Name: Gnome Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box vanilla or chocolate cake mix (or homemade cupcake recipe); Eggs, oil, and water (as directed on cake mix box or per recipe); 1 batch buttercream frosting (homemade or store-bought); Food coloring (optional); 12 sugar cones (for hats); 12 mini marshmallows (for beards); 24 candy eyes; Fruit leather or fondant (for noses); Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional, for decoration)

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These Gnome Cupcakes are a whimsical and delightful treat, perfect for any celebration. I like how they combine playful decorations with a soft, moist cupcake base and creamy frosting. Whether I’m planning a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just want a creative baking project, these cupcakes never fail to bring smiles. They’re fun to make, even more fun to decorate, and best of all—delicious.

Gnome Cupcakes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to adore about Gnome Cupcakes. Here’s why I keep coming back to them:

Whimsical and fun — they add a magical, playful touch to any celebration
Customizable for any season or theme, from spooky Halloween to festive Christmas
A fantastic baking project for kids and families
Deliciously soft cupcakes topped with creamy, sweet frosting
Always a crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cupcakes:

1 box vanilla or chocolate cake mix (or your favorite homemade recipe)
Eggs, oil, and water (as directed on the cake mix box or as needed for your homemade batter)

For the frosting:

1 batch buttercream frosting (store-bought or homemade)
Food coloring (optional, for tinting the frosting)

For decorating the gnomes:

Sugar cones (for the hats)
Mini marshmallows (for the beards)
Candy eyes
Fruit leather or fondant (for the noses)
Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional, for extra sparkle)

Directions

Bake the Cupcakes
I preheat the oven as instructed on the cake mix box, line a cupcake tin with paper liners, and prepare the batter. Then, I divide the batter evenly among the liners and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Once done, I let the cupcakes cool completely before decorating.

Make the Frosting
If I’m using store-bought frosting, I like to tint it with a few drops of food coloring. When making it from scratch, I beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until it’s light and fluffy, then add the color.

Assemble the Gnome Hats
I dip the pointed ends of the sugar cones into colored frosting, then roll or sprinkle them with edible glitter or sprinkles. I let them dry on parchment paper.

Create the Gnome Faces
I spread a thin layer of white frosting on top of each cupcake. Then, I press a mini marshmallow at the base for the beard and place candy eyes above it. I cut tiny triangles from fruit leather or fondant for the noses and stick them on with a dab of frosting.

Add the Hats
I gently press the decorated sugar cones on top of the cupcakes at a slight angle for that whimsical look, using extra frosting to help them stay put.

Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is in place, I arrange the cupcakes on a platter and serve them up with a smile.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 12 cupcakes. I usually spend around 15 minutes prepping, 20 minutes baking, and another 20 to 30 minutes decorating, depending on how detailed I want the gnomes to be.

Variations

Seasonal Themes: I love switching up the decorations for holidays—red and green for Christmas, black and orange for Halloween, pastels for Easter.
Character Gnomes: I’ve tried Santa gnomes, wizard gnomes, even garden gnomes!
Flavor Twists: Red velvet, lemon, or even carrot cake all work great with this recipe.
Mini Gnome Cupcakes: Bite-sized and just as cute, perfect for large parties.
Edible Accessories: Licorice strands for beards, or chocolate chips as hat buttons, really bring them to life.

Storage/Reheating

I store undecorated cupcakes and decorations separately in airtight containers to keep them fresh. Decorated cupcakes are best within 1–2 days. If I need to warm the cupcakes, I reheat them in a preheated 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes, but I avoid this once they’re decorated so the toppings don’t melt or shift.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake the cupcakes a day or two in advance and decorate them closer to the time I plan to serve them.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Definitely. Store-bought buttercream saves time and still tastes great, especially when I customize the color or flavor.

How do I make the gnome noses?

I cut small triangles from fruit leather or fondant, then stick them onto the cupcakes with a tiny bit of frosting.

Can I use different cake flavors?

Absolutely! I’ve tried red velvet, lemon, and even pumpkin spice depending on the season or event.

How do I secure the sugar cones to the cupcakes?

A generous swirl of frosting works as “glue” to hold the sugar cones in place.

Conclusion

Gnome Cupcakes are more than just adorable—they’re a tasty and creative way to celebrate any occasion. I love how versatile and fun they are to make, and they never fail to impress at gatherings. Whether I’m planning a themed birthday party or just want a magical baking day with the kids, these cupcakes always hit the mark.