In my last cupcake tutorial I mentioned that my kids’ birthdays are three days apart. I enjoy making special cakes for them, even when the process is stressful, because it’s a chance to practice and improve my skills. This year I chose cupcakes — which were arguably easier and much faster to make — and they turned out adorable. These cupcakes are decorated with marshmallow fondant for a smooth, playful finish.
Girl Monkey Cupcakes Tutorial
Yields: 24 cupcakes
You will need: 1/2 cup buttercream, one recipe of marshmallow fondant, purple, brown, and black food coloring, and a set of small circle cutters. I also used Wilton piping tips to cut some shapes for the ears and eyes.
Prepare the marshmallow fondant and divide it into portions. Knead in the food coloring until the color is even with no streaks. Dust your work surface lightly with powdered sugar to prevent sticking and roll out each color to the needed thickness. Spread a thin layer of buttercream over each cooled cupcake to help the fondant adhere.
Cut a large purple circle to cover the top of each cupcake. Right after frosting, place the purple circle onto the cupcake and smooth away any air bubbles or uneven edges with your finger.
Cut a medium brown circle and attach it to the center of the purple circle using a small dab of water on the back. Smooth the seam with your finger so the layers blend cleanly.
Cut two small brown circles for the ears. Lightly moisten the backs with water and press them into place at the top of the brown face circle. If your cutter leaves any marks, smooth them gently with your finger.
Cut two small white circles for the eye whites and one medium white circle for the muzzle. Using the small circle cutter, trim a subtle curved “V” shape at the top of the medium white circle to create the facial contour. Adhere each piece with a tiny dab of water and smooth into place.
Cut a small purple flower for a hair accessory and three tiny black circles for facial details. Place two black circles as eyes and mold the third into a small triangular nose. Attach each element with a little water and smooth the joins so they look seamless.
Use a sharp paring knife or a clean small tool to lightly score a smiling mouth below the nose. Your monkey face is complete. Repeat these steps for the remaining cupcakes.
HELPFUL TIPS
- Work on a few cupcakes at a time so the fondant remains pliable and your workspace stays organized.
- Cover each color of fondant with plastic wrap while you work to prevent drying. If fondant becomes firm, re-knead it with your hands to warm and soften it. If it’s too dry to knead, microwave it briefly on a plate for 5–10 seconds at most, then knead in more powdered sugar as needed. Be careful handling hot fondant.
- Dip cutters in powdered sugar before cutting to reduce sticking and produce clean edges.
- Keep a small bowl of water and a food-safe paintbrush handy to lightly moisten the back of each fondant piece for easy adhesion between layers.
Have fun decorating and personalize each cupcake with different expressions or accessories to match your party theme!