an appearance in holiday decor, these little bearded characters bring a sense of magic wherever they go. So why not bring that same enchantment to your dessert table?
These gnome cupcakes are as adorable as they are delicious. With a rich chocolate base, smooth frosting, and fondant hats that give them their signature gnome look, they’re the perfect treat for birthdays, themed parties, or even holiday gatherings. The best part? They’re easy to make and a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Let’s dive into how to create these delightful little cupcakes!
Why You’ll Love These Gnome Cupcakes
I’ve made these cupcakes for various occasions, and they always steal the show. Here’s why they work so well:
- Super easy to make – Start with a simple chocolate cake mix and store-bought frosting.
- Adorably festive – These cupcakes fit right in at Christmas, birthdays, or fairy-tale-themed parties.
- Customizable – Play with different colors and decorations to suit any occasion.
- Fun for kids – Let the little ones help decorate their own gnome cupcakes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes 12 cupcakes | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Bake Time: 18-20 minutes | Chill Time: 10 minutes)
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tub of chocolate frosting
- Red and white fondant (for gnome hats and brims)
- Mini chocolate candies (for eyes)
How to Make Gnome Cupcakes
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Prepare the Cupcake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
3. Fill the Cupcake Liners
Spoon the batter into the lined muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full to allow for even rising.
4. Bake the Cupcakes
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake—if it comes out clean, they’re ready.
5. Let the Cupcakes Cool
Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
6. Frost Each Cupcake
Once the cupcakes have cooled, spread a generous amount of chocolate frosting on each one. This will act as the base for the gnome’s head.
7. Make the Gnome Hats
Roll out the red fondant and shape it into small cones—these will be the gnome’s signature tall hats. If you want to add extra detail, roll a strip of white fondant and wrap it around the base of each hat to resemble a brim.
8. Assemble the Gnomes
Gently place the fondant hats on top of the frosted cupcakes, slightly pressing them into the frosting so they stay in place. Then, add two mini chocolate candies just below the hat to create the gnome’s eyes.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
These gnome cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Share them with friends and family and watch as their faces light up with delight!
Pro Tips for Perfect Gnome Cupcakes
- Use a piping bag for frosting – If you want a neater finish, pipe the frosting instead of spreading it with a knife.
- Experiment with fondant colors – Try green, blue, or even striped hats for a playful touch.
- Add beards for extra charm – Use shredded coconut, piped frosting, or white chocolate curls to create cute little gnome beards.
- Use homemade cake batter – While a box mix saves time, you can always bake from scratch for a richer flavor.
Fun Variations for Any Occasion
These cupcakes are already whimsical, but if you want to customize them for different events, here are some ideas:
- Christmas Gnome Cupcakes: Use green and red fondant for holiday-inspired gnomes.
- Halloween Gnome Cupcakes: Make black hats and add spooky edible eyes.
- Fairy Garden Theme: Use pastel colors and edible glitter for a magical woodland look.
- Valentine’s Day Gnomes: Decorate with pink fondant and heart-shaped sprinkles.
FAQs About Gnome Cupcakes
Q: Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Add the frosting and fondant decorations before serving for the freshest look.
Q: Can I use buttercream instead of chocolate frosting?
A: Absolutely! A vanilla or cream cheese buttercream would work beautifully with these cupcakes.
Q: How do I store leftover fondant decorations?
A: Keep unused fondant wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay soft for up to 2 weeks.
A Magical Treat for Any Occasion
These gnome cupcakes are the perfect way to bring a little magic to your dessert table. Whether you’re making them for a festive holiday, a woodland-themed party, or just a fun baking day, they’re guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, start baking, and let these adorable cupcakes steal the show at your next celebration! If you try them, let me know how they turned out—I’d love to hear about your creations!
Gnome Cupcakes: The Most Adorable Treat for Any Celebration
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Red and blue food coloring
- Cream cheese frosting
- Mini chocolate chips (for eyes)
- Red candy (for hats)
- Green sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
- Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Once cooled, frost the cupcakes with cream cheese frosting using a piping bag.
- Use red candy to create gnome hats and place them on top of the frosting.
- Add mini chocolate chips for eyes and sprinkle green sprinkles for decoration.
- Serve and enjoy your adorable gnome cupcakes!
Leave a Reply